Big East Power Ranking: Cincinnati regains footing

George Winn and the Bearcats got back to their winning ways Saturday. (AP)

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

1. Louisville (9-0, 4-0 Big East): The Cardinals had very little trouble dispatching Temple at home Saturday, and they find themselves one step closer to a perfect regular season. Teddy Bridgewater continues to dominate, and every team on Louisville's schedule has been powerless to stop him. The Cards may have a challenge on their hands this week, though, as they travel to Syracuse. Last week's power ranking: 1. Next up: at Syracuse, Saturday, noon ET (ABC).

2. Rutgers (7-1, 4-0 Big East): The Scarlet Knights remain in line to win the Big East outright, but they still have some work to do. They were given a week off to think about what they did against Kent State, now they have Army in Piscataway before a brutal three-game stretch in 12 days against Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Louisville. Quarterback Gary Nova better have it together -- if he's still the starter. Last week's power ranking: 2. Next up: vs. Army, Saturday, noon ET (ESPNU).

3. Cincinnati (6-2, 2-1 Big East): Though the Bearcats have been somewhat wobbly of late, they were able to end a two-game skid with a win over Syracuse on Saturday to keep them in contention for at least a share of the Big East title. But Cincinnati has some problems offensively, and it starts and ends with quarterback Munchie Legaux, who has had three consecutive rough outings, throwing six interceptions and just two touchdown passes in that span. Brendon Kay got a look Saturday, and he may get more chances this weekend. Last week's power ranking: 4. Next up: at Temple, Saturday, noon ET (Big East Network).

4. Syracuse (4-5, 3-2 Big East): The Orange's slim conference title hopes likely went up in smoke Saturday after their loss at Cincinnati, but Syracuse still has an outside chance at gaining bowl eligibility. They have some work to do, especially with Louisville coming up, but the Syracuse offense has proven that it can score on anyone. Last week's power ranking: 3. Next up: vs. Louisville, Saturday, noon ET (ABC).

5. Pittsburgh (4-5, 1-3 Big East): The Panthers almost pulled the upset of the year Saturday, nearly spoiling Notre Dame's perfect season. Alas, it was not to be, and Pitt fell to the Irish in overtime. The schedule softens up for the Panthers as the season comes to a close, with winnable road games at South Florida and Connecticut with a home date with Rutgers sandwiched between. Last week's power ranking: 5. Next up: at Connecticut, Friday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)

6. Temple (3-5, 2-3 Big East): The Owls started strong against Louisville on Saturday, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. In fact, Temple stayed with the Cardinals for a little while. The Owls didn't finish too strong, and they'll be in danger of dropping their fourth straight game Saturday when they host Cincinnati. Last week's power ranking: 6. Next up: vs. Cincinnati, Saturday, noon ET (Big East Network).

7. South Florida (3-6, 1-4 Big East): Not only did the Bulls get their first conference win Saturday against Connecticut, they also got their first interception of the season. And, to top it off, they picked off a second Chandler Whitmer pass! Unfortunately for USF, though, senior quarterback B.J. Daniels was lost for the season after breaking his ankle. Last week's power ranking: 7 (tie). Next up: at Miami, Saturday, Nov. 17.

8. Connecticut (3-6, 0-4 Big East): The Huskies' offense is monumentally bad. In the last four games -- all losses -- the UConn offense has only scored a total of 33 points. That's just over eight points a game. It doesn't matter how good your defense is, that's not going to get it done. Last week's power ranking: 7 (tie). Next up: vs. Pittsburgh, Friday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN).

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