Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
Every Friday during the season, we'll give you 10 things to watch during the weekend's games. Here's what to look for in the Big East over the next three days:
1. Pat White's left arm: Bill Stewart has talked most of the offseason about having his star quarterback throw more. White should get plenty of opportunities to try out his throws against Villanova. I'll be looking for how crisp he heaves it and how his receivers perform.
2. Rutgers' running game: Finding a replacement, or replacements, for Ray Rice has been the question mark hanging over the Scarlet Knights' preseason. If they can't run the ball effectively on Monday night, they'll have a hard time keeping up with Fresno State's explosive offense.
3. Louisville's defense: It has to be better than it was in 2007, especially against a Kentucky team that's breaking in a new quarterback. Keep an eye on how the linebackers play and how well the Cardinals tackle on Sunday.
4. Pittsburgh's poise: Bowling Green will try to spread the Panthers out with four- and five-wide receiver sets and throw deep. The Falcons are bound to score some points. If Pittsburgh is going to have the breakthrough season many predict, they'll need to bounce back quickly from any adversity.
5. South Florida's cornerbacks: They're not going to get a tremendous test from Tennessee-Martin. Still, it's the first chance to eyeball Tyller Roberts and Jerome Murphy as they take over for Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams. An interception would be nice.
6. The state of Syracuse: There's (another) new offensive coordinator and a new (sorta) defensive coordinator. So the Orange have a new plan. Will they show a pulse at Northwestern, or will be it another long, cold winter in upstate New York?
7. Newcomers: Whether it's Alric Arnett (West Virginia), Victor Anderson (Louisville), Jonathan Baldwin (Pittsburgh) or Jourdan Brooks (Rutgers), the bubble wrap comes off the next wave of Big East stars.
8. The scoreboard race: With West Virginia and South Florida playing FCS teams, Pitt facing a high-tempo MAC outfit and Rutgers in a possible shootout with Fresno State, which Big East team will score the most points? Can anyone hit 60?
9. Noel Devine: He's been a star since high school thanks to his YouTube videos, and now he'll start off in a major role for West Virginia. Odds are he'll rip-off at least one SportsCenter Top 10-type play on Saturday
10. South Florida's pass rush: Tennessee-Martin's offensive line averages just 255 pounds, including a 240-pound left tackle. How are the SkyHawks going to contain George Selvie and Co.?
Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
