Cincinnati still hot, Robinson toast

Last weekend’s Big East action kicked off on Friday with one of the league’s top teams. It… Last weekend’s Big East action kicked off on Friday with one of the league’s top teams. It finished on Sunday with the firing of a coach that was long in the making. It was No. 19-ranked Cincinnati that grabbed sole possession of first place in the Big East on Friday night, beating Louisville on the road 28-20. It was Syracuse’s Greg Robinson who waved goodbye to his future at Syracuse two days later. Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike led the way for Cincinnati, throwing for 250 yards and two scores, while senior Dominick Goodman eclipsed the century mark in receiving yards for the second time this season. Goodman had nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. The Bearcats snapped a five-game losing streak against the Cardinals with the win and snagged a half-game lead over Pitt and West Virginia in the Big East. In other Big East action, Connecticut took care of Syracuse with a 39-14 win in the Carrier Dome. Huskies’ running back Donald Brown ran for 131 yards and a score against Syracuse. On the other side, the Orange managed just 147 yards of total offense, including 57 yards passing and eight first downs. None of that helped or hindered the chances of the next day’s firing of Orange head coach Robinson. Robinson leaves Syracuse after three-plus seasons with a 9-36 record overall and a 3-25 mark against the Big East. Robinson will coach the team’s final two games. The final matchup of the past weekend featured a Rutgers team on the rise and a South Florida squad watching its demise. The Bulls shot themselves in the foot (or hoof) by committing six turnovers and 10 penalties for 100 yards, helping Rutgers crush the Bulls 49-16. Scarlet Knights receiver Kenny Britt caught eight passes for 173 yards and a touchdown in the win, while quarterback Mike Teel threw for 294 yards and three scores. Bulls’ quarterback Matt Grothe was 28-of-43 for 292 yards and three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Here are the awards of the weekend: Big East Beast of the Week (Offense): Give this one to Britt. The 173 yards on eight passes includes a 93-yard touchdown pass from Teel at the beginning of the fourth quarter. If the 35-16 score before that didn’t put the nail in the coffin, Britt’s scamper certainly did Big East Beast of the Week (Defense): This could go to Rutgers for its part in forcing six turnovers against USF. But timing is everything. The timing of two turnovers ‘mdash; both in the Cincinnati-Louisville game ‘mdash; could have swung the game either way. With Louisville leading 10-7 and driving from its own 32-yard line, Troy Pascley caught a pass and raced down the right sideline for a big gain. But a fumble forced and recovered by the Bearcats led to a Cincinnati touchdown and a 14-7 lead. Later, with the Bearcats leading by one, the Cardinals’ Woodny Turenne intercepted Pike at the Bearcats’ 49-yard line. But the drive produced only a missed field goal, and the Bearcats hung on for the victory. Big East Least of the Week: It seems like every week there’s a Syracuse player earning this award. But after last weekend’s performance, USF coach Jim Leavitt must be singing, ‘Oh where, oh where can my offense be?’ Grothe’s quarterback rating fell faster than the Bulls’ mid-season collapse with three interceptions. That makes eight interceptions in his last three games. Grothe was actually benched late in the game in favor of Grant Gregory. Who? Big East Rumor of the Week: Let the games begin. Step right up to take control of one of the most pitiful programs in college football. For starters, it was rumored that UConn coach Randy Edsall was the front-runner to take over the reins at Syracuse. But he has since denied those reports. The coaches rumored to be on the list of coaching candidates are Steve Addazio (assistant head coach at Florida), Douge Marrone (offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints), Turner Gill (head coach at Buffalo), Mike Ianello (recruiting coordinator at Notre Dame) and Mick Locksley (offensive coordinator at Illinios). Former Raiders coach and USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has also been mentioned in reports, citing current Syracuse and former USC athletic director Darryl Gross wanting a reunion. But Kiffin’s lack of East-coast ties could hurt recruiting efforts. An East-coast man would make more sense for the Orange. Good luck to whomever wants the job. Big East Week Ahead: For starters, No. 20 Pitt (7-2, 3-1) at No. 19 Cincinnati (8-2, 4-1) tops the list of games. This is the battle for the Big East lead and probably the biggest game Cincinnati has ever hosted. If the Bearcats win, they will be very close to securing a BCS bid. If the Panthers win, this conference might turn into a mess. As far as other games, Louisville (5-5, 1-4) hosts West Virginia at noon on Saturday. The Mountaineers are looking to stay alive in the Big East race. This time, as much as it might burn their throats, they’re going to have to cheer for a Pitt victory to have a shot. USF (6-4, 1-4) also hosts UConn (7-3, 3-2) on Sunday night this week. Lesson learned about these two teams: Don’t jump on the bandwagon too early. These two early-season favorites in the Big East have turned into complete busts. Rutgers (5-5, 4-2) hosts Army this weekend and will be bowl-eligible with a win. Finally, Syracuse (2-9, 1-5) travels to Notre Dame in the second-to-last game for coach Robinson. Tune in to see how the Orange respond.