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| A late Devin Street fumble doomed the Panthers against Youngstown State. (US Presswire) |
Here's CBSSports.com Rapid Reports Big East power ranking:
1. Louisville (1-0): The Cardinals cruised past in-state rival Kentucky, and they didn't even use star quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for most of the second half. Louisville was the preseason favorite to win the conference, and nothing happened last week to alter that. Next up: vs. Missouri State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
2. South Florida (1-0): The Bulls had no trouble running past Chattanooga with senior quarterback B.J. Daniels at the helm. Another good sign: wide receiver Sterling Griffin is healthy again. Next up: at Nevada, Saturday, 3:35 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network)
3. Rutgers (1-0): Probably not the performance they wanted in their opener, but the Scarlet Knights were able to outlast Tulane on the road. Running back Jawan Jamison made things look easy, rushing for 112 yards on 18 carries. Next up: vs. Howard, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
4. Cincinnati (0-0): Cincinnati won't open its season until later in the week, so the Bearcats will hold down the number four spot by default. The Munchie Legaux era begins Thursday night. Next up: vs. Pittsburgh, Thursday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
5. Connecticut (1-0): The Huskies dismantled an over-matched Massachusetts team in their opener Thursday behind a strong defensive outing. Brand new quarterback Chandler Whitmer was solid, and running back Lyle McCombs was his usual self, rushing for 82 yards and a score. Next up: vs. North Carolina State, Saturday, noon ET (ESPN3)
6. Syracuse (0-1): The Orange weren't able to pull out a wild victory at the Carrier Dome Saturday against Northwestern, but there were some signs of life in an offense without offensive tackle Justin Pugh and wide receiver Alec Lemon -- two major cogs. Quarterback Ryan Nassib still went nuts, passing for a school recod 470 yards in the loss. Next up: vs. Southern California at Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN2)
7. Temple (1-0): The Owls had the luxury of facing an inferior opponent to ease their re-entry to the Big East, and they took full advantage by running up and down the field on Villanova. Boston College transfer Montel Harris only played a bit after straining his hamstring, so the run game figures to improve, still. Next up: vs. Maryland, Saturday, noon ET (ESPNU)
8. Pittsburgh (0-1): The Paul Chryst era got off to a rocky start as the Panthers were embarrassed by FCS power Youngstown State, falling 31-14. Running back Ray Graham was banged up, sure. But this is what happens when one loses to Youngstown State. Next up: at Cincinnati, Thursday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Big East, follow bloggers Evan Hilbert and Matt Rybaltowski @CBSBigEast.
