The Big East has experienced a period that is reminiscent of the stock market.

There’s the bullish side. Cincinnati’s run at a national championship opportunity continues to gain traction. The Bearcats, No. 6 in our Athlon ratings, are No. 4 in the Associated Press poll and No. 5 in the BCS, Harris and coaches’ polls.

In addition, UC might get its No. 1 quarterback, Tony Pike, back for this week’s nationally televised game against Connecticut. Pike’s coach, Brian Kelly, said the QB would participate in drills this week to test the injury to his non-passing arm.

Also, Pittsburgh, No. 20 in the Athlon ranking, has risen to No. 14 in the A.P. and coaches’ polls and No. 15 in the Harris poll.

And while on the topic of a bull market, South Florida’s Bulls showed up after two straight drubbings to beat a ranked West Virginia team for the third time in the last four years.

The league, though, has also experienced a bearish side.

After placing three teams in all Top 25 lists last week, the Big East is down to two with WVU, now 6-2, falling out. The Mountaineers’ standout tailback, Noel Devine, also lost ground in relation to postseason awards. After USF shut him down, Devine dropped from the nation’s No. 3 rusher to No. 10.

Meanwhile, some other notable league players have been shut down for the season. Connecticut quarterback Cody Endres separated his right shoulder and is out for the year. And, surprisingly, Syracuse wideout Mike Williams apparently shut himself down for the season.

Williams, one of the nation’s top receivers, told SU coach Doug Marrone on Monday he’s quit the team. Williams, who ranks sixth nationally with a 106.57 yard average, was suspended for SU’s game against Akron for violating team policy.

His 20 career touchdown catches tied Marvin Harrison for second all-time in school history.

Scoreboard

South Florida 30, West Virginia 19
Rutgers 28, Connecticut 24
Cincinnati 27, Syracuse 8
Louisville 21 Arkansas State 13

From the dark of the Knight

Don’t look now, but Rutgers is 6-2 after defeating Connecticut in the Huskies’ emotional first home game since the death of defensive back Jasper Howard.

How has RU regrouped since that opening game, 47-15 home meltdown against Cincinnati?

One way has been via the turnover. The Scarlet Knights are tied for first in the country with 14 fumbles recovered. They are fourth in turnovers gained (25).

“Takeaways are a fickle thing,” said RU coach Greg Schiano. “We do the same drills as in previous years. We just have a few more experienced players on the back end... I wish I could tell you I had a poison or magic bullet, but I don’t.”

Also, receiver Tim Brown has burst onto the scene. He had five receptions for 162 yards and two scores — including the game winner from 81 yards — against UConn. He’s now leading the Big East and is ninth nationally in receiving yards with 811.

Finding a reason to smile

Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe hasn’t had much to smile about this season. His team is 3-5 and coming off a 21-13 win over Arkansas State. In that game, though, his No. 3 quarterback, redshirt freshman Will Stein, completed 20-of-39 passes for 232 yards with one interception.

“I guess we have a quarterback controversy now,” joked Kragthorpe.

The coach wasn’t totally kidding though. He said previous starters Justin Burke and Adam Froman should be ready to go for this Saturday’s game at West Virginia and the No. 1 job will be a “gameday decision.”

“Quarterback,” he added, “is one of my lesser concerns.”

Think twice before betting the farm

Pittsburgh is 7-1, 4-0 in Big East play, and highly ranked. Syracuse is 3-5 and 0-3. But don’t go nuts if you’re placing a bet on the Panthers — even if they’re the home team this Saturday.

Pitt leads the series just 31-30-3. Last season, the Panthers had to rally for 18 straight points after being down by 11. In 2007, SU had a shot at the end, but Pitt held on for a 20-17 win.

“This will not be a trap game,” said Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt. “Our players know this is a conference game and facts are facts.”

Feeling a little heat

West Virginia coach Bill Stewart felt a little heat after his team collapsed 30-19 to South Florida. His unwillingness to gamble, the playcalling and secondary play all came under fire. Despite that, WVU still has a shot at a Big East title if it can win out against Louisville this Saturday, at Cincinnati on Nov. 13, against Pittsburgh at home on Nov. 27 and at Rutgers on Dec. 5.

“We’re a bruised team, but not hurt,” Stewart said.

Time healing Connecticut wound

Connecticut’s Huskies have fallen twice since the death of defensive back Jasper Howard. This Saturday, they visit Cincinnati.

“We’re doing good,” said UConn coach Randy Edsall. “It’s a good thing we’re out, playing games and are together as a family... We’re just coming up a little short.

“[Sunday] we had a good practice, spirited. They understand we have to keep going forward and what we have to do. They know this: They’re winning the game of life and that’s more important than football games.”

“People have seen Randy handle a difficult situation with class,” said Cincy coach Kelly.

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