Big East Power Rankings: Week 6
By Matt Shetler
The Pitt Panthers are coming off a week off, but other Big East teams were busy during Week 5 of the college football season.
Cincinnati won the biggest game of the week by defeating Virginia Tech, but no one else in the conference had a particularly good showing.
Sep 22, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gary Nova (15) looks to pass during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Rutgers defeated Arkansas 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE
How does all of that effect my latest power rankings? For one, we have a shakeup at the top and some movement throughout.
Let’s take a look at how the Big East teams stand as they head into Week 6:
1. Rutgers (4-0, 1-0) Last Week’s Ranking: 2 -Thanks to another shaky outing by Louisville, Rutgers jumps up to the top spot despite having the week off. They have the best defense in the Big East and have a surprisingly good offense. Next up: vs. Connecticut, Saturday, 12 p.m. EST
2. Louisville (5-0, 0-0) Last Week’s Ranking: 1 – The Cardinals struggled big time against a winless Southern Miss team, but the conditions were harsh and they’re still undefeated. However they haven’t looked good in three weeks and could use the bye week to get their act together. Next up: BYE
3. Cincinnati (3-0, 1-0) Last Week’s Ranking: 4 – Beating Virginia Tech is a marquee win for the Bearcats and they already have a conference win over Pitt. I realistically could have bumped them ahead of Louisville, but the Cardinals are still a very good football team. However the Bearcats are off to a very good start. Next up: vs. Miami (Ohio), Saturday, 7 p.m. EST.
4. Pittsburgh (2-2, 0-1) Last Week’s Ranking: 5 – Back-to-back wins have the Panthers thinking they’re figuring things out. Quarterback Tino Sunseri has played very well this season and the Panthers’ defense has the look of a team that’s getting things together. Pitt can run the ball with the best of them and can still be a sleeper for the Big East championship. We’ll see if they can take care of business on the road against a team hungry for a win, as it will be the last Big East meeting between Pitt and Syracuse as both teams are heading to the ACC in 2013. Next up: at Syracuse, Friday, 7 p.m. EST
5. Connecticut (3-2, 0-0) Last Week’s Ranking: 6– Buffalo’s front seven gave running back Lyle McCombs fits, but the Huskies were able to come away with their second win in three games, although they have looked very unimpressive in doing so. Next up: at Rutgers, Saturday, 12 p.m. EST
September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback B.J. Daniels (7) throws the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the South Florida Bulls 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
6. South Florida (2-3, 0-1) Last Week’s Ranking: 3 – USF held its own against Florida State, as it lost by a final of 30-17. But the Bulls have lost three straight and have turned the ball over nine times in the process. Next up: at Temple, Saturday, 12 p.m. EST
7. Temple (1-2, 0-0) Last Week’s Ranking: 8– The Owls can’t throw the football, ranking 120th in the nation with 121.0 passing yards per game. They play their first Big East Conference game since 2004 this week against USF. Next up: vs. South Florida, Saturday, 12 p.m. EST.
8. Syracuse (1-3, 0-0) Last Week’s Ranking: 7 – Syracuse had a week off to prepare for Pitt and have lost seven straight to the Panthers. It’s a shame what has happened to Doug Marrone’s squad. To come away with a win, they will need a better effort defensively and quarterback Ryan Nassib will have to be at his best. Next up: vs. Pittsburgh, Friday, 7 p.m. EST