College Football Power Rankings: The Big East
As we head towards the middle portion of the Big East season, we have an interesting race going on.
No, the battle isn't for the honors of top team in the conference. That one is a pretty easy choice right now as Pitt appears to be head and shoulders above the other Big East schools at the moment.
Instead, we have an interesting race to see who takes home the honors of worst team in the conference, as we have a five team logjam for last place in the Big East.
So without any further delay, let's jump into this week's Power Rankings.
1. Pittsburgh (5-3,3-0)
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There is no question to the fact that the Panthers are currently the Big East's top dog. While most attention has been payed to how well the offense has performed in Big East play, let's not forget about the Panthers defense.
That unit has been great in conference play, allowing only 12 points per game and 222 yards of total offense. Add to that the fact that they've racked up 11 sacks and forced eight turnovers the last three weeks and Pitt is on a roll.
Things will get even better for the Panthers as last season's co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year Greg Romeus is close to making his return from back surgery.
This is more like the Pitt team that everyone expected to see all season long.
Next Up: BYE
2. Syracuse (6-2, 3-1)
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The Orange keep winning. They don't do any one thing exceptional. Doug Marrone's team is just very good in all areas.
For instance, Syracuse only had 262 yards of total offense in last week's victory against Cincinnati, yet won the game by 24 points.
Marrone has to be concerned about the growing amount of injuries, though. Syracuse faces a pretty tough stretch of its schedule and doesn't have a bye week the rest of the way.
Next Up: vs. Louisville
3.Rutgers (4-3, 1-1)
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To be honest, Rutgers gets this spot by default, not because of merit. The Scarlet Knights got pasted by Pitt last time out.
I just can't warrant giving the third spot in this week's Power Rankings to a team that's 1-2 in the Big East. Therefore, Rutgers at 1-1 in the conference gets the nod.
Freshman Chas Dodd was named the starting quarterback, even though sophomore Tom Savage is healthy. That's not a bad decision for head coach Greg Schiano. The offense has had more success with the freshman under center.
Next Up: at South Florida
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4. West Virginia (5-3, 1-2)
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Here is where it gets next to impossible to rank these teams.
I got roasted and torn apart early in the season for mentioning that West Virginia doesn't have a quality win to speak of. I also said their record was the benefit of a soft schedule.
Well, it's midway through the season and the Mountaineers still don't have a good win and after back to back Big East losses, the WVU nation has gotten awfully quiet.
To quote Dennis Green though, "They are who we thought they were."
In West Virginia's case, that's simply an average football team. I'm not taking a shot at them by saying that. I've been saying it all season. Anyone that thought this was a top 15 team seriously had this team overrated.
Now the question coming out of Morgantown isn't what BCS Bowl the Mountaineers will be heading to, it's how soon can they run head coach Bill Stewart out of town?
Next Up: BYE
5. Louisville (4-4, 1-2)
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The Cardinals found out last week at Pitt that while they are greatly improved and headed in the right direction, Louisville isn't ready to play with the upper teams in the conference.
They did hang in there for a half and they won't quit against anybody. I suspect their defense could steal one or two more games the rest of the way and possibly contend for a bowl.
Next Up: at Syracuse
6. South Florida (4-3, 1-2)
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Coming off of a big win against Cincinnati, the Bulls had last week off. It's a good thing because they will need that extra week to prepare for Rutgers this week. The Scarlet Knights have owned South Florida lately, winning four straight.
A win would give Skip Holtz's bunch a slim shot to contend for the league title and gives them a solid chance to reach the .500 mark overall.
Now, if quarterback B.J. Daniels can only protect the ball then they will have a chance.
Next Up: vs. Rutgers
7. Connecticut (4-4,1-2)
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I'm waiting for the questions to come from the U Conn fans. Yes, I realize that you beat West Virginia, I also realize that I have West Virginia ranked higher. With good reason.
I think both teams are bad, but the Huskies may be a bit worse. They are coming off of a 26-0 loss to Louisville and despite winning, only put up 16 points against WVU.
If they can string together a couple of wins, then they may move back up the rankings.
The defense played well against WVU, which is a good sign heading into next week's showdown against Pitt. That looked to be a huge game with a lot at stake coming into the season. Now all that's left is for the Huskies to play spoiler for not only the Mountaineers, but the Panthers as well.
Next Up: BYE
8. Cincinnati (3-5, 1-2)
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How the mighty have fallen. This Bearcats team has gone from back to back Big East crowns to the bottom of the Power Rankings.
This isn't a good football team with or without starting quarterback Zach Collaros. They simply make way too many mistakes.
The Bearcats turned it over three times against Syracuse last week and the Orange scored each time. Cincinnati won't see positive results until they can take care of the football.
They are capable of playing spoiler for a few teams. The weapons are there.
Next Up: BYE
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