College Football Rankings: Power Ranking the Big East
The first five weeks of the college football season were a huge disappointment for every team in the Big East.
Each team had opportunities to represent itself and the conference with quality wins outside of the conference, but each time an opportunity presented itself, every Big East team fell flat on its face.
Despite the conference not having a big win to its credit, we did learn a lot about every team in the past two weeks. As we prepare to kick off the Big East season, let's jump right into this week's Power Rankings.
1. West Virginia (3-1, 0-0)
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Despite not playing last week, the Mountaineers stay atop the rankings for a third consecutive week.
West Virginia has some major question marks, like every other team in the conference, but as the Big East season approaches, the Mountaineers are clearly the team to beat.
The Big East doesn't have a defense the quality of LSU at the moment, so West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith may have seen his toughest test already. If he can continue to play well and not make crucial mistakes, then West Virginia could remain in the No. 1 spot for a while.
Next Up: vs. UNLV
2. Syracuse (3-1, 0-0)
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I had to abandon my theory of not giving any credence to wins against bad teams a long time ago. If I did that still, there wouldn't be a No. 1 team in the rankings, and I'd likely have an eight-way tie for last place.
Syracuse hasn't beaten anyone yet, but they've shown the most consistency both offensively and defensively of any of the other teams.
They should have some confidence now, and they do have a good bit of talent. They have enough going for them to possibly surprise some people.
The more likely scenario, though, is that the Orange won't be No. 2 for much longer.
Next Up: at South Florida
3. Connecticut (3-2, 0-0)
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The Huskies now hold the distinction of having the only decent win from a Big East team so far by beating Vanderbilt. I didn't say good win—I said decent win.
The highest scoring of the eight Big East schools has been on fire the past two weeks. Jordan Todman has been running great, and UConn has found its passing game with the return of Cody Endres from suspension.
Head coach Randy Edsall avoided a quarterback controversy by benching the struggling Zach Frazer in favor of Endres. The move has paid off so far.
Next Up: at Rutgers
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4. Pittsburgh (2-2, 0-0)
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So much talent, but so many problems. They've beaten New Hampshire and FIU but lost to Utah and Miami. They needed one of those but get a shot at Notre Dame this week.
Tino Sunseri isn't playing well. Dion Lewis can't get going. Jon Baldwin has been invisible. That's just part of the Panthers' problems.
Ray Graham has been good, rushing for 277 yards last week. In the last three weeks, the Panthers have gained 1,146 yards of total offense. Graham has accounted for more than half of that with 582 yards. Naturally, after carrying the team for three weeks, it's back to the bench for Graham.
If Pitt can get things figured out, they can still be tough to beat.
Next Up: at Notre Dame
5. South Florida (3-1, 0-0)
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B.J. Daniels and the Bulls got the offense rolling a little bit for the first time in three weeks in a win against Florida Atlantic last week.
Still a lot to show, though, for Skip Holtz and South Florida, as they haven't shown much consistency on either side of the ball up to this point.
Next Up: vs. Syracuse
6. Louisville (2-2, 0-0)
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The Cardinals lost a pair of games against Kentucky and Oregon State by a touchdown each time. Win one of those and Louisville would be off to a nice start. A win this week would accomplish that.
This team competes and plays 60 minutes. They are better than most people thought. They may not be a bowl team but may steal a conference win or two.
Next Up: vs. Memphis
7. Cincinnati (1-3, 0-0)
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The Bearcats are off to a very disappointing start for Butch Jones. A 1-3 start isn't what Jones had in mind when he took over as Cincinnati head coach.
All three losses have come against quality opponents, but overall the Bearcats look like a very sloppy team.
They still have a ton of offensive weapons and are capable of turning things around.
Next Up: vs. Miami (OH)
8. Rutgers (2-2, 0-0)
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Is there a more disappointing team in the conference? Simple answer: No.
Many thought Rutgers could contend for a conference title, and they still could, but if the first four weeks are any indication of how the Scarlet Knights offense will look all season, then it's going to be a long year.
Teams that contend for conference titles don't lose to Tulane and struggle with Norfolk State and FIU.
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano has to figure out how to get quarterback Tom Savage going and get some wins, or Rutgers could be in danger of missing out on a bowl game.
Next Up: vs. Connecticut
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