We’ve been following the goings on of the Big East Conference rather closely, and after starting 0-10 against the spread in conference play, had high hopes for the four Big East teams in action, who were all hosting major conference opposition.

The weekend got off to a rough start, with 6-point underdog North Carolina annihilating Rutgers 44-12.  South Florida failed to cover by a half-point in their thrilling field goal win over Kansas, and in Saturday’s only daytime action involving the conference, Syracuse was outgained 560-159 (not a misprint) in their 55-13 home loss to Penn State.

But then came Saturday night, and we’re thrilled to announce that after an 0-13 pointspread run, the conference has now covered a number!!   11-point favorite UConn dominated Virginia 45-10 for the conference’s first cashed ticket. The strange situation of Virginia QB Pete Lalich, who was allowed to play against USC but kept from traveling to UConn due to a potential probation violation, and now apparently allowed to play again this week, helped distract a poor Virginia team and this dispirited Cavalier bunch didn’t show up.  The Huskies outrushed UVA 382-31, providing the Big East with their first cover of the year after an 0-13 start.  

Congratulations to the Big East Conference!