Big East Power Rankings, Week 7

1. Cincinnati (6-0, 2-0 in conference): The Bearcats remain at the top, following a fantastic road win at South Florida. Next Step…Getting Tony Pike healthy for Louisville, and the remainder of the year.

2. Pittsburgh (6-1, 3-0): Offense continues to cruise, while the defense is ratcheting up. Next Step…Huge home game against South Florida.

3. South Florida (5-1, 1-1): Disappointing defensive performance against Cincinnati, especially after Tony Pike left the game. Next Step…Tough bounce-back game at Pitt.

4. West Virginia (5-1, 1-0): Quarterback questions after the injury to Jarrett Brown. Next Step…UConn at home.

5. Connecticut (4-2, 1-1): A nice win, followed by tragedy over the weekend. Jasper Howard was taken away from us way too soon. Next Step…Playing with heavy hearts at WVU.

6. Rutgers (4-2, 0-2): Good effort in a loss against a much better Pitt team. Next Step…Trap game at Army.

7. Syracuse (2-4, 0-2): Much-needed bye week, following two losses. Next Step…Revenge game against lowly Akron.

8. Louisville (2-4, 0-2): You wonder how much longer Steve Kragthorpe has a job. Next Step…Trying not to get trounced by Cincinnati.