Big East Report Card Week 3: Bad News Bearcats

Okay, let's get right to it. With three teams taking an early-season breather, there was limited action but some of the students didn't fare so well.

N.C. State 30, Cincinnati 19:

That Bearcat in the photo is giving his namesakes the old Bronx Cheer. Just call them the Bad News Bearcats. With a national audience taking a gander at this one, Cincinnati's defense put Russell Wilson in the Heisman race. Wilson had an incredible night, 26 of 40 for 333 yards and three touchdowns. On the other side, Zach Collaros passed for 310 yards because his team was playing catchup all night. There's nothing good happening for Cincinnati, the defense gave up 491 yards. All in all, a dismal night as the Bearcats got rolled in Raleigh.

Grade:  Cincinnati, F

West Virginia 31, Maryland 17:

Honestly thought the Mountaineers might put up near 50 against the Terps. Geno Smith had perhaps the greatest 18 minutes of any quarterback in the nation. He started the game going 10 for 10 for 272 yards and three touchdowns, all in less than 18 minutes. The rout was on but something happened in the second half. It was as though the faucet was turned off and West Virginia content to coast. They really took their foot off the gas pedal. Still, that was one heck of a first half. Right now, you'd have to say that West Virginia is the team to beat in the Big East. 

Grade: West Virginia, A-

Syracuse 38, Maine 14:

This one turned out about like you'd expect it to. Nice game for Ryan Nassib, who threw for five touchdowns and 260 yards. Delone Carter had a light day with 65 yards on 15 touches. The defense held Maine to 165 yards. Junior receiver Van Chew caught seven balls for 113 yards. Nice overall performance for the Orange.

Grade: Syracuse, A

Temple 30, Connecticut 16:

Flash back to the late Vince Lombardi standing on the sidelines yelling, "What the hell is going on out there?" Randy Edsall might ask the same question. This is a really bad loss for the Huskies and another black eye for the Big East. Perhaps Temple will be invited to join the league. Jordan Toddman got in his usual workload—26 carries, 167 yards, and a touchdown. Temple sophomore Bernard Pierce ran all over the UConn defense for 169 yards and two touchdowns. UConn better come up with a defense and passing game before it starts Big East play.

Grade:  UConn,  F

 Oregon State 35, Louisville 28:

Tough road trip but the Cardinals showed that they won't be pushovers this year when Big East play begins. Adam Froman had a good night with 288 yards on 22 of 38 passing. Doug Beaumont continues to impress with nine catches for 121 and Bilal Powell rushed for 83 yards on 20 carries. The Cards had the ball late with a chance to tie the game but couldn't put that final drive together.

Grade:  Louisville, C+

There you have it. Pittsburgh, Rutgers, and South Florida spent the weekend in study hall. We'll see you on Thursday for some pregame entrees and appetizers!