College Football Rankings: Power Ranking the Big East Teams, Week 4

Week 3 was a very down week for the Big East.  Only five of the eight teams played, and as has been the trend all season long, no one's won a big game yet.

That will change this week, when four of the Big East's best will play tough opponents, beginning with Pitt hosting No. 19 Miami Thursday night.

Without any further delay, let's jump right into this week's rankings, which feature a brand new team gracing the top spot.

1. No. 22 West Virginia (3-0, 0-0)

As sad as it is to say, West Virginia's win over Maryland is the best out of conference win to date of any Big East team.  That win, coupled with Pitt not playing for ten days, vaults the Mountaineers into the top spot for the time being.

They seemed to shore up some spots that troubled them during the first two weeks and, overall, looked pretty impressive in the win vs. Maryland.

One guy that continues to open up eyes is quarterback Geno Smith, who continues to get better each week.  He and the Mountaineers may have their hands full this week, though.

Next up: @ No. 15 LSU, Sept 25.

2. Pittsburgh (1-1, 0-0)

Pitt hasn't played a game in over ten days, but has had no problem making headlines.  Since their last victory—over New Hampshire—the Panthers have had two players arrested, launched their own television network, and lost 2009 Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year Greg Romeus to back surgery.

Winning Thursday vs. Miami would be huge for not only the Panthers, but the Big East as well.  Prime-time national television, with the nation watching, will be the best case to show off—possibly—the Big East's best team.

Now, it's up to the Panthers to step up and get the job done.

Next Up: vs. No. 19 Miami, Sept. 23.

3. Syracuse (2-1, 0-0)

Syracuse makes a huge jump this week to No. 3, partly due to the fact that they got off to a 2-1 start.  Sadly, their opening week win vs. Akron looks real good compared to the way the rest of the conference has played.

Victories over Akron and Maine don't really warrant being No. 3 in the power rankings, but every other team has even less on their resume at the moment.

Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib continues to play pretty well, coming off of a five-touchdown performance against Maine.

Next up: vs. Colgate, Sept. 25.

4. South Florida (1-1, 0-0)

South Florida had the week off after being smacked around in the second half against Florida two weeks ago. Bulls head coach Skip Holtz has to be concerned with B.J. Daniels's turnover problems and has to get that corrected.

Not much of a test coming up this week, so South Florida will have the chance to iron things out before they head into conference play.

Next Up: vs. Western Kentucky, Sept. 25.

5. Cincinnati (1-2, 0-0)

Beginning with the Bearcats, this is practically a four-way tie for last place.  That's how disappointing these next four teams have been.

Give Cincinnati some credit for playing at Fresno St and North Carolina St., but they looked awful.  That's putting things kindly.

Zach Collaros has struggled replacing Tony Pike as the starting quarterback, but he hasn't had a whole lot of help.

It's not only the quarterback.  The Bearcats have been equally bad at every position on the field.  Things get really tough for head coach Butch Jones this week.

Next up: vs. No. 8 Oklahoma, Sept. 25.

6. Connecticut (1-2, 0-0)

Has any team in the Big East been more disappointing then the Huskies?  Losing by two scores to Temple doesn't help things get any better.

Jordan Todman had a fantastic day running the ball vs. the Owls, but quarterback Zach Frazer is not playing very well at all.

His job would be in jeopardy, but back up Cody Endres was suspended before the season started.

Head coach Randy Edsall needs to get the ship righted quickly.  This is too good of a team to be losing to Temple.

Next up: vs. Buffalo, Sept. 25.

7. Louisville (1-1, 0-0)

Louisville has competed throughout the first three weeks of the season, but the talent just really isn't there.  I give Charlie Strong's bunch credit for playing 60 minutes a week, though.

Quarterback Adam Froman is off to a better start than most people thought he would have.  He's coming off a very strong game against Oregon St. where he threw a touchdown and also ran for a pair of scores.

Next Up: @ Arkansas St., Oct. 2.

8. Rutgers (2-0, 0-0)

Despite being 2-0, no team has looked worse than the Scarlet Knights to open up the season.  Playing Norfolk St. and FIU doesn't earn many points either.

Head coach Greg Schiano can prove his Scarlet Knights are better than the way they have opened up with a strong showing this week.

Next Up: vs. North Carolina, Sept. 25.