Backyard Brawl Highlights Big East Schedule.
"It is always an exciting time of the year when we get a chance to play West Virginia," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said Monday. "Going back to may playing days in the 70’s and taking it through the years, there are so many stories on both sides.
"It is the 102nd time we’ve played," Wannstedt continued. "We’ve even play West Virginia more times that we’ve played Penn State. So when you start talking about number like that, it is a true tradition."
"There are no classes here now because of Thanksgiving break and we are the only ones here on campus," WVU coach Bill Stewart said. "Now it is time to find out how tough you are as a football team. And having a big rival like this is just icing on the cake."
It is also senior day for a total of 24 Mountaineer seniors.
"I am very proud of all of these guys," Stewart said. "It has been a real joy to see these guys bond and grow together . I am really proud of the way they have hung together and not listened to people who have tried to tear down the morale of this football team by saying they have (underachieved.")
These guys have done a great job for the state of West Virginia," Stewart said. "I am very proud of all 23 of these young men."
Over-confident Rutgers Falls at Syracuse
West Virginia’s next opponent-Rutgers-got blown last week out at Syracuse as the Orange out gained Rutgers 424-130. Syracuse was playing without six starters who had been lost for the season due to injuries.
"I think so," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said when asked if he thought his team went into the Syracuse game overconfident after shutting out South Florida the week before.
"I would be naive if I didn’t believe that was a factor," Schiano continued. "It is a shame because that lesson we should know by now."
The Rutgers offense line allowed a total of nine sacks while the defense yielded 213 rushing yards to a Syracuse offense that had been averaging just 117 yards per game.
Rutgers will likely be without running back Kordell Young for week and for the game against WVU at Rutgers next week. Young has a slight ACL tear in his left knee.
Kicker San San Te may be out this week as well after having his right leg run into by Syracuse safety Phillip Thomas.
“No, he is not okay,” Schiano said. “I don’t know if he will be able to kick this week.” Schiano said that backup kicker Kyle Sullivan would be ready to go should Te not be able to kick.
Rutgers will kick it off Friday morning at 11 against another perceived weaker team when it visits 4-7 Louisville.
"I don’t think anyone is overlooking this team," Schiano said of Louisville. "I don’t think that will be an issue. We are playing a good Louisville football team. That is the issue. We have to play a better football game or we will have the same result."
Louisville followed up a 10-9 win over Syracuse with a 34-22 loss on the road at South Florida. The Cardinals fell shy of the 100 yard mark in rushing for the second consecutive week. And the Louisville defense was gashed for 304 passing yards and for 538 total yards.
About the only thing left for Louisville to play for in this season finale game is getting Trent Guy the school record for punt return yardage. Guy, who returned a punt 60-yards for a score in the South Florida game, needs just a few yards for the school record.
"Our guys would love to get him that record this week," Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe said.
Rutgers hammered Louisville 63-14 last year and with a bowl game not a possibility , Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe was asked about getting his team up for the last game.
"This team has a lot of character and a lot of heart," Kragthorpe said. "This is a big day for our seniors. It will be the last time they get a chance to play at our stadium. It is something we have talked about as a team and even the young players have talked about trying to help the seniors get that last victory."
Pike to Start for 6-0 and 5th Ranked Cincinnati.
“It’s going to be Tony Pike unless something happens during practice that is unexpected,” Kelly said to reporters Monday. “He will start this Friday.”
The Bearcats host 3-7 Illinois Friday at noon.
"We think six weeks since the injury has allowed the bone to heal properly to the point we have minimized the risk," Kelly said.
Pike, a senior, threw two touchdown passes in a brief appearance against the Mountaineers a week ago Friday. That was Pike’s first appearance since he re-injured the arm Oct. 15.
Sophomore Zach Collaros started the games that Pike missed.
Cincinnati has the best record in school history as it plays it’s final home game. Following the match up with Illinois, Cincinnati will play at Pitt Dec. 5 in a game that will decide the Big East championship.