College Football: Power Ranking the Big East Conference
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I also apologize for taking a week off from the Power Rankings; I just don't seem to be in good health these days.
As for the Big East, yes, it's been down and yes, it's been a bit embarrassing on a national level—but this it what it all comes down to: It's "Backyard Brawl" week and the conference champion can likely be decided this week.
So before Pitt and West Virginia kick things off on Friday, let's take a look at this week's Power Rankings.
1. Pittsburgh (6-4, 4-1)
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The Panthers had a golden opportunity to wrap the conference up with a win against Connecticut but rebounded with a win against a South Florida team that was very hot at the time.
Who didn't think going into the season that the "Backyard Brawl" would eventually determine who wins the Big East?
Can Dave Wannstedt's Panthers win a big game? Will Tino Sunseri and the Pitt offense come through when the game is on the line?
These are all questions that 60 minutes of football on Friday will answer.
Next Up: vs. West Virginia
2. Connecticut (6-4, 3-2)
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Randy Edsall's Huskies have wins over both WVU and Pitt in Big East play and have positioned themselves nicely to win the conference should Pitt stumble the final two weeks of the season.
It's been an up and down season for Connecticut that's been filled with off-field distractions, but in the end they are positioned right where they were projected to be before the season began: one of the top two teams in the Big East.
Up Next: vs. Cincinnati
3. West Virginia (7-3, 3-2)
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The Mountaineers have questions as well. Can they play the role of spoiler for Pitt? Will a win save Bill Stewart's job? Most importantly, how did they ever wind up in this position?
A curious two-week slide to open up Big East play has the Mountaineers not at the top of the standings, where they likely should be, but instead in the role of potential spoiler.
Now I know there isn't nearly as much on the line as there was a couple of seasons ago when the Panthers spoiled a potential dream season for WVU, but the Mountaineers would still like nothing more than to be the team that costs Pitt the Big East title.
Anything can happen in the "Backyard Brawl."
This could come down to the coaches. Both Wannstedt and Stewart have done wonders holding back their respective programs.
Up Next: at Pitt
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4. Syracuse (7-4, 4-3)
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Doug Marrone for Big East Coach of the Year? There should be no debate to that at all. What Marrone has done is taken a team that was a laughing stock and transformed it into a fearless unit that is capable of playing with any team in the nation.
What's more impressive is the fact that Marrone has accomplished this in a little under two seasons as Syracuse's head coach.
The Orange have come back to earth a little bit after the great start to the season, but Syracuse is headed to a bowl, which greatly exceeds any expectations anyone had for them coming into the season.
Up Next: vs. Boston College
5. South Florida (6-4, 3-3)
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South Florida saw their Big East win streak come to an end last week against Pitt. The loss practically eliminates the Bulls from having a shot to share the Big East title, but they still have a great deal to play for; including a big out-of-conference, in-state matchup this week.
Up Next: vs. Miami
6. Louisville (5-6, 2-4)
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Louisville and Rutgers are going to play a bowl game of sorts—a postseason elimination bowl, with both teams needing a win to keep their hopes alive.
Similar to the credit I've given to Marrone, Louisville head coach Charlie Strong deserves a great deal of praise as well. For Louisville to be in a position to play in postseason games speaks a great deal to where Strong could have this program headed in the near future.
Up Next: at Rutgers
7. Cincinnati (4-6, 2-3)
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After back-to-back Big East titles, it looks like the Bearcats will be sitting out this postseason. The first season of the Butch Jones era has been a disappointment. An upgrade on the defensive side of the ball will definitely be on the menu in the offseason.
They do have a chance to finish the season on a high note with a season-ending contest against Pitt.
Up Next: at Connecticut
8. Rutgers (4-6, 1-4)
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Very few schools in the nation have been as disappointing as the Scarlet Knights, and things didn't get much better last week after being pasted by Cincinnati.
You have to wonder now if Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is still as high on many teams' wish lists as he once was. His stock has taken a big hit.
Up Next: vs. Louisville
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
