College Football Rankings: Big East Power Rankings Week 2

Week 1 of the college football season is in the books and a very exciting week it was. Lost in the shuffle of all the excitement was the fact that the Big East Conference posted an 8-0 mark during the season's first week.

While that may not be that impressive considering the competition some of the schools opened up with, a perfect week for the conference didn't happen at all last season.

With that being said, let's dive into this week's Big East Power Rankings.

8. Louisville

Last Week's Ranking: 8

Last Week's Result: 21-9 victory over Murray State

Even though the Cardinals came away with a victory last week, they look like the worst out of all of the teams in the conference.

They failed to score in the second half, turned the ball over four times and committed 10 penalties against an FCS team they probably should have had an easier time with.

Up Next: Sept. 9 vs. Florida Intl.

7. Rutgers

Last Week's Ranking: 7

Last Week's Result: 48-0 victory vs. NC Central

They looked good on both sides of the ball, but that came against NC Central. If they can do that this upcoming week, they will be climbing up the power rankings for sure.

Up Next: Sept. 10 at North Carolina

6. Connecticut

Last Week's Ranking: 6

Last Week's Result: 35-3 win over Fordham

Huskies head coach Paul Pasqualoni returned to the sidelines last Saturday and got his first win as U Conn head coach, tying him for the Big East all-time lead in wins.

New tailback Lyle McCombs looked fantastic, reaching the end zone four times, but they need to settle on a quarterback. Junior Johnny McEntee looked pretty good early, but the test will be tougher this week.

Up Next: Sept. 10 at Vanderbilt

5. Cincinnati

Last Week's Ranking: 5

Last Week's Result: 72-10 win over Austin Peay

Sure they scored 72 points, but it's hard for me to get excited, or make a true assumption, about a performance against Austin Peay.

Is the defense better? That was the big question heading into the season. We will get a better answer this week.

Up Next: Sept. 10 at Tennessee

4. Syracuse

Last Week's Ranking: 4

Last Week's Result: 36-29 win over Wake Forest

They did beat an ACC team and I contemplated bumping them up a spot, but they looked like a team without a pulse for three quarters. A strong showing in the fourth, though, was more like what I expect from Doug Marrone's team.

The win was big for more than one reason. It got Syracuse off to a good start at home. It was the first time the Orange have defeated an FBS team in the Carrier Dome since a 31-13 upset of Rutgers in November 2009.

Up Next: Sept. 10 vs. Rhode Island.

3. Pittsburgh

Last Week's Ranking: 2

Last Week's Result: 35-16 win over Buffalo

All we heard from Todd Graham in the offseason was about his high octane offense, yet the Panthers only led 7-3 at the half.

Pitt turned it up in the second half behind a 200-yard game from running back Ray Graham, who could have a big season.

Yet they have problems. Quarterback Tino Sunseri can't throw the deep ball at all and averaged .5 yards per carry running the triple option (if you eliminate a 15-yard scramble).

Another thing that should worry Pitt fans is that if the offense was promoted as high octane, the defense appeared to be no octane, allowing the Bulls over 400-yards of offense.

Yet, former coach Dave Wannstedt may have blown that game and the Panthers are 1-0.

Up Next: Sept. 10 vs. Maine

2. South Florida

Last Week's Ranking: 3

Last Week's Result: 23-20 win over No. 18 Notre Dame

The Bulls clearly had the best win of the weekend. It wasn't only a good win for South Florida, but for the conference as a whole.

Yet there are some concerns.

The offense had just one touchdown drive; the defense gave up more than 500 yards, but they forced five turnovers and won, which moves them up one spot.

Up Next: Sept. 10 vs. Ball State

1. West Virginia

Last Week's Ranking: 1

Last Week's Result: 34-13 win over Marshall

I'm sure West Virginia fans expect a lot more from Dana Holgorsen's offense.

The Mountaineers looked inconsistent at times but still scored 34 points in three quarters, so they remain at the top of the rankings.

The most impressive part for West Virgina, though, may have been the defense, which looked good in allowing only six points despite returning only four starters.

Up Next: Sept. 10 vs. Norfolk State