I’m just back from the SNY studios in New York, where we were filming some hoops previews. It was fun, but I’m still in football mode. Especially since now is when things really start to get interesting.

It all starts tonight, when West Virginia kicks off at South Florida. The Bulls have been something of a nemesis – the last time West Virginia went down to Tampa, the Mountaineers were ranked no. 5, had title hopes and left 21-13 losers. They’re only 1-2 in their last three against South Florida and they’ve averaged just 15 points a game.

Tonight’s about a lot more than chucking a monkey off the Mountaineers’ collective back though. Tonight, in front of a national audience, West Virginia gets to make its case for being in the same class as Pittsburgh, and maybe Cincinnati. Tonight, West Virginia gets to announce itself a Big East title contender and Noel Devine gets the opportunity to pronounce himself a Heisman contender. The stage is set and the audience will be there.

Representatives from 11 bowls, including reps from the four BCS games, will be in Raymond James Stadium tonight. Commissioner John Marinatto will have a host of Big East officials with him too and it’ll be a good night to make a case for the league.