MVN: Most Valuable Network

Cincinnati takes control of Big East with win over Louisville

Could it be that the Bearcats will represent the Big East in a BCS bowl this year? It became a bigger possibility when the Bearcats outlasted Louisville in a big game for both teams on Friday night.

Cincinnati had a great second half, to takedown the Cardinals, and they did so with the run and pass. As a team, the Bearcats, not known for running, put together 132 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Tony Pike led the way passing, throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns as well. Dominick Goodman played an exceptional game at receiver, grabbing 10 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. All-in-all, Cincinnati now has to prepare for the biggest game in recent history for the school, as a win against Pitt will likely secure a BCS berth with the last conference game coming against Syracuse.

As for Louisville, its now three losses in a row. After beating South Florida, and appearing to be a stronghold in the Big East, the Cardinals have lost three straight; getting beat by lowly Syracuse, blown out by Pitt and a tough loss to Cincinnati. The only thing left to salvage for Louisville is a bowl game as they sit at 5-5 with games against West Virginia and Rutgers left.

Rutgers not throwing in towel yet, humiliate South Florida

Rutgers picked up its fourth straight win and still clings to a possible share of the Big East Title. Meanwhile, South Florida loses fourth straight and could likely see their selves missing a bowl game.

The Scarlet Knights racked up the yards and forced 6 turnovers. They also did a little something by scoring 7 touchdowns, 3 rushing, 3 passing, and 1 interception. Mike Teel threw two interceptions but that was easily overshadowed by over 10 yards per pass attempt with nearly 300 yards total passing.

For South Florida, the Bulls let the spotlight get to there head and it seems to have down permanent damage as they suddenly can not move the ball safely down the field.

With games against Connecticut and West Virginia left, the Bulls could likely lose both games, putting them at 6-6. With Rutgers and Louisville both a game away from 6 wins, they could likely overtake the Bulls, possibly knocking them out of a bowl game because of such a poor conference ranking and second half.

Brown, Connecticut roll by Syracuse

It was a close game until Donald Brown busted open a 49 yard touchdown run at the end of the second half. It broke the spirit of the Orange and in the third, the Huskies finished them off.

Perhaps, this once close rivalry, allowed for Syracuse to hang around longer then expected. However, the Huskies defense did hold the Orange to 51 yards passing and 96 yards rushing. Not a bad days work.

Brown was the workhorse for Connecticut, like all year, averaging 6 yards a carry for 131 total yards.

The Huskies must keep feeding Brown the ball to help their chances against South Florida and Pitt. A Big East championship will need a miracle but a good bowl game and a 9 win season is only two wins away for a school known for basketball, and basketball only.

Power Rankings

1. Cincinnati (8-2)
This Week: W 28-20 @ Louisville
Last Week: Pittsburgh

2. Pittsburgh (7-2)
This Week: Idle
Last Week: @ Cincinnati

3. Connecticut (7-3)
This Week: W 39-14 @ Syracuse
Last Week: @ South Florida

4. Rutgers (5-5)
This Week: W 49-16 @ South Florida
Last Week: Army

5. West Virginia (6-3)
This Week: Idle
Last Week: @ Louisville

6. Louisville (5-5)
This Week: L 28-20 vs Cincinnati
Last Week: West Virginia

7. South Florida (6-4)
This Week: L 49-14 vs Rutgers
Last Week: Connecticut

8. Syracuse (2-8)
This Week: L 39-14 vs Connecticut
Last Week: @ Notre Dame