Big East Power Ranking: Rutgers, Pitt move up following impressive wins

Pittsburgh and Rutgers are the biggest risers in this week's Big East power ranking. South Florida drops a spot after last Thursday's loss to the Scarlet Knights.

By Matt Rybaltowski

Sep 17, 2012 at 10:50 am ET • 4 min read

Pitt wide receiver Mike Shanahan makes a catch for a touchdown in front of Virginia Tech cornerback Antone Exum in the fourth quarter of their game Saturday. Pitt dominated then-No. 13 Virginia Tech 35-17. (AP)

Here's CBSSports.com RapidReports Big East power ranking:

1. Louisville (3-0): The Cardinals avoided a scare in a 39-34 win over North Carolina. Louisville nearly squandered a 29-point halftime lead and needed a fourth-down deflection in the end zone to pull off the victory. Still, Teddy Bridgewater was nearly flawless in the first half in leading the Cardinals to a 36-7 lead. When Bridgewater is in rhythm, there isn’t a defense in the conference that can stop him. Bridgewater has completed more than 81 percent of his passes on the season. Last week’s power ranking: 1. Next up: at Florida International, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN3).

2. Rutgers (3-0): The Scarlet Knights move up two spots after outlasting South Florida 23-13 in a pivotal road win last Thursday. Linebacker Khaseem Greene has recorded at least 10 tackles in all three Rutgers wins. For the first time in two seasons, Rutgers has finally established a running game. Against the Bulls, junior Jawan Jamison set a single-game school record for carries with 41 rushes for 151 yards. When the schedule came out, the Scarlet Knights expected to face an Arkansas team firmly entrenched in the top 10. Since Tyler Wilson went out in Week 2 vs. Louisiana-Monroe, however, the Razorbacks have been in disarray. During that span, Arkansas has been outscored 79-10. Brandon Allen, Wilson’s replacement, is 16 of 38 for 145 in his last two games. Last week’s power ranking: 4. Next up: at Arkansas, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN U).

3. South Florida (2-1): A loss to Rutgers at home is disappointing on a number of levels. The Bulls can run the table in the Big East for the rest of the season and still may not earn a trip to a BCS game. Senior quarterback B.J. Daniels had to run for his life in the 23-13 defeat to the Scarlet Knights. As a result, Daniels frequently threw off-balance, and he tossed three interceptions. The Bulls have a breather at Ball State before an in-state showdown with Florida State in two weeks. Last week’s power ranking: 2. Next up: at Ball State, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN 3).

4. Cincinnati (2-0): Junior quarterback Munchie Legaux regressed in his second start of the season. The Bearcats escaped on Saturday night with a 23-7 win over Delaware State, despite committing six turnovers. Of the six, three occurred inside the red zone, including an interception by Legaux in the end zone and a fumble by the quarterback on the 11-yard line. The Bearcats have a week to solve the turnover issues before facing Virginia Tech in two weeks. Last week’s power ranking: 3. Next up: vs. Virginia Tech at FedEx Field, Sept. 29, TBA.

5. Pittsburgh (1-2): It took three weeks, but the Panthers finally showed why Cincinnati coach Butch Jones described them as the top sleeper in the conference. Pitt dominated then-No. 13 Virginia Tech on both sides of the ball in a 35-17 win. The Panthers forced four turnovers and racked up more than 500 yards on offense. Freshman running back Rushel Shell showed glimpses of becoming a dominating power back with his ability to shed tackles. Last week’s power ranking: 8. Next up: vs. Gardner-Webb, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN 3).

6. Connecticut (2-1): Despite allowing 223 all-purpose yards to Maryland WR/KR Stefon Diggs, the Huskies still pulled out a 24-21 victory over the Terps. Even with Diggs’ superlative performance, UConn still ranks third in FBS in total defense (174.0 yards per game). Linebacker Yawin Smallwood had three sacks and four tackles for losses against Maryland. Smallwood is an early favorite for Big East defensive player of the year. Last week’s power ranking: 5. Next up: at Western Michigan, Saturday, 2 p.m. ET (ESPN3).

7. Syracuse (1-2): The Orange ended a seven-game losing streak with a 28-17 win over Stony Brook. After surrendering 172 rushing yards to the Seawolves at the half, Syracuse allowed just 49 total yards after halftime. The Syracuse rush defense will face another test on Saturday against a Minnesota team ranked 35th in FBS in rushing. Wide receiver Marcus Sales continues to see his stock rise after his third straight 100-yard game. Last week’s power ranking: 6. Next up: at Minnesota, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network).

8. Temple (1-1): The Owls had an extra week to prepare for Penn State with a bye last Saturday. Could this be the year Temple finally defeats the Nittany Lions? Penn State has won 29 straight against Temple dating back to a 14-0 defeat on Oct. 18, 1941. The teams tied 7-7 in 1950. The Owls will need a healthy Montel Harris if they hope to end the streak. Last week’s power ranking: 7. Next up: at Penn State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN 2).

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Big East, follow bloggers Evan Hilbert and Matt Rybaltowski @CBSBigEast.