ESPN College Football

Before we get to tonight's Cincinnati-West Virginia showdown, let's review this afternoon's other Big East action:

• Pittsburgh 41, Louisville 7: Yes, the Panthers can win an easy one.

The Panthers clinched their first winning season under Dave Wannstedt by hammering Louisville at Heinz Field. Even with LeSean McCoy stuffed for a season-low 39 yards, Pitt managed to win by its largest margin of victory since a 52-7 victory over Central Florida in 2006. Louisville had five turnovers, two of which the Panthers returned for scores. Pitt came into the game minus-9 on turnovers, worst in the Big East.

That was a big statement by Wannstedt's team, which now gets a week off before going to Cincinnati. Pitt will be left standing as one of two prime contenders for the conference crown after tonight's game in Morgantown. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have seen their promising 5-2 start dissipate into a two-game losing streak. And with games left against Cincinnati, West Virginia and at Rutgers, there's no guarantee they finish with a winning record.

• Rutgers 35, Syracuse 17: After dominating statistically but not on the scoreboard in the first half, the Scarlet Knights got their act together in the second half to notch their third straight win. Mike Teel finished with three touchdown passes, giving him nine in his last two games. Syracuse had only 168 total yards, compared to 483 for Rutgers.

At 3-2 in the Big East now, it's no stretch to imagine the Scarlet Knights finishing as high as second. And yet another quarterback couldn't finish against Rutgers, which has knocked out opposing QBs in four of its last five games. Cam Dantley left with a leg injury after going just 3-for-12 for 19 yards. The Orange will officially have a losing season, and the Greg Robinson Watch is back on for the next 48 hours.