Big East: 5 questions heading into Week 4
1. Can Rutgers contain Tyler Wilson?
The Arkansas senior quarterback has been cleared for Saturday’s showdown in Fayetteville. With Wilson (concussion-like symptoms) out for the Razorbacks’ past six quarters, Arkansas has been outscored 79-10. Rutgers coach Kyle Flood believes Wilson is one of the elite quarterbacks in the nation and thinks he has a chance to become a first-round draft pick.
The Scarlet Knights must contend with a rangy Razorbacks’ receiving corp that includes senior Cobi Hamilton (6-3) and freshman Mekale McKay (6-6). Arkansas TE Chris Gragg (6-3) leads the team with 17 catches for 226 yards. Led by senior DL Scott Vallone, the Rutgers’ front four pressured South Florida QB B.J. Daniels throughout last week’s win over the Bulls. Flood's defense must do the same against Wilson.
2. Will Temple defeat Penn State for the first time in more than 70 years?
With a new coaching staff, a slew of transfers and a program looking to pick up the pieces from the scandal involving Jerry Sandusky, Penn State might be there for the taking for Temple. The Owls haven’t defeated their in-state rivals since a 14-0 win on Oct. 18, 1941. The teams tied 7-7 in 1950. Temple has a 36-game losing streak against Penn State.
The Owls feature a two-pronged rushing attack with seniors Montel Harris and Matt Brown. Harris has been limited by a hamstring injury. It’s critical that he regains his explosiveness. Penn State’s rushing defense (64th in FBS) is not terrible.
3. Can Louisville put two halves together when it faces Florida International?
The Cardinals nearly squandered a 29-point lead in last week’s 39-34 win over North Carolina. When Louisville coach Charlie Strong walked through the locker room afterward, he said it felt like his team had lost.
Louisville has been unstoppable in the first half, outscoring opponents 76-21. After halftime, though, the Cardinals have been outscored 34-30. RBs Jeremy Wright and Senorise Perry must help control the clock if Louisville takes an early lead.
4. Will Connecticut prevent Carder from another big passing day?
Western Michigan QB Alex Carder carved up the UConn secondary in last season’s 38-31 win, passing for 479 yards and five touchdowns. Carder, a likely NFL prospect, is tied for second in the Mid-American Conference in passing touchdowns with seven. UConn senior CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, a defensive captain, is probable with a hamstring injury. The Huskies rank third in FBS in total defense (174.0 yards per game) but have yet to face a receiver as talented as Broncos’ freshman Jaime Wilson.
5. Can Syracuse’s defense fare better against Minnesota than it did against Northwestern?
Orange coach Doug Marrone marveled this week at the talent and maturity of Golden Gophers QB Max Shortell. The 6-foot-6 sophomore will start for Minnesota in place of the injured MarQueis Gray. Shortell has demonstrated precision in fitting passes over opposing linebackers in tight windows, Marrone said.
Syracuse is second in the Big East and 18th in FBS in pass defense (164.7 ypg). No opponent has thrown for 225 yards against the Orange this season. Syracuse lost 42-41 despite outgaining the Wildcats 596-337 in the opener. The Orange must avoid miscues. Syracuse had three turnovers and 12 penalties for 72 yards in the loss to Northwestern.
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