His little brother is a mixed martial arts fighter and his littlest brother is a 6-foot-6 behometh of a defensive end. But Arthur Jones is still sure he’s stronger than either.

“Oh yeah I can take them,” Syracuse’s 6-3, 295-pound senior defensive tackle said. “I’m the oldest brother. There’s psychological power in that.”

There’s power in just about everything Arthur Jones is – and does. He’s a senior captain, who’s playing to some of the biggest crowds in his five-year career, for a team with some of the most promise. He anchors a defense that shut down mighty Penn State’s run game. He has a smile that Syracuse Post-Standard columnist Bud Poluquin compared to Julia Roberts’ and Magic Johnson’s – and then said that Jones made that pair’s grins look like “broken windows.”

“Wow, that was nice of him,” Jones said when I repeated the line. (Apparently, he doesn’t read the sports section of newspapers.)

Jones played every game as a redshirt freshman, he had 17.5 tackles for loss while starting 11 games as a sophomore and last year, he started 12 games, had 60 tackles, was much more vicious in his 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage (he racked up 60 lost yards) and he earned a spot on the All-Big East first team. He was an obvious choice to leave for the NFL. Until Doug Marrone was hired.

“Just having a guy who’s an alumni makes such a difference,” he said of what ultimately became an obvious choice to stay. “I felt incomplete because we hadn’t won. And the NFL isn’t going anywhere.”

Then, as these things tend to happen, it became the most fortuitous of decisions. In February, Jones tore his pectoral muscle in a freakish weight room mishap (“I was trying to lift the whole weight room,” he laughed). Instead of missing the combine, he rehabbed. Marrone said he was wholly impressed with how hard Jones worked, if only, he joked, because defensive linemen tend to sometimes get squishy when they’re hurt. (Marrone, it’s worth mentioning, was an offensive lineman.) Marrone also said he trusts Jones so much, he has him playing nearly 100 percent of the Orange’s snaps and there’s good reason the 23-year old Endicott, N.Y. native is already being talked about as one of the top five defensive linemen in this year’s upcoming draft. Jones called NFL talk “a huge distraction” and said it was something to think about later. Of course, with the fun he’s having now, why rush anything?

So, without further ado, Arthur Jones…

One thing I don’t do enough of is… “sacking the quarterback.”

Best thing I cook is… “steak.”

I hate when people say… “I can’t.”

Best pre-game song is… “a little Kelly Clarkson.”

Song I don’t want to admit is on my iPod… “YMCA.”

My teammates envy my… “smile.”

I hate playing at… “nowhere. I’ll play anywhere.”

My high school mascot was…”a tiger.”

My most creative date was… “at the park.”

My Guitar Hero song is… “Eye of the Tiger.”

My DVR is full of… “football games.”

If I didn’t play football, I’d… “wrestle.”

Easiest position in football is… “the snapper. Definitely.”

Mama always says… “Get up.”

My best color is…”Orange.”

Commercial I could star in… “Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup.”

Favorite Halloween costume was… “a baby. I dressed up as a baby last year.” (Ed. I asked for a picture. Arthur said no.)

The non-Syracuse Big East player I’d want on my team is… “George Selvie.”

My advice to Coach Marrone is… “keep doing what you’re doing.”

Previous Keep it Briefs: Louisville LB Jon Dempsey, Pitt TB Dion Lewis

Who does the Bulls’ hair?

Okay, that out of the way, there’s B.J. Daniels, South Florida’s brand-new starting QB. He makes his debut Saturday, at Florida State, and then, he’ll become the Big East’s third one-time hoopster to start under center. Daniels played in 19 games, averaged 2.8 minutes and finished the season with three field goals, seven rebounds, four assists and, uh, 12 personal fouls.

Of course, football success isn’t predicated on basketball success. West Virginia’s Jarrett Brown played hoops for the Mountaineers two years ago, quit, and is now not only the starting QB, but a player Louisville Lb Jon Dempsey said he’d like on his own team.

Greg Paulus started three years on Duke’s hoops team, lost his starting job his senior year and then came up to Syracuse, won the starting QB job and has helped revitalize Orange football.

As for other basketball-turned-football players playing today…

USC WR Jordan Cameron went to BYU to play basketball, transferred to Ventura JC and is now a two-sport guy for the Trojans. He played in three basketball games last year.

Louisville WR Josh Chichester spent his football redshirt season as a reserve for Rick Pitino.

TE Jimmy Graham put in four years on Miami’s hoops team, earned a degree in marketing and management and is now spending a fifth year playing for Randy Shannon.

DE Matt Lagrone played basketball at Nevada for two years before transferring to Oregon State to play football with his younger brother.

Houston TE Fendi Onubon has a Paulus story – he played basketball at Arizona for four years and then went to Houston for a fifth year and football.

Baylor’s leading receiver, Kendall Wright, spent the off-season as a reserve on the Baylor basketball team.

This is making me think of Shaq’s show and when he played football “against” Ben Roethlisberger. I have to think basketball players are better athletes than football players… what do you think?

I got the text message last night, as I was driving home: “Michael Moore’s on Larry King and he’s wearing a Rutgers hat!” Then a second: “Why?!”

Whatever your politics, it’s irrefutable that Michael Moore is a public figure. Three of the top-five grossing documentaries EVER are his and he does draw high-voltage attention, like Larry King’s. (Moore was indeed on Larry King last night, talking about his new documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story.) I’ve seen him in Rutgers’ hats in front of those cameras a lot and I have to admit I’ve wondered why too. He’s from Flint, Michigan and he went to school at the U of M-Flint.

So I looked. And it’s a story that has to make all Rutgers alum who believe in free speech – and who don’t believe in censorship – proud.

Check it out.

Edit: Thanks to Spanky for pointing out that that story of Ann Sparanese doesn’t mention the key point: Sparanese got her library studies degree in 1990 from… Rutgers.

The original idea was to write on Antonio Lowery and his (big) little brother, Antwan. Greg Schiano’s said he’s pretty set with his rotation of four tackles and so the true freshman Antwan may not play this year, but Antonio’s having a heck of a year, he’s continuing to just eke above Manny Abreu in what’s probably the closest 1-2 competition on the Scarlet Knights and, well, Antwan talking about how he follows around Antonio was pretty cute.

Then I randomly decided to ask Timmy Brown, another Miami native, if he knew Antonio particularly well. Timmy’s a wideout, Antonio’s a linebacker, they went to different high schools and… they’re best friends. From the time they were six or seven. And the way the two of them go at it… woo-eee. They’re both talkers, they’re both incredibly friendly, but there’s still a subtle personality difference. Timmy has a little more edge and he’ll talk a little more (teasing) trash. Antonio’s just the sweetest, nicest, most earnest kid. He’s always, always smiling and when Timmy says, “He’s my best friend in the whole world,” you can see why.

In any case, I had a riotous conversation with one, then the other and then both, when Antonio demanded Timmy come and sit with us so he could “face up to his lies.” Take a look, here. I promise you’ll chuckle at least once.

Brown, Lowery thriving together

SEC, Pac-10… no one ever even argues for the Big East… Is the “return” of traditional powers really “good for the game“?

This Buckeyes vs. Bearcats talk isn’t going away. (NBC Sports)

And while everyone keeps talking BCS, Cincinnati still doesn’t have an indoor practice facility. Or decent practice fields. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Storrs Agricultural College (now known as UConn) and Rhode Island first met in 1897. Lot of interesting stuff in this one. Like Randy Edsall sleeping through Donald Brown’s first NFL TD. (Rivals.com)

All UConn’s O-line needed to hear was it’s the Huskies’ heart and soul. Scott Lutrus, meanwhile, is still waiting to hear something good. (Hartford Courant)

Louisville’s Red Zone work needs work. (Louisville Courier-Journal)

Pitt DT Gus Mustakas is back. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Pitt’s had 10 pass catchers, eight rushers and QB Bill Stull, who’s run the ball, thrown the ball and even caught one of his own passes. Is Wannstedt’s pro-style really Pitt’s best bet? (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Rutgers’ Antonio Lowery and Timmy Brown are forever-ago best friends. And a trip. (SNY.tv)

Maybe going on the road won’t be such a big deal for Rutgers. (Washington Post)

In case you missed it yesterday: Joe Lefeged is going home to Maryland and he once knocked out a Maryland QB, setting off wild accusations and a mini-controversy. Ralph Friedgen generously said, “two or three years ago, it’s a different team.” (Star-Ledger)

Jonathan Freeny learned from the best. Greg Schiano thinks the Jaguars should be called Rutgers South. (Home News Tribune)

It’s the little things that win football games. Which is probably why Syracuse’s field goal unit was doing up-downs. (Syracuse Post-Standard)

“Win,” USF linebacker Chris Robinson said, ”and you join the show.” (Tampa Tribune)

Jenn Sterger resurfaces. (St. Petersburg Times)

Funny to think there might be football players who DON’T like to hit. (Charleston Gazette)

Sometimes Bill Stewart is more dad than coach. (Times West Virginian)

 In a survey of 285 sports journalists, 40 percent admitted to gambling on sports. Five percent admitted to gambling on sporting events they covered and the gamblers conceded it hurts their objectivity. You don’t have to worry about me. I’d rather spend my money on clothes. On to the Big East…

And the youth shall lead them. (SNY.tv)

Isaiah Pead: If we ever have to strap it on with them, we’re going to win.” Is Cincinnati really the best football team in the Buckeye State? (AP, Dayton Daily News)

Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly covered a lot in his weekly presser. (Rivals.com)

No, three weeks into the season is not too early to start talking BCS. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Randy Edsall doesn’t seem that old. And yet, he’s ninth in the NCAA in longevity. Scott Lutrus might sit till UConn’s league opener.(Connecticut Post)

Cody Endres doesn’t want to talk about what happens when Zach Frazer’s healthy. (Hartford Courant)

Not quite Lane Kiffin and Urban Meyer, but… Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe apologized for his Saturday post-game. Kentucky coach Rich Brooks wasn’t interested in accepting. Rick Pitino would get that: when some of his players started substituting a nicer word for a four-letter curse, Pitino said, “God knows what you’re thinking, you might as well say it.” Meanwhile, on the field, starting safety Terence Simien has a lacerated kidney. (Louisville Courier-Journal)

Rutgers fans can take heart. The Naval Academy got POed at Pittsburgh too. Dan Mason played Saturday and was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Week. It wasn’t enough to get the start this Saturday. And, what is Dave Wannstedt doing to his team at halftime? (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

The Pitt O-line will see a real defensive front this weekend from N.C. State. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Rutgers has three 100-yard rushers and a fourth very-likely 100-yard rusher. So where’s the run game? In the meantime… QB Tom Savage Monday admitted he was “knocked out cold” Saturday, swore he could’ve come back in that game if need be and then pronounced himself ready to play this weekend. Tuesday, Greg Schiano said: not so fast. (Star-Ledger)

Maryland’s Ralph Friedgen’s preparing for three Rutgers QBs. Rutgers has sold 142,732 tickets through three home games. (Home News Tribune)

They once dreamed of playing at FSU. This weekend they will. In a green uniform. Jessie Hester’s dad will have to root against his alma mater. Matt Grothe will henceforth be known as “Coach.” (St. Petersburg Times)

Maine O-line coach Frank Giufre will have to be careful what sideline he trots out onto this weekend at the Carrier Dome. Doug Marrone choreographed the end of Syracuse’s thriller over Northwestern the day before. (Syracuse Post-Standard)

To Jarrett Brown: a man feels sorry for himself because he has no shoes. Until he meets a man with no feet. (Times West Virginian)

Six TOs at Auburn won’t change the way Bill Stewart calls West Virginia’s offense. (Charleston Gazette)

Rutgers will be at Maryland, 20 minutes from his hometown, and so Jourdan Brooks is banking on a personal crowd of 17 or 18.

Joe Lefeged, who like Brooks also hails from Germantown, Md., thinks he’ll pull 20-something personal guests. But with the Scarlet Knights only getting three road tickets apiece and most of his teammates’ parents traveling, Lefeged is a bit behind Brooks. He’s only secured 15 tickets so far.

“They’ll probably come pick on the freshman,” freshman quarterback Tom Savage said, shaking his head. “That’s what they’re going to do.”

They’ll have to do something. Rutgers has six Maryland natives on its roster and this is the first time any of them will play at their home state university. Of course, the return for Joe Lefeged may be the most interesting – and nerve-wracking. The last time the safety saw the Terps, Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen accused him of trying to knock Maryland’s quarterback out of the game.

Read about it here.

If this is true, this is one of the best stories I’ve heard this season: Oregon coach Chip Kelly sent a refund to a disgruntled fan who made the trip to Boise State. Out of his personal checking account.

On to the Big East and its coaches…

The league was one fumbled punt return from a great week. (AOL Fanhouse)

Brian Kelly saw some of Florida in his team; hence, the Bearcat (aka Wildcat). (Rivals.com)

The biggest challenge for the Bearcats now may be focus. (Cincinnait Enquirer)

The preseason talk was about the fancy no-huddle, spread, but UConn may have to just deal with it: the Huskies are a cloud of dust crew. (Republican-American)

Still, UConn has a nine-man receiver rotation. (Hartford Courant)

Pitt’s coming to town and N.C. State sees “old-time football.” (News and Observer)

Pitt will see a QB who’s thrown an NCAA record 329 passes without a pick. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Pitt is 3-0 for the first time since 2000. This week, they finally face a team that’s a significant step above any of those three. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Rutgers QB Tom Savage is getting beat up and he says it’s his fault. (Star-Ledger) Here too. (The Home News Tribune)

That’s a big fat open door for South Florida’s BJ Daniels. (Tampa Tribune)

Jim Leavitt says it’s time for the whole team to go through it. (St. Petersburg Times)

Orange walk-on kicker Ryan Lichtenstein earned a scholarship BEFORE that game-winning kick. (Syracuse Post-Standard)

West Virginia’s moving on and Jarrett Brown’s wrist is okay. (The Times West Virginian)

What do Y.E. Yang and Kentuckiana football have in common? The Cards needs to improve their kickoff return coverage. (Louisville Courier Journal)

Orange Rising indeed.

The Big East’s weekly honors just came out and look who’s all over the top spots. Straight from the Big East office…

BIG EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Mike Williams • Sr. • WR • Syracuse • Buffalo, N.Y. Williams had 11 receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns — all career highs — in Syracuse’s 37-34 win against Northwestern. Williams’ 13-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter tied the game after he had a career-long 66-yard TD catch in the first quarter. He now has at least one touchdown reception in 11 of his last 12 games.

BIG EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Dan Mason • Fr. • LB • Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, Pa. Mason stepped into Pittsburgh’s starting lineup in place of the injured Adam Gunn and responded with team highs of 11 tackles and two sacks in the Panthers’ 27-14 win against Navy. The true freshman helped the Panthers hold the Midshipmen’s triple-option offense to just 126 rushing yards — its lowest total in four years and 109 yards below its average.

BIG EAST SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Ryan Lichtenstein • Fr. • K • Syracuse • Monroeville, Pa. Lichtenstein, a true freshman who walked on to the Syracuse roster during training camp, kicked a 41-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Orange to a 37-34 win against Northwestern. Lichtenstein accounted for 13 of Syracuse’s 37 points as he added field goals of 43 and 37 yards and was 4-for-4 on PATs. His game-winning kick marked the first time since 1989 that Syracuse got its winning points on a last-minute field goal.

WEEKLY HONOR ROLL

D.J. Woods, WR, Cincinnati — Had seven receptions for 117 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown catch, in a 28-18 win at No. -24 Oregon State.

Andre Dixon, RB, Connecticut — Rushed for 149 yards and three touchdowns in a 30-22 win at Baylor.

Justin Burke, QB, Louisville — Completed 15 of 28 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-27 loss at Kentucky.

Ryan D’Imperio, LB, Rutgers — Had eight tackles, one sack and a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 23-15 win against Florida International.

Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse — Had 10 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles in a 37-34 win against Northwestern.

It was a good weekend for the Big East, A very good weekend. (ESPN.com)

The Bearcats snapped Oregon State’s 24-game home win streak against non-conference teams, they overcame their first deficit to do so and they’ve now moved to no. 14 in the AP Poll.  Take Cincinnati seriously. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Should Cody Endres keep UConn’s QB job when Zach Frazer is healthy again? (Hartford Courant)

UConn’s played some new faces in that win at Baylor. (Connecticut Post)

Louisville only defended four snaps in one quarter against Kentucky. Meanwhile, the Cards are calling this loss a gain. (Louisville Courier-Journal)

Pitt freshman LB Dan Mason is the real thing. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Paul Zeise agrees. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Rutgers QB Tom Savage was sacked four times and knocked out of the game and Rutgers’ line gave up nine tackles behind the line of scrimmage. But Greg Schiano says that line is getting better. (SNY.tv)

Rutgers’ freshman QB is going to be okay. Is Cincinnati going to be able to hold on to Brian Kelly? And, remember Mark Whipple? Some people thought he should’ve had the Rutgers job nine years ago. (Star-Ledger)

Is the stench from that season-opening 45-17 pounding officially gone for the Scarlet Knights? (Home News Tribune)

Now begins the B.J. Daniels era at South Florida. (Tampa Tribune)

Matt Grothe’s career highlights. (St. Petersburg Times)

The win over Northwestern puts Syracuse over the hump. (Syracuse Post-Standard)

Put up 509 yards of offense and hold the nation’s no. 2 rushing team to 100 yards on the road and lose? West Virginia’s in pain. (Times West Virginian)