UConn Football: Big East Is Wide Open After Huskies Defeat Pittsburgh Panthers

Jordan Todman and the UConn Huskies defeated Big East conference opponent Pittsburgh last night, and created a cluster at the top of the standings.

Huskies running back Jordan Todman rushed for 222 yards last night vs. the Panthers, but no carry was more important than his four-yard gain on 4th-and-1 from his own 19-yard line, with two-and-a-half minutes remaining in the game.

Head coach Randy Edsall was confident his team could gain a first down with a small lead and being positioned deep in their own territory. This type of confidence allows his players to know he trusts them when the game is on the line in the fourth quarter.

Pittsburgh appeared as if they were putting the game beyond UConn's reach in the third quarter after consecutive touchdowns from Panthers running backs Dion Lewis and Ray Graham.

On the kickoff after Graham's score, the Huskies struck back with a 95-yard touchdown return by Nick Williams. UConn was able to keep scoring after the electrifying return, and Todman's running allowed the Huskies to burn the clock late in the game.

Whether or not you agree the Big East is worthy of its automatic bid into a BCS bowl game, there is no doubting the competitiveness of the conference.

All eight teams in the conference can still win the Big East title. Even Cincinnati at 1-2 in Big East play and 3-5 overall can win the BCS bid, after winning the conference last season before losing to Tim Tebow and Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

UConn is only one win away from becoming bowl eligible, and has a great shot to win the Big East conference outright.

The Huskies had only been averaging 13 points scored per game in Big East play this season, but their enthusiastic hometown supporters gave them the boost they needed to score 30 vs. Pittsburgh.

UConn is 5-0 at home this season, and is improving with each game. With wins against West Virginia in overtime last weekend, and vs. Pittsburgh last night, the Huskies have proven they can beat the Big East's best teams, and are worthy to represent the conference in a BCS bowl game in January.