Big East conference play is here. NCAA Football 12 video game was correct on the number of wins the Big East put up last week, but missed on the outcomes of two games. The video game was about 72% in picking games straight up last year, which surprised me. I haven't done the numbers yet for this season, but it seems to be doing ok at this whole prediction deal.
So how did things shake out in the virtual world for the Big East in Week 5?
Connecticut 24, Western Michigan 17: This was a closer game than the score indicates. The Broncos outgained the Huskies. Connecticut never trailed but had to wait until the final minute to seal the victory with an interception in the endzone that spoiled Western Michigan's comeback attempt. Johnny McEntee threw 2 TDs and no picks in the win.
Pittsburgh 28, South Florida 21: South Florida blew this game. They had it in the bag. The Bulls had a 21-10 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the contest. The turnover battle ended up a draw at 2 apiece. Both Tino Sunseri and B.J. Daniels threw for 200+ yards and 2 TDs. The USF offense couldn't run enough time off the clock in the end. Ray Graham's 2 yard run broke the 21 all tie with 2:41 remaining. The Bulls drove at the end of the game but turned the ball over on downs at the Pitt 24 with 10 seconds left.
Louisville 28, Marshall 21: The Cardinals got off to a slow start against Marshall...so slow in fact that they trailed 21-14 with the fourth quarter winding down. A 20 yard pick six allowed Louisville to tie the game with 1:23 to go in the third. Victor Anderson plunged in the endzone from 3 yards out and with only 23 seconds on the clock to get Louisville the win. Seven combined turnovers marred this game.
Cincinnati 24, Miami (OH) 7: The Bearcats had no trouble in this rivalry game. They didn't score nearly as many points as you might have expected but they were in control the whole game. Zach Collaros ate up the Redhawks secondary for 323 yards and 3 passing touchdowns. The Bearcat defense forced three turnovers from Miami University.West Virginia 48, Bowling Green 18: The Mountaineers jumped out to a 27-7 halftime lead and never looked back. Geno Smith threw for 350 yards and 5 TDs. The rushing attack was able to contribute 143 yards as well. Bowling Green basically had one go-to receiver in Kamar Jorden but his big day of 130 yards and a TD on 7 catches was not going to be nearly enough.
Rutgers 27, Syracuse 20: The Orange were up 10-6 at halftime and 20-13 through three quarters of play. They just couldn't hold back a surprisingly potent rushing attack from Rutgers in the second half. Rutgers rushed for 252 yards in the game and got two fourth quarter rushing scores to upend Syracuse. Ryan Nassib threw for 304 yards for the Orange but only 1 TD and 2 INTs.