5 best Big East offensive performances of the year

Temple running back Montel Harris recorded one of the most prolific college football games in history. (US Presswire)

1. Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater beats Rutgers with one arm, one leg

It's the type of performance that will grow with each retelling, but it is difficult to overstate the magnitude and splendor of Teddy Bridgewater's performance at Rutgers. The win gave Louisville a BCS berth and a share of the Big East championship, and it came in the finale for both teams. Bridgewater was hobbled and sore, after breaking his wrist and spraining his ankle five days before in an ugly home loss to Connecticut, but he came off the bench and led the Cardinals back from a 14-3 halftime deficit to defeat the Scarlet Knights. His numbers weren't magnificent -- 263 yards, two touchdowns and a pick -- but Bridgewater's leadership, courageness and toughness were unquantified.

2. Temple RB Montel Harris runs into record books at Army

Big things were expected of Temple senior running back Montel Harris in 2012. The Boston College transfer lit up the ACC in 2009 and 2010 before moving to Philly for his senior year, but injuries seemed to hinder Harris throughout his last season. Not against Army in November. Harris went nuts, rushing 36 times for 351 yards and seven touchdowns, recording one of the most prolific rushing games in NCAA history.

3. Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib lights up Northwestern

In the season opener, Syracuse senior quarterback Ryan Nassib set the tone for the season with a crazy stat line against Northwestern: 45 of 66, 482 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception. Also tone-setting: The Orange lost. Nevertheless, Nassib led the Syracuse offense without its best receiver (Alec Lemon) back from a 35-13 lead, though the Orange came up just short, falling 42-41. Nassib's 482 yards were the most ever by a Syracuse quarterback and fourth-most in the Big East all time.

4. Rutgers backup RB Savon Huggins fills in, goes off at Cincinnati

One of the most consistent players offensively in the Big East this season was Rutgers running back Jawan Jamison, but he was banged up for the majority of the second half of the season. No matter, though, as backup Savon Huggins stepped up big for the Scarlet Knights. In a huge road game against the Bearcats, Huggins rushed 41 times for 179 yards, controlling the ball and keeping it out of the Cincinnati offense's hands. Rutgers went on to win a low-scoring game 10-3.

5. Syracuse WR Alec Lemon unstoppable at Missouri

The main beneficiary of Nassib's right arm -- at least against Mizzou -- was Orange wide receiver Alec Lemon. Against the Tigers in Columbia, Lemon had 12 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns, including the eventual game-winner.

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