Big East Football Schedule 2012: The 10 Best Conference Matchups

Big news everybody—the Big East schedule was recently released.

Well, it may not exactly be big news, but it does give us something else to talk about while we wait for the college football season to kickoff. We already broke down a few games that will absolutely put you to sleep—now it's time to list some of the best games in this watered-down conference.

This isn't exactly the best conference in college football, but believe it or not, there are a few games that you should have circled on your calendar.

Here are 10 of the best conference games in the Big East this season.

10. UConn at Maryland

Oh, so this isn't a Big East conference game? Who cares, it's likely to be one of the more entertaining games of the season for either program. Randy Edsall was the head coach of the Huskies and led them to their most successful season in program history. The second he got an offer from Maryland, he jumped ship and left UConn in the dark.

The storyline alone is enough reason to give this game a glimpse or two, but it also provides you a chance to see true freshman Stefon Diggs as well. He's kind of good and will provide the Terrapins with a solid playmaker on the offensive side of the ball.

9. Cincinnati at Louisville

These were two of the better teams in the conference last season before West Virginia ended up stealing the BCS automatic bid and leaving both teams in the dust. Now that the Mountaineers are no longer in the Big East, this game could have huge implications on who wins the conference, especially with this meeting taking place in October.

So why's it No. 8 on the list?

Because the Bearcats only return four starters on offense, and that's never a good thing.

8. Temple at UConn

UConn only won five games last season, but they do return 17 starters (which is the second-most in the conference).

This game could also develop into a little rivalry, due to the fact that Temple was pretty much replaced by the Huskies in 2004, when the Big East decided they were going to kick the Owls out of the conference.

May not be the sexiest matchup, but after all, it's the Big East.

7. Louisville at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has won the last four games in this matchup, and last year's 21-14 victory very likely cost the Cardinals a trip to a BCS bowl. Either one of these teams can win the conference as they return majorities of their teams from a year ago.

The Cardinals' goal has always been to win the Big East, and they have the talent to do so—now to see if they can finally get over the hump.

This will be a big test for both teams in the middle of the season.

6. Pittsburgh at USF

Last year's meeting wasn't the best showing by South Florida, as Pittsburgh destroyed them by a score of 44-17. But with that said, these are two of the more talented teams in the conference, and both are returning majorities of their key players. It's also very likely the last Big East game for the Panthers, as they'll make the switch to the ACC.

With this being the last game of the season for both teams, it could have possible BCS hopes on the line.

5. Pittsburgh at Syracuse

Pittsburgh has won the last seven meetings, but this game isn't so much about the outcome or the talent that's on the field.

Nope, this one will be about the future of these programs, as they both appear to be on their way to the ACC next season.

This meeting may hurt Big East fans a lot more when it comes to basketball, but it's never fun seeing two of the better programs in the conference say their final goodbyes.

4. Rutgers at USF

Four of the last six matchups have been decided by three points or less. Is that enough to get you jumping out of your chair?

How about the fact that South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels is one of the top athletes in the country and will be going up against the top defense in the conference?

Say what you want, but this game may actually deserve some television time with so many other early games being played against cupcakes.

3. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

This should be a solid matchup if you're a fan of history and last year's results. Four of the last five meetings between these two teams have been decided by seven points or less. Pittsburgh is one of the favorites to win this conference, while Cincinnati won 10 games last season.

The Bearcats are only returning four starters on the offensive side of the ball, but this should be a solid matchup to see how both teams fair. After all, nobody expected the Bearcats to do what they did last season, either. Who knows?

2. USF at Temple

Yeah, I know Temple no longer has NFL prospect Bernard Pierce carrying the load for their offense, but this is the first conference game for the Owls since they return to the conference that kicked them out years ago.

It's also another chance to see South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels, who has great athleticism and is a joy to watch play.

This game could surprise many and actually turn into a decent game.

1. Louisville at Rutgers

This has to be the No. 1 Big East clash of the 2012 schedule, because it'll likely have the top two teams in the conference going at it. Since the conference doesn't have a championship game, this matchup could end up filling the void for Big East fans. Both teams return a ton of starters, and when they met last season, the game was decided by two points.

The good news is that this game will take place on a Thursday, so we'll all get to sit down and enjoy the best matchup of the worst BCS conference. Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is also a dark horse for the Heisman Trophy.