Big East Report Card, Week Seven: A Moment of Silence for UConn Tragedy

Hearts are heavy this Monday morning as we send thoughts and prayers to the UConn football family and the family of Jasper "Jazz" Howard, who was taken in the prime of his life, the victim of senseless violence in the early Sunday morning hours on his school's campus. It reminds us how unimportant sports are in the big scheme of things. We post his picture here to remember him. With his family and teammates in mind, a moment of silent prayer and these grades from this past week's Big East games:

Cincinnati (6-0, 2-0) 34, South Florida (5-1, 1-1) 17:

The Bearcats came into a packed arena in Tampa on Thursday night, overcame the loss of quarterback Tony Pike and emerged with a decisive win over a USF team with a good defense. What USF didn't count on was Zach Collaros running around the through that defense. Brian Kelly showed why he is perhaps the hottest coaching commodity in America. The Bearcats are now in the driver's seat in the Big East. Pike's status is uncertain, but Collaros looks prepared to fill in nicely. USF had its chances, but once again, lost on a Thursday night.

Grades:

Cincinnati: A+

South Florida: F

Pittsburgh (6-1, 3-0) 24, Rutgers 17 (4-2, 0-2):

You have to hand it to Pittsburgh, this team has an identity and does what it does best. The Panthers run the football and freshman Dion Lewis is the real deal. He carried the ball 31 times for 180 yards, two touchdowns and that's a huge task for a freshman. He is the engine that drives the offense. With a weapon like that, it takes the heat off quarterback Bill Stull, who was 16/24 for 153-yards and a TD. Rutgers played well but couldn't stop Lewis. Not many teams are going to. Good road win for the Panthers.

Grades:

Pittsburgh: A

Rutgers:    C

Connecticut (4-2, 1-1) 38, Louisville (2-4, 0-2) 25:

Cody Endres continues to perform well for the Huskies, 14/21 for 273 yards and a touchdown. Andre Dixon was a ground beast with 33 carries and 153 yards and three touchdowns, heck of a game.

UConn was expected to win, still, Louisville put up a great fight, although it will face the distractions of Steve Kragthorpe's future.

The events of early Sunday morning cast a sadness over this win.

Grades:

Connecticut: B+

Louisville:    C-

West Virginia (5-1, 1-0) 24, Marshall (4-3) 7:

Big rivalry and the Mountaineers had to play most of the game without starting quarterback Jarrett Brown, who was knocked out of the game early on a helmet-to-helmet hit. Freshman Geno Smith came in and performed well with a 15/21 effort for 147 yards. Noel Devine was held below his average but still picked up 109 yards on 19 carries. Marshall's workhorse, Darius Marshall, was held to 82 yards by the West Virginia offense.

The Mountaineers were supposed to win this one and did.

Grade:

West Virginia: B+

We'll see you next week with the Big East grades from professor Tom. In the meantime, lets keep Jazz Howard and UConn in our thoughts and prayers.