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This just doesn't do it for me.

Seriously, Saturday's game against UConn is a big game.

Seriously.

I keep telling myself that, over and over. And over and over. It's the top two teams in the Big EAST squaring off for control of the conference's BCS bid. It's actually a huge game. But it's still UConn. And as much as I try to fool myself, it always comes back to, "it's still UConn."

Out of all the new conference teams, UConn is probably the one that feels least like a big-time program, at least to me. Even with what's at stake this weekend, I can't make myself get excited. Trust me, I've tried. I've tried cocaine to get myself amped up. I chugged a whole pot of coffee. I even swallowed like 14 No-Doz and then drank 47 Mountain Dews. Still, nothing.

So, if you have any ideas on how I can get excited about this game, please let me know. Because, as of right now, I am seriously looking past a team towards Cincinnati. Sad, isn't it?

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Actually, I just asked him some questions, and he answered them, so that headline might be a misleading.

Either way, Chip is the UConn football beat writer for the New Haven Register. He also is the proprieter of "Runway Ramblings," a very good UConn football blog which has been linked from this site for months (I highly recommend it). We exchanged a little Q&A this afternoon to help get everyone a little more prepared for this week's big game. And if you're surprised about hearing the words "UConn football" and "big game" used together, join the club.

My questions and Chip's answers after the jump...

I hate to sound full of myself (actually, that's not true), but what would beating WVU do for UConn as a program?

No need to think you're feeling full of yourself. A win on Saturday would be huge. West Virginia is the only team in the conference UConn hasn't beaten yet (now that Cincinnati is taken care of), but there's a difference. A win over WVU, especially in a game that would be for a share of first place, would be a real feather in the cap for a young program. Folks were extremely happy with the win over Cincy, but I'd expect to see the fans rush the field with a win over WVU.

You guys can obviously run the ball. Can you throw it? If so, would you kindly not on Saturday. Our secondary would greatly appreciate it.

I'll pass that along to coach Edsall Tuesday when I see him. UConn can throw it. Kind of. They passed 42 times against Cincinnati. Problems: only 18 were completed and none for touchdowns. The latter isn't a big deal. But 18-for-42 is a concern. Also, no one really knows if Cody Endres will start again or if Zach Frazer is ready after his second concussion in two months suffered at Rutgers. Both are very similar in style (Frazer has a slightly better arm), so it's not like choosing between Pat White and, well, anyone else on the planet.

Rentschler Field sure looks like a nice place. Obviously the new stadium is a great addition, but how has the location (in Hartford, rather than Storrs) helped or hurt UConn football?

I think it's helped the state, but hurt the students. It's an absolute pain in the rear end to get to Storrs from anywhere in the state of Connecticut (except Storrs, of course). East Hartford is an easily accessible location right off major highways, and is centrally located in Connecticut. However, it's about a 30 minute drive from campus, so students are a bit put out to get there.

UConn +3, at home, for control of the Big EAST. Where's your money?

I'm going to get crucified for this, but as of today it's on WVU for two reasons. UConn has trouble in games like this, and WVU seems to be hitting its stride. But, the Huskies are undefeated in their last 11 home games, so, depending on what happens with the QB, I could be swayed to change before the week is out.

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That's right, boys and girls, it's UConn week. And what a big week it is.

Every year, when the schedule comes out, I circle this game as one of the biggest of the Mountaineers' season. With two national championships, eight Elite 8 appearances, and tons of All-Americans, UConn is one of the most storied programs in the country. Plus, you don't just go into their house and walk away with an easy victory.

The revenge factor has to be high this year, especially, since WVU dealt UConn a crushing defeat in the Big EAST Tournament just last March. Returning players from that team, including Haseem Thabeet, AJ Price, Jeff Adrien, and Jerome Dyson, join all-world freshman Kemba Walker to form the predicted #1 team in this year's Big EAST.

Throughout the week, we'll have plenty to talk about here on WBGV. Profiles of Jim Calhoun and Kemba Walker, and interview with Associate Head Coach George Blaney, and a recap of all of WVU's games at Gampel Pavillion over the years. It should be a fun week.

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I like to bet on football. I do it every season and have yet to lose my shirt, house, affection from loved ones, etc. Because of this, my mind is always thinking with a point spread perspective. Usually, when it comes to WVU games, I can speculate within a point or two of each spread, before it comes out. Every once in awhile, though, Vegas will completely shock me, just usually not with WVU. Today is a first.

Last night, the UConn @ WVU spread was released. Want to know what it is? You sure? Are you sitting down? Just making sure...

WVU is a 17 point favorite. Yes, that's right, 17

The Big EAST Championship will come down to two teams, both of which are playing for a BCS berth. One of those teams, however, might be a high school team. Good lord, I would expect a 17 point spread against Pitt (note: it will be higher), but I just didn't see it coming against UConn. My guess was somewhere between 10-12. Needless to say, I was wrong.

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