Cincinnati won the Keg of Nails. And gave the lightly regarded Big East a little weight.

In a season in which ranked Big East teams have lost almost as soon as they reach the Top 25, the Bearcats held up after gaining a No. 22 rating in both polls.

Also, on a soggy Friday November night in Louisville, the sun continued to shine on UC’s Bowl Championship Series chances.

By downing the U of L by 28-20 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, the Bearcats moved to 8-2 overall and 4-1 in Big East play. They jumped up to No. 19 in the Associated Press poll and No. 20 in the USA Today coaches poll. More importantly, though, they hold a half-game lead over Pittsburgh (now ranked No. 20 and 19, respectively) and West Virginia, which both had the weekend off. UC, however, defeated WVU the week before and continues to control its own destiny.

More than likely, the Big East title will boil down to this coming Saturday night’s game in Cincinnati when Pitt will visit.

"We have to focus on Pittsburgh starting now," said UC cornerback Mike Mickens.

Coach Brian Kelly will do so while continuing to focus on his quarterback situation. Tony Pike started against Louisville, but had to leave with 8:20 remaining with a bruised sternum.

Season starter Dustin Grutza, though, saved the day by moving the Bearcats 72 yards to clinch the victory.

"It was kind of a magical situation for those who have followed our quarterback trials and tribulations this year," Kelly said.

The magic Louisville once had, meanwhile, has disappeared. The Cards have now lost three straight and are 5-5, a game away from bowl qualification with West Virginia visiting this weekend.

Rutgers, on the other hand, is red-hot in its quest for a bowl berth. Quarterback Mike Teel threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns in a 49-16 rout of South Florida in Tampa.

The Scarlet Knights are now 5-5 after starting the season at 1-5.

"What we’ve done is a reflection of Coach (Greg) Schiano," said RU defensive tackle Pete Tverdov, who deflected three passes and recovered a fumble.

After scoring 117 points in the first seven games, Rutgers has put up 138 in the last three games.

As for South Florida, the downturn continues. The loss was the worst at home for the Bulls ever and the fifth-largest margin of defeat in program history.

Against the Scarlet Knights, quarterback Matt Grothe threw three interceptions and the Bulls lost three fumbles.

"Our football team is certainly down," said now-embattled coach Jim Leavitt. "About as down as you can get."

Ditto Syracuse, which fell to Connecticut 39-14 before an announced crowd of 28,081 in the Carrier Dome. SU coach Greg Robinson lost his 24th conference game in 27 tries and then his job Sunday.

"I don’t think it really comes as a surprise to anyone," Robinson said. "It doesn’t come as a surprise to me."

The post-game press conferences proved awkward when Connecticut coach Randy Edsall, a former backup QB at Syracuse, was asked about replacing Robinson.

"That’s really bad," Edsall said of the question. "That’s not appropriate at all."

On the field, Connecticut scored in almost every conceivable fashion, via standout tailback Donald Brown (131 yards), the interception (cornerback Robert McClain) and special teams (Jasper Howard’s return and a safety). The Huskies now have seven wins and seem a lock for a bowl berth.

Scoreboard:

Cincinnati 28, Louisville 20
Rutgers 49, South Florida 16
Connecticut 39, Syracuse 14

Team of the Week: Cincinnati

The Bearcats set up what looks to be the Big East title game this Saturday by taking care of Louisville in the Derby City. Cincy will host Pittsburgh before closing out the season on Nov. 29 against Syracuse.

Disappointment of the Week: South Florida

There’s way too much talent on the Bulls team to be 6-4 and fall to a now 5-5 Rutgers team 49-16 at home. When asked what’s wrong with his team, QB Matt Grothe said he’s "wondered the same thing 100,000 times."

Player of the Week: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Britt extended his school record of career 100-yard receiving games to 12 with 173 yards and a score on eight catches in the win over South Florida.

Freshman of the Week: Joe Martinek, RB, Rutgers

Brian Leonard II? Maybe. Martinek helped RU down USF by finishing with a career-high 98 yards on 21 carries, including two touchdown runs. (He got bonus points for doing so on his parents’ 19th anniversary.)

A little showin’ off

Connecticut not only received 131 yards and a score on 22 carries from Donald Brown, the nation’s leading rusher, but 78 yards and six carries with one touchdown from Jordan Todman. And if that wasn’t enough, another running back, Robbie Frey made a big special teams play, plowing SU punter Rob Long in the end zone for a safety.

Loss on top of loss

Louisville lost standout freshman tailback Victor Anderson late in the third quarter against Cincinnati when he was hit hard after a short pass reception.

Cutting loose

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano didn’t hold back against South Florida. He lined up 325-pound tackle Anthony Davis at fullback; he had quarterback Mike Teel catch his first career pass. The defense, though, had its moments as well, sacking USF QB Matt Grothe four times and limiting the Bulls to 76 yards rushing. If RU can defeat Army this weekend, it will qualify for a bowl.

Nothing working

South Florida coach Jim Leavitt tried shuffling his offensive line, moving right tackle Marc Dile to left tackle, left tackle Ryan Schmidt to guard and guard Jacob Sims to right tackle. Nothing worked, though, in the Bulls’ loss to Rutgers. USF has now lost four of its past five games, its worst five-game stretch since the 2004 team had a 1-4 stretch before finishing 4-7. The Web site JimLeavittMustGo.com is humming.

Nothing working, Part Deux

Before getting axed, Syracuse coach Greg Robinson, now 9-36 with the Orange, played two quarterbacks against Connecticut: Cameron Dantley and Andrew Robinson. The pair, though, finished a combined 6-for-23 for 51 yards and three interceptions.

Finally

Cincinnati ended a five-game losing streak to Louisville, which had won nine of the previous 10 meetings between the two teams. "I think you can say," said UC coach Brian Kelly, "the rivalry is back on."

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