As I sit here watching College GameDay, it occurred to me that is a pretty big weekend in the Big East. We’ve been discussing the clog in the middle of the conference, and depending on what happens, it could help clear up the murky waters of the conference. Or it could make it even more jumbled. 
West Virginia @ #7 Louisville (Saturday, 12:00 ET on ESPN360) — The Cardinals are undefeated and West Virginia is in a dead-heat with Villanova. Especially having already lost to the Cardinal (at home nonetheless), I think we’re pulling for Louisville here. They’re still undefeated and at this point a mortal lock for the tournament, so we won’t be fighting with them for a spot later on.
#22 Notre Dame @ #3 Pittsburgh (Saturday, 12:00 ET on ESPN) — Same thing applies here. Although ‘Nova are currently ahead of the Irish, Notre Dame is finishing off a brutal stretch and their schedule gets easier. Pitt is going to be a great looking win for ‘Nova and if they continue to win that helps Villanova, as does ND losing.
#23 Georgetown @ #8 Marquette (Saturday, 2:00 ET on ESPN360) — Call me selfish, but I want Marquette undefeated when they have to enter the confines of The Pavilion. Well, that and the fact that the Hoyas are slumping big time, and it’d be nice if that could continue. At 3-5 in conference play, they are dangerously close to putting themselves in a hole that they can’t climb out of. Let’s Go Golden Eagles.
Providence @ #2 Connecticut (Saturday, 4:00 ET on ESPN360) — Providence has a history of knocking off UConn at home, but I hope that ends today. At 6-2 Providence is the shocker of the year so far, even if it has come at the hands of the bad teams in the Big East. Villanova has a home and home with the Friars, but they’ll need some help too. Go UConn.
DePaul @ Rutgers (Saturday, 8:00 ET on ESPNU) — Somebody’s getting their first conference win!!
USF @ St. John’s (Sunday, 2:00 ET on ESPNU) — I’m sorry about these last two being so depressing. That’s all I’ve got.
I try not to be a “scoreboard watcher” but on a weekend with some very good games, it’s hard not to. I’ll be quietly rooting for Louisville, Pitt, Marquette and UConn, but this all really doesn’t matter one bit if Villanova doesn’t take care of business on Sunday.
gaparch
January 31, 2009
Exactly. Cincinnati is a game the Wildcats are expected to win, so they need to do it. The team has very good so far taking the “expected wins”, even if it is not by the projected margins. A sign of maturity, so let’s hope they keep going.