Think back to Week 1 of the Power Rankings, and you’ll quickly see how volatile the Big East was this season. Outside of West Virginia up top, nothing was the way it seemed at the start of the year. Here’s how it all breaks down:
No. 1 West Virginia
(Last week: 1)
Record: 9-3 (5-2 Big East)
Previous Game: WIN – No. 23 West Virginia 30, South Florida 27
Next Game: 1/4 VS. CLEMSON
The Mountaineers needed a last-minute field goal to lock up their share of the Big East title and the conference’s BCS berth. West Virginia will represent the Big East in the Discover Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers.
No. 2 Louisville
(Last week: 2)
Record: 7-5 (5-2 Big East)
Previous Game: BYE
Next Game: 12/27 @NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Perhaps the most surprising team in the Big East this year, the Cardinals have a date with the North Carolina Wolfpack in the Belk Bowl.
No. 3 Cincinnati
(Last week: 3)
Record: 9-3 (5-2 Big East)
Previous Game: WIN – Cincinnati 35, Connecticut 27
Next Game: 12/31 @VANDERBILT
Great rebound year for a team that went 4-8 last year.
No. 4 Rutgers
(Last week: 4)
Record: 8-4 (4-3 Big East)
Previous Game: BYE
Next Game: 12/30 VS. IOWA STATE
Rutgers was probably the most pleasant surprise of the Big East.
No. 5 Pittsburgh
(Last week: 5)
Record: 6-6 (4-3 Big East)
Previous Game: WIN – Pittsburgh 33, Syracuse 20
Next Game: 1/7 @SMU
Though Pitt was able to make a bowl game this year, the Panthers could’ve been so much more.
No. 6 Connecticut
(Last week: 6)
Record: 5-7 (3-4 Big East)
Previous Game: LOSS – Connecticut 27, Cincinnati 35
Next Game: N/A
Year one of the Paul Pasqualoni era wasn’t an auspicious one.
No. 7 USF
(Last week: 7)
Record: 5-7 (1-6 Big East)
Previous Game: LOSS – South Florida 27, No. 23 West Virginia 30
Next Game: N/A
South Florida was supposed to compete for the Big East title. No team disappointed more this year.
No. 8 Syracuse
(Last week: 8)
Record: 5-7 (1-6 Big East)
Previous Game: LOSS – Syracuse 20, Pittsburgh 30
Next Game: N/A
Syracuse was the worst team in the worst BCS conference.
