Big East Power Ranking: A lot happened, but nothing changed

Louisville kicker John Wallace's game-winning field goal in overtime lifted the Cards over Cincinnati and kept them atop the Big East. (US Presswire)

Here's CBSSports.com's Rapid Reports Big East power ranking:

1. Louisville (8-0, 3-0 Big East): The Cards stay right where they've been all year -- atop the Big East. Though it hasn't always been pretty, Louisville has remained undefeated behind the steady -- and sometimes spectacular -- play of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.Charlie Strong's team is the only remaining unbeaten in the conference, though they are still locked in a tie for the Big East lead with Rutgers, whose loss came outside conference play. Last week's power ranking: 1. Next up: vs. Temple, Saturday, noon ET (ABC)

2. Rutgers (7-1, 4-0 Big East): Losing at home to Kent State, obviously, is not good. But the Scarlet Knights still have just as much a chance at winning the Big East as Louisville, though they'll obviously need to play better. Quarterback Gary Nova was an absolute mess Saturday, tossing six interceptions. Running backs Jawan Jamison and Savon Huggins need to be this team's offensive stars, but the two of them combined for just 95 yards on 17 carries. It seems that Rutgers and coach Kyle Flood are still searching for an offensive identity, which doesn't bode well for them eight games into the season. Last week's power ranking: 2. Next up: vs. Army, Saturday, Nov. 10

3. Syracuse (4-4, 3-1 Big East): The Orange are sneaking up on the Big East. Seriously. They actually have a pretty decent shot, of course they'll have to beat Louisville (in the dome!) and hope for a bunch of other things to go their way, but still. Syracuse won a wild game over South Florida Saturday night, and its game this weekend at Cincinnati will be huge for both teams trying to stay in the race. The Orange has been led by quarterback Ryan Nassib , who is ninth nationally in passing yards per game. Last week's power ranking: 3. Next up: at Cincinnati, Saturday, noon ET (Big East Network)

4. Cincinnati (5-2, 1-1 Big East): The Bearcats had visions of washing the foul stench of that Toledo loss from them, but they couldn't quite get it done Friday at Louisville. Cincy played well enough to win, but Butch Jones' team has now lost two straight headed into a (suddenly) pivotal matchup Saturday against Syracuse. Quarterback Munchie Legaux will need to be more consistent, especially if he continues running his mouth as he did prior to the Louisville game. Last week's power ranking: 4. Next up: vs. Syracuse, Saturday, noon ET (Big East Network)

5. Pittsburgh (4-4, 1-3 Big East): Don't look now, but the Panthers are on a two-game winning streak! The flip side, however, is that those wins came against Buffalo and Temple. The offense broke out in a big way against the Owls last week, and it will need a similar performance to hang around Notre Dame Saturday in South Bend. Last week's power ranking: 5. Next up: at Notre Dame, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

6. Temple (3-4, 2-2 Big East): After winning consecutive Big East games, the Owls have come back down to earth, getting smoked by both Rutgers and Pitt. It doesn't get any easier for Temple this week, as Steve Addazio's team will travel to Louisville to face the Cardinals. If the Owls can get their run game going, though, they could stay close -- or a while, at least. Last week's power ranking: 6. Next up: at Louisville, Saturday, noon ET (ABC)

7 (tie). South Florida (2-6, 0-4 Big East): The Bulls have now lost six straight games, and though they have been close, they haven't been able to finish a game. This could not have been more evident than on Saturday night, when USF blew a 23-3 halftime lead against Syracuse in Tampa. Last week's power ranking: 7. Next up: vs. Connecticut, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU)

7 (tie). Connecticut (3-5, 0-3 Big East): The Huskies were idle last weekend, so there was no real justification for pushing them ahead South Florida. But worry not, as the teams will meet Saturday to decide who the second-worst Big East team is! Someone will be getting its first Big East win this weekend. Last week's power ranking: 8. Next up: at South Florida, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU)

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