Big East Power Rankings & Preview Week 10

1. Cincinnati Bearcats 8-0, (4-0): Last week: Win at Syracuse 28-7- The offense did have some trouble running the ball and capitalizing on good field position at first, but eventually passing efficiency prevailed. Backup quarterback Zach Collaros made it look easy completing 22-of-28 passes and throwing for 295 yards, four touchdowns.

Up next: vs. Connecticut - The passing leader in the Big East is back, Tony Pike makes his return after missing the last two and half games. With a game against West Virginia just under a week away the Bearcats focus will be tested.

Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Connecticut 20

2. Pittsburgh 7-1, (4-0): Last Week: Idle - The Panthers are moving up in all the polls and currently stand ranked number 13th overall in the BCS Standings.

Up Next: vs. Syracuse: The key to this game is focus. Before Pitt takes on Notre Dame and Cincinnati they have to play against staggering Syracuse. The Panthers might have some trouble running the ball, so they should take advantage of their big wide outs versus the inexperience and vulnerable Orange secondary. This game shouldn’t be close.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Syracuse 14

3. South Florida Bulls 6-2, (2-2): Last week: Win vs. West Virginia 30-19 - Nothing gets a team over a two-game losing streak faster then a big win at home. B.J Daniels continued his development into stardom and the defensive line led by George Selvie was stellar again. During the bye week the Bulls have a lot to work on, specifically where some more yards are going to come from other than the arm and legs of their freshman quarterback.

Up Next: Idle

4. West Virginia 6-2, (2-1): Last week: Lost at South Florida 30-19 - It seems like West Virginia never matches up well against South Florida. The Mountaineers shouldn’t panic just yet, it was only their first conference loss of the season and they still control their destiny for a title.

Up next: vs. Louisville: Earlier this season when West Virginia came off a loss they bounced back with a home victory over Colorado in which Noel Devine rushed for 220 yards on 15 carries. Expect something similar to that this week in the box score and on the scoreboard.

Prediction: West Virginia 29, Louisville 13

5. Rutgers 6-2, (1-2): Last week: Win at Connecticut 28-24 - Tim Brown is making a case for himself as the top wide receiver in the Big East. He leads the league in yards with 811 and is averaging 21.9 yards a catch, which was boosted by his 81-yard game-winning touchdown grab to beat the Huskies.

Up Next: Idle

6.Connecticut 4-4, (1-3): Last week: Lost vs. Rutgers 28-24 - Just another heartbreaking loss for the Huskies. A tremendous job by their offense to putting together a 87-yard drive that was capped off with what should have been the game winning score by Jordan Todman.

Up Next: At Cincinnati: At quarterback will be Zach Frazer. He was 21-of-46 last week throwing for a career 333-yards, if he can put up those same type of numbers and Todman or Andre Dixon can burst out for a couple of long runs this game might be closer than the experts thing.

Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Connecticut 20

7. Louisville 3-5, (0-3): Last week: Win vs. Arkansas State 21-13 - It was the newcomers leading the way. Redshirt freshman quarterback Will Stein threw for 232 yards and junior tailback Bilal Powell rushed for a season high 93 yards on 17 carries.

Up Next: at West Virginia: The Cardinals rank at the bottom the Big East in stopping the run and they have given up a total of 14 touchdowns already this season on the ground…so facing off against Devine this week spells trouble.

Prediction: West Virginia 29, Louisville 13

8. Syracuse 3-5, (0-3): Last week: Lost vs. Cincinnati 28-7 - Another game, another loss and another disgraceful performance by the Orange offense.

Up Next: at Pittsburgh - It has been a very odd week for the Syracuse football team: several players are suspended for the game due to an incident involving a car accident late last Saturday night and star wide receiver Mike Williams quite the football team without dismissal. Now with the media swirling around head coach Doug Marrone for answers, this could be an emotional contest for the Orange. Do they band together or give up?

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Syracuse 14

Photos Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh, Tom Ciszak Rutgers Athletics