WV Sports Nation

Mountaineer Insider

2012-02-20T04:18:00.001-05:00

Everywhere has local sayings, traditions, and oddities, and WV is no different. Want to know a little more about the Mountaineers and their home state to give you an insiders edge? Read on to discover more about Mountaineer Country.

Make a Friend

Here is a quick look at the people, places, and things that stir Mountaineers’ emotions (good and bad).

WVU All-time great, Pat White

Good things:

Mention these topics and you’ll make friends for life: Jerry West, Don Nehlen, John Denver, Don Knotts, Pat White, Steve Slaton, Major Harris, Bob Huggins, Dana Holgorsen, Beer, Beer Pong, Cornhole, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Pepperoni Roll, Mary Lou Retton

Bad things:

Mention these things and people will give you a funny look: Marshall, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Louisville, and Michigan

Rich FRAUDriguez

Really bad things:

Mention these things if you want to make enemies for life, or if you don’t care much for your personal well-being: Rich Rodriguez, Pitt, 13-9

Quotes and Sayings

“It’s a great night to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!” –Tony Caridi, WVU play-by-play

“Let’s Go Mountaineers! Let’s Go Drink Some Beers!”

“West by God Virginia” or just “West by God”

“Cheers, Beers, and Mountaineers!”

"Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer."

“Son, that’s Pitt. You hate Pitt now. You hate Pitt tomorrow. You hate Pitt until the day you die. After that, you will hate Pitt for eternity.” – Mother of Jack Fleming (voice of Mountaineers and Steelers).

“Each It Pitt!” If this one doesn't make sense, sound it out to get the real chant. It’s often heard on ESPN and you will most likely here it even at unrelated games at random times. It just happens.

Local Lingo

EERS

This is what real fans use for a nickname of the Mountaineers. Some other near-acceptable forms are: NEERS, Mounties (mostly cheerleaders). However, the term “Mighty Mounts” should be shot and buried. Believed to have been termed by ESPN, whoever did this should step forward, confess, and rid themselves the guilt of coming up with the worst nickname in sports.

Mo’town

No, not the one in Detroit. It’s the home of the Mountaineers, Morgantown WV. Also referred to as Touchdown City.

North Central West Virginia

Or just, “North Central” refers to the stretch of I-79 that includes Morgantown, Fairmont, and Clarksburg. This is where you will find the best shopping and dining in the area.

Pepperoni Roll

If you read the guide, you're already familiar with this little treat. A West Virginia original and exclusive—a must-try for visiting fans.

Buggy

This is what most of the world calls a shopping cart. For many in WV, it’s a buggy, and we’re really not sure why.

Shine

Moonshine. Yes, it really exists and there is a moderate chance you will encounter it if you wander aimlessly though tailgating parties. Don’t drink any if you want to remember your trip.

Toboggan

Another head scratcher, this is what many West Virginians call a winter cap, known to most people by “beanie” or “knit cap”.

Holler

Some locals may refer to a “holler,” which is colloquial for a “hollow”. If you are not familiar, a hollow is valley or basin that lies between hills or mountains. There are plenty of them in WV.

Videos

Sometimes words just aren’t enough. So, here are some videos that will help you get a better picture of WVU and Mountaineer nation. Some videos are strictly for amusement.

The Office, Country Roads.

John Denver, Country Roads Original recording.

“Gold n Blue”: Local artist 6’6” 240’s original version of his annual song to pump up Mountaineer fans.

“The Morgantown Song”: Disclaimer…may contain offensive language.

WVU Beer Pong Table: WVU Engineering students build a beer pong table

"Leave No Doubt"

Erin Andrews dons the Coonskin. On College GameDay’s first trip to Morgantown, Erin Andrews sports the Mountaineer headgear.

Pat White’s final game introduction and whiteout.

A look at WVU’s 3 BCS bowl wins:

Sugar Bowl: 12:40 sets up game winning play

Fiesta Bowl: Gives insight into everyone who doubted the Mountaineers could win.

Orange Bowl: 4:00, play of the game and 6:30 is the bowl record

WVU Billboard

Back to the guide.

Game Day

2012-02-20T04:16:00.000-05:00

On game day in Morgantown, the whole city is alive with festivities and there is a tangible excitement in the air as the clock counts down towards kickoff. And when the game is over, that clock starts ticking again toward the next time the Mountaineers will take the field. It's the ultimate Morgantown experience, and one of the best college football atmospheres in the country.

General Information

Mountaineer Field Rules and Restrictions

Parking and traffic:

PRT Station

Traffic can become an issue if you choose to drive on game day. It’s best to get to the hotel the day before, and use public transportation like the PRT or WVU shuttles to get to the stadium. Of course, if your hotel is close enough, walking is also an option. If you do brave the traffic on game day, keep in mind that parking fees are higher near the stadium. Parking at the Coliseum and riding the shuttle is always an option. If you are using official WVU parking, this map will help.

Another option, if things fill up quickly, is to park at the Mountaineer Mall and ride the shuttle.

Again, don’t discount the PRT. It’s free on game day and has stations in downtown Morgantown (Walnut), downtown campus (Beechurst), Evansdale campus (Engineering), Towers, and Health Sciences/Mountaineer Field (Medical). Here’s a map of the stations.

Local Information

Radio Station: 101.9 FM WVAQ

iPhone users: Download the official WVU Mobile app. It provides a vast amount of information including maps, PRT status, the student news papers, emergency alerts, and much more.

Dominion Post: Morgantown’s local newspaper.

The Daily Athenaeum: WVU’s student newspaper (often better than the Post).

Tailgating and Pregame

Mountaineer Mantrip

Tailgating will go on all over Morgantown, in every parking lot and on every street corner if it’s a big game. But if you want the best experience, head over to the Blue Lot between the stadium and the hospital. It’s a huge stretch of parking lot filled with tents and all sorts of pregame parties. There’s plenty of food and beer, most of which will be given out freely if you are friendly enough. Show up early and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you want to experience everything, you need to show up about two and a half hours before kickoff. The Mountaineer Mantrip starts about two hours and fifteen minutes before the game, which features the team, coaches, band, and cheerleaders walking though the Blue Lot and into the stadium.

The Pride of WV, State Outline

Also, the gates to the stadium open two hours before kickoff. You’ll want to make sure you get in your seats early so you don’t miss out on the pregame show. The Pride of West Virginia, the acclaimed marching band of WVU, puts on a very entertaining show to get the stadium rocking. Not only is the band good (it’s a Sudler Trophy winner), it’s also large with nearly 400 members. The band often gets rave reviews from visiting fans, so don’t miss it!

Kickoff

Mountaineer field is a great venue to watch a college football game. It’s loud, has beer vendors, and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Be prepared for a few fans to have had a little too much to drink from the day spent in the Blue Lot, but don’t let them get to you. Most fans are very hospitable and want you to have a good time.

The student section is called the “Mountaineer Maniacs” and they always wear Mountaineer Gold. You’ll hear different Mountaineer chants throughout the game, including the “Let’s Go…Mountaineers!” chant that alternates sides of the stadium, as well as a cheer for every first down WVU gets. And just clear this up…the first down chant is “W.V.U…first down”, not “who, who, who…first down”. Don’t be startled when the Mountaineer fires the rifle after the team scores. And after the game is over, expect the fans to stay in the stands and sing Country Roads. So sit back, grab a cold one, and enjoy a great game.

After the Game

After the game most of the fun shifts downtown regardless of the outcome (Mountaineers drink win or lose). If it’s a particularly big win for WVU, things can get a bit wild. And while the burning couch days are mainly behind us thanks to local legislature making it a felony, it still happens occasionally. Win or lose there will be fans on both sides who go a little too far. It’s best just to ignore them and remember they are the exception. Have fun and know that true West Virginia fans want you to have a great time.

Up next: Mountaineer Insider, additional information about local lingo and traditions.

Or back to the guide.

WV Entertainment

2012-02-20T04:15:00.002-05:00

West Virginia’s nickname is the Mountain State for a good reason. The Appalachian Mountains run through the eastern part of the state, and the rest of it is covered in their rolling foothills. There are plenty of great sights in West Virginia, some of which are just a short drive from Morgantown. We list some of the better ones below.

Local Recreation

Coopers Rock State Park

Coopers Rock State Forest : Just 15 minutes from Morgantown, this is the best local sightseeing experience offering more than 50 miles of hiking trails that weave along overhanging rocks and beautiful scenery. Visiting the overlook is a must.

Dorsey’s Knob : If you don’t want to leave Morgantown, head over to Dorsey’s Knob for a short visit to the park’s “Sky Rock” that overlooks a large portion of Morgantown and the rolling hills that surround it.

Cheat River whitewater rafting : If you want to take a whitewater rafting adventure, then take a short drive to Cheat River. Be sure to schedule ahead of time.

Whitewater rafting on the Cheat

Pricketts Fort : Great for history buffs or those interested in 1700’s settlers and Native Americans. This park features a fort built by the Prickett family, and has costumed interpreters who demonstrate what daily life was like at the time. Located in Fairmont.

Valley Falls : This local state park is a great way to relax after the wildness of a Mountaineer football game. It features natural waterfalls and whitewater overlooks that are great for picnics. The park also offers hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

WV Recreation

Blackwater Falls

If you are staying for an extra day or two, you may want to consider exploring a little beyond the borders of Morgantown and into West Virginia’s true wilderness. A large number of the following are found in the Monongahelia National Forest, so you may want to plan a trip there and see them all. Note: the Monongahelia National Forest is quite large, so there will be travel time between destinations.

Blackwater Falls : Country roads, take me home. You won’t understand those lyrics until you take a trip into the mountains, and making the trip to Blackwater Falls is the perfect opportunity. At about 70 miles away, the trip will set you back 1.5 to 2 hours, but the total experience is well worth it.

Canaan Valley : A ski resort about 10 miles from Blackwater Falls.

Seneca Rock

Spruce Knob and Mountains : Not only the highest point in West Virginia, it is also the highest point in all of the Allegheny Mountains. If you are already making the trip to Blackwater Falls, you may want to drive the extra hour to see this as well. In the process, you’ll see more of the mountains that line the Monongahelia National Forest.

Smokehole Caverns and Seneca Rocks : One of the most iconic land formations in WV is Seneca Rock. Hiking and rock climbing activities are available. It’s also very close to Smokehole Caverns, which offers tours of the caves with some record breaking formations.

New River Gorge Bridge

New River Gorge Bridge : Another state icon, this one is featured on the WV State Quarter. Originally the world’s longest arch bridge, it is now the third longest and fifth highest in the world. Combined with the WV Mountains, it is a sight to behold. While this one is a bit further away (about 2.5 hours), it’s a great choice for fans making the road trip up through WV.

Snowshoe : A great skiing resort destination. Because of its location in the mountains, this one will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours from Morgantown.

The Greenbrier Hotel

The Greenbrier : Opened in 1778, this hotel has hosted U.S. presidents, tycoons, and stars as well as having historical significance, serving as a bunker for Congress during the Cold War. Visitors now play golf and enjoy the first-class spa. It is a top rated Forbes and AAA luxury resort. Located at the opposite end of the state, this one is an option for fans traveling up through the state.

Local Shopping and Entertainment

The nearest mall worth visiting is the Morgantown Mall with a cinema and food court. Take our word and don’t bother visiting the Mountaineer Mall.

The University Town Center, just off the WVU exit of I-79 also offers shopping options and includes a movie theater.

The Glenmark Center offers some additional shopping options and is located just off of exit #7 on I-68.

Theaters and Music:

Coal Country Mini Golf

Hollywood Theaters

Carmike Cinemas

123 Pleasant Street (Nightlife—features great local music)

Bowling:

Suburban Lanes –close to the stadium and connected to Kegler’s Sports Bar.

Sycamore Lanes: a quieter alternative.

Mini-golf:

Coal Country : If you want to play a little putt-putt while learning about WV’s rich coal history first hand, then visit this oddity right off of I-79. It features obstacles made from actual mining equipment.

Up next: Game Day, bring on the Mountaineers!

Or back to the guide.

Home Away From Home

2012-02-20T04:14:00.000-05:00

The hotels tend to fill up fast on and around game dates, so make sure you book your rooms as soon as possible. Also remember that staying in Fairmont or Bridgeport is a very good option, as they are easily accessible from I-79 and may save you some money. If all of the hotels fill up, you may have to book a hotel in Washington or Pittsburgh, PA.

The Best

Waterfront Place Hotel

Waterfront Place Hotel : One of the nicer hotels in the area. Make sure to book early if you would like to stay here! Fun fact: Dana Holgorsen is staying here while his home is being built in Morgantown.

Residence Inn : Right next to Mountaineer Field. Considered to be the most convenient hotel for Mountaineer games, with access to tailgating and all of the pregame festivities just across the street. Get a room here and you'll be closer to the action than most of the locals!

Hotel Morgan, downtown Morgantown

Euro-Suites: Not far from stadium and within walking distance of Kegler's sports bar.

Clarion Hotel Morgan: Located downtown. Great if you intend to explore the night life.

Hilton Garden Inn: Near chain restaurants and shopping, just off of I-79.

Other Options

These hotels are great, but they are a little far from campus so you may miss out on the game day atmosphere if you plan on hanging around the hotel room. On the other hand, these may save you some money. And who wants to stay in the hotel all day anyhow? Get out and explore the town!

Marriott Fairfield Inn, Fairmont WV

Marriott SpringHill Suites

Holiday Inn: Near chain restaurants and shopping, just off of I-68.

Comfort Inn: Far from campuses, but close to shuttle site (Mountaineer Mall).

Marriott SpringHill Suites: About a 15 minute drive to the stadium (without traffic).

Clarion Inn (Fairmont): Located just off of I-79 in Fairmont.

Marriott Fairfield Inn (Fairmont): Another nice hotel, located just off I-79.

Up next: WV Entertainment, the sights and sounds of WV.

Or back to the guide.

Taste of WV

2012-02-20T04:12:00.001-05:00

If this is your first trip to WV, then you're in for a treat when it comes to unique local foods. While there are plenty of chain restaurants (Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Chili’s, etc.), we’re providing choices that are unique to the area. There's too much to try if you're only in for the day, but we urge you to try at least one thing from the list and get a taste of West Virginia fare.

Italian Heritage

Before we jump into the list, here’s a quick note about WV and its great Italian dining. Many people in North Central West Virginia have Italian lineage, some estimate as much as 20% of the local population. The reason stems from Italian Americans relocating to WV for coal mining opportunities in the 1800s. As a result, many families created their own versions of Italian dishes that have become regional to North Central West Virginia.

Without further ado, we present our list of the best things to eat and drink in and around Morgantown:

10. Local Upscale Dining

Have a little extra cash to spend? Check out some of Morgantown’ pricier restaurants for great quality and service.

Regatta Bar and Grill

Stefano’s Restaurant

The Vintage Room

Sargasso

Heritage Room at the Ramada

Café Bacchus

Madeline’s

Synergy Chophouse

Maxwell’s (Not as pricey, but interesting menu).

9. Varsity Club

The Varsity Club is a sports bar located close to the stadium that has a large menu and an even larger selection of beer. Deemed "The Home of the MountainBeers”.

Dairy Cream Corner, Fairmont WV

8. Dairy Cream Corner

Dairy Cream Corner, just down I-79 in Fairmont, is a little dive that has not only excellent value desserts, but also some very tasty grub (including most of the items on this list that are unique to WV). Stop by and ask for a large ice cream if you dare. Disclaimer: it will likely melt before you finish it—yes, it’s that large.

7. The CID-wich

You'll find this monstrosity at Colasante’s Ristorante & Pub. Not for the faint of heart, this ridiculous “sandwich” is a choice of sirloin steak, grilled chicken, or ham stuffed between two slices of pizza bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayo served with fries, all for $6.49. Very unique and very delicious!

6. Colasessano's Pizza

Colasessano's Pizza

Think you’ve had thick pizza? Not if you haven’t tried Colasessano’s. We’ve had a lot of pizza, but never any like this. In fact, their boxes say “The secret is in the dough”. We don’t know the secret, but we know that this is one unique place you won’t want to pass over. They have locations in Morgantown and Fairmont. And, there’s another delectable menu item at Colasessano’s that shows up later on the list…

5. Black Bear

Black Bear is a very unique local restaurant that serves fresh, affordable food with a wonderful atmosphere in downtown Morgantown. They also have microbrews. When possible, they use ingredients grown in WV. From the website:

“We are an innovative small business providing a wide range of ethnic cuisines prepared using the freshest ingredients served in a unique Appalachian atmosphere that embraces the cultures, arts and music of West Virginia as well as Morgantown.”

4. Hot dogs with "sauce"

Yann's hot dogs

It’s not chili; it’s hot dog sauce. It is native to Fairmont, and the best is at Yann’s—a small shack in downtown Fairmont that seats about half a dozen people. If you’ve ever been to Geno’s in Philly to order an original cheese steak, then you know there are rules to ordering. Well, there are rules here too, but it’s not that complicated. Just don’t ask for catsup, slaw, sauerkraut, or cheese--the owner has been compared to the Soup Nazi, and will kick you out! Southern West Virginians can't believe the absence of coleslaw (a classic WV topping), but this is the way it's done locally in Mountaineer country.
The hotdogs are 85 cents and come with mustard, onions, and sauce. Warning: the sauce is HOT. The sauce is what makes North Central WV hot dogs unique. Other places have chili, but nowhere else has sauce like this. If you can’t make it to Yann’s, there are several other places (like Dairy Cream Corner) that have sauce as well. Wherever you go, make sure to order two hot dogs with chocolate milk to drink—that’s how the locals do it.

3. Beer and drinks.

Morgantown is known for its beer brewing and drinking. If you want to find a great local brew, have a cold one and wings, or drink a cocktail or two, check out some of the places below:

Mario's Fish Bowl

Morgantown Brewing Company

Morgantown Brewing Company. Local beer brewery with a food menu too. This beer is also served in the stadium.

Mario’s Fishbowl: Beer the size of a fishbowl. ‘Nuff said. People usually leave notes on the wall when they first visit, including some local legends…Holgorsen, ahem.

Kegler’s Sports Bar & Lounge : Good beer and wings. Connected to a bowling alley.

Get a beer at the stadium. Why? Because you can!

Morgantown Bars. There are plenty of bars and clubs offering nightlife, beer, and drinks.

2. Italian

You’re not going to find restaurants as expensive as those in the Little Italy sections of larger cities, but what you will find is a unique blend of Italian cuisine created by the Italian population in North Central WV over the past century. Everyone has their favorite when it comes to Italian, but here is our list of the best:

Muriale’s Italian Restaurant and Catering, Fairmont, WV. Only about 20 minutes south of Morgantown, this restaurant is the best of the pack and well worth the drive. Everything from authenticity to atmosphere and service to value is top notch. The owner, Rocco Muriale, is almost always on hand. As a total WV Italian dining experience, it can’t be beat. While everything is great, you’ll be surprised by just how good the basics are: spaghetti and meatballs, salad with house dressing, Italian bread made in-house.

Oliverio’s Ristorante, Morgantown and Bridgeport, WV

Puglioni’s Pasta & Pizza, Morgantown, WV

Minard’s Spaghetti Inn, Clarksburg, WV

1. Pepperoni Rolls

The number one, absolute must-try dish for visiting fans is the Fairmont, WV original pepperoni roll. There’s no food that is more uniquely West Virginian, and you can’t say you’ve experience a trip to WVU without one. And before you say "been there, done that", many people erroneously mistake a pepperoni roll for a calzone or stromboli. This is a huge mistake! Pepperoni rolls never contain pizza sauce, and they never contain any Italian meat other than pepperoni.

So, what is it then? Well, it’s essentially pepperoni baked into homemade bread dough with optional toppings including cheese, sauces, and Italian peppers. Its sounds simple, and it is. But it packs huge flavor and is great for a practically any type of meal: snack, lunch, or casual dinner. If you opt for the original with no toppings, it’s a great portable snack that can be carried with you throughout the day (which by the way is how they got their start—coal miners needed an easy, long-lasting lunch food). But as simple as it sounds, the pepperoni roll can vary in so many ways from the type of pepperoni (stick, slice, ground) to the toppings and level of spiciness. A little change can make a big difference, and each variation creates a multitude of combinations. Remember the hot dog sauce? Several local restaurants put that on as well.

With so many varieties and places that serve these delights, it’s hard to say which is the best. Try any you want (this is all you need to know), but here’s our suggestion:

Birthplace of the pepperoni roll

The original. Of course, with anything, you should always try the original. In this case, that’s the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, WV. You can pick these up in area grocery stores, but if you want to best experience, stop by the bakery and pick up a fresh batch.

Colasessano’s Pepperoni Roll. On the opposite end of the pepperoni roll spectrum, is Colasessano’s variety loaded with everything (meat sauce, provolone, and Italian peppers). This hoagie-sized roll is larger than most, so come hungry.

Colasessano's with everything

We feel that if you try the two varieties above, you’ll have a good indication of the kinds of pepperoni rolls that are out there. But don’t stop there! Check out grocery stores and gas stations for different varieties, including some that have pepper jack cheese or sourdough bread.

One last tip: try Oliverio's Italian peppers (made in Clarksburg, WV) on your pepperoni roll to add even more flavor. They are also a very tasty addition to pasta sauce or on a hamburger fresh off the grill.

Up next: Home Away From Home, where to stay while you're in town.

Or back to the guide.

West Virginia University

2012-02-20T04:09:00.001-05:00

West Virginia University is truly a symbol of the State of West Virginia. After all, the school's mascot is the Mountaineer, and the state's motto is "Montani Semper Liberi" or "Mountaineers are always free". "Old Gold and Blue" not only describe what the players wear on Saturday, they are also the official colors of the state. And while WVU represents West Virginia in so many ways, it also stands alone as a diverse university with rich tradition and a history of academic and athletic success that reach far beyond the state's borders.

Watch this fantastic intro video to get a better feel for the university and its history.

WVU Facts

Established: 1867.
Endowment: Over $400 million.
Enrollment: nearly 30,000 students.

Colleges: 15

Degree programs: 193

Colors: Old Gold and Blue.

Mascot: The Mountaineer. Every Mountaineer mascot dons buckskins and a coonskin cap tailored to fit them personally. They also sport a rifle that fires blanks, as well as grow a beard.

Fight Song: “Hail West Virginia!”

Alma Mater: “West Virginia Alma Mater”

Here are some basic facts from the WVU website.

Academic Facts:
WVU has produced 25 Rhodes Scholars, ranking No. 6 among American public institutions. The University also has produced 30 Goldwater Scholars, 19 Truman Scholars, five members of USA Today's All-USA College Academic First Team, and two Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship winners.
WVU is affiliated with the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, dedicated to the study of Alzheimer's and other diseases that affect the brain. WVU is also a leader in forensic and biometric technology research and recently became the Federal Bureau of Investigation's lead academic partner in biometrics research. The university established the first bachelor of science program in biometric systems in the world. According to a survey by the Wall Street Journal, employers ranked West Virginia University in the top 45 and WVU's Engineering program 23rd nationally for producing graduates best qualified to enter the workforce. Students attend WVU from every county in the state, every state in the country, and over 100 countries around the world.

Campus

WVU features a split campus, generally grouped into the Downtown, Evansdale, and Medical campuses. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) connects these campuses and is free to everyone on game day. The PRT is definitely a one-of-a-kind mode of transportation and is a must-see while in Morgantown. Also, unlike other campuses, WVU and Morgantown meld together, at times indistinguishable from one another with a mixture of businesses and university buildings.

Here’s a quick overview of what’s on each campus as well as campus maps:

Downtown: Educational and administrative buildings, as well as the WVU student union (Mountainlair) and main library. This is the original campus featuring the iconic Woodburn Hall, and has a more traditional campus feel. There are some newer buildings mixed in, and the campus blends into downtown Morgantown.

Things to do: See the Mountaineer statue, visit downtown Morgantown and nightlife, visit the Mountainlair, tour the campus and Woodburn Circle. View the mast of the USS West Virginia that was sunk at Pearl Harbor.

Evansdale: WVU Coliseum, Soccer Field, Baseball field. Creative arts center, agricultural and engineering facilities. Student recreation center.

Things to do: Attend a basketball, soccer, or baseball game. Tour the Coliseum and visit the Jerry West statue. Visit the WVU Core Arboretum. Tour the engineering campus. Attend a play or concert at the Creative Arts Center.

Medical: Medical school facilities and Mountaineer Field.

Things to do: Attend a football game. Walk up Law School Hill and overlook Mountaineer Field. Tailgate in the Blue Lot.

Morgantown, WV
Morgantown, WV, affectionately referred to as "Mo'town" or Touchdown City, is the "home of every Mountaineer". Fully intertwined with the city, the university features a split campus that sprawls across the rolling hills and along the north-flowing Monongahela river. A better college atmosphere is hard to come by, as literally the entire city is in someway connected to the university. There's a flying WV on every car and a "Let's Go Mountaineers!" chant around every corner.

Check out the views around Morgantown with this great time lapse video of various aspects of the city titled “Morgantown in Motion”.

Morgantown is known as one of the best small cities in America, as discussed on NBC Nightly News.

Here is a listing of top things to do around Morgantown. Even though this list is for students, it’s worth a look: Top 10 things to do.

Athletics

Official Logo: The flying WV, an interlocked WV symbol.

Football:

In all of college football, WVU has the best record of all teams that have never won a national championship. WVU has two undefeated regular seasons (both under legendary coach Don Nehlen), but lost the 1988 National Championship Game (Fiesta Bowl) to Notre Dame and were not selected to play for the National Championship in 1993 despite their 11-0 record. Currently, WVU is behind only Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 for number of wins, with just over 700.
In the last decade, the football team has featured a 3-0 BCS bowl record, ten consecutive bowl game appearances, a #1 ranking in the USA Today Coaches Poll, three consecutive 11-win seasons amassing a 33-5 record, 41 consecutive weeks in the top 25, and 6 conference championships.

Stadium: Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium (Fans just say “Mountaineer Field”).

Capacity: 60,000. Was larger until added suites replaced standing room only sections.

Record Attendance: 70,222. #9 WVU defeated #4 Miami on Nov 20, 1993.

Basketball:
The basketball team won the national championship in 1942 and lost the 1959 national championship by one point to Cal. The star of the 1959 game was Jerry West, future 14-time NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and NBA Logo. In the past decade, the men's basketball team won the 2010 Big East championship, and appeared four times in the sweet sixteen, twice in the elite-eight, and once in the final-four of the NCAA tournament.
WVU's current coach and former alum, Bob Huggins has over 700 career victories and is currently fourth on the active coach win list behind Coach K, Jim Booheim, and Jim Calhoun.

Arena: Coliseum

Capacity: 14,000

Record Attendance: 16,704. #6 WVU defeated Pittsburgh on February 24, 1982.

Here’s a look at the new WVU basketball facility (they’re going to have to change those Big East logos!).

Other Notable Achievements:
The WVU Rifle team accounts for nearly 50% of all rifle national championships with 14 total of the 30 in history.

WVU's Georgeann Wells recorded the first dunk in a Women's College Basketball game in 1984. In history only five women have dunked in college basketball, and only three in the WNBA.

Now that you have your bearings set with some essential WVU info, it’s time to dig in and find out what you should do while you are visiting.

Up next: Taste of WV, our list of the best Mountaineer grub.

Or back to the guide.

Welcome to West Virginia

2012-02-20T04:01:00.000-05:00

West Virginia is unique. It’s refreshing. It’s “Almost Heaven”. If you’re looking for big cities, extravagant shopping, and urbanized utopias, you will be sorely disappointed, but if you’d like to experience breathtaking countryside, endless recreation including skiing and whitewater rafting, great Italian dining, and football games with insanely passionate fans, then take a trip down those country roads.

West Virginia, Wild and Wonderful

When you visit WV, you become immersed in different culture—one where the Mountaineers are more than just the home team. They are a representation of the entire State of West Virginia, a place unlike any other when it comes to the importance of college sports. There are no professional teams of any kind—college is everything. And while that may be true of places like Alabama, West Virginia has no Auburn to create a divide in the fan base. Sure, there's Marshall, but outside of the Coal Bowl it's common to find even those in Huntington rooting for the Mountaineers. Everyone cheers for WVU because it is an extension of the state that we love and are proud to represent. Too often is West Virginia the butt end of crude and unfair stereotypical judgement. Because of that, West Virginians have an "us against the world" mentality, and we always have each other's back. The Mountaineers are a way for the state to showcase who we really are and what we can achieve. Wins and losses are about more than just a game, and that leads to an intense, loyal fan base who share a common bond of being proud West Virginians.
Because the school and state are so intricately intertwined, it is impossible to understand one without exploring the other. Read on to discover the interesting things that are uniquely West Virginian. Be sure to watch the video below for great visuals and a short introduction.

West Virginia State Facts

Population:

We’re a small state with about 1.9 million. That means there’s plenty of beautiful, unspoiled wilderness open for exploration. All the green on the map represents less than 50 people per square mile.

Largest Cities:

Charleston, WV

West Virginia is one of only a few states that have no large cities. Its population is spread out over rural communities and small to mid-sized cities. Here are a few of the larger ones:

Charleston (51k), Huntington (49k), Parkersburg (30k), Morgantown (30k), Wheeling (29k), Weirton (20k), Fairmont (19k)

Interesting note: the daytime population estimate for Morgantown with students and businesses is 70,000 to 90,000, making it the largest population center in the state while WVU is in session. In addition, Mountaineer Field becomes the largest “city” in the state on game days.

Capital: Charleston (Southern WV)

Nickname: The Mountain State

Colors: Old Gold and Blue (also the colors of WVU).

State Flag:

State Seal:

Official Motto: Montani semper liberi (Mountaineers Are Always Free)

Slogans: “Wild and Wonderful”, “Almost Heaven”

Industries: Coal, oil, gas, forestry, manufacturing, steel, glass, chemicals, and tourism. West Virginia is known for it's coal industry that has produced over 13 billion tons of coal since the state's inception.

Official Songs:

West Virginia has three official state songs, which is quite unusual.

“The West Virginia Hills”. (Alternate rendition with words)

“This is My West Virginia”
“West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home”

Unofficial Songs:

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

John Denver helped break in Mountaineer Field during its opening ceremonies on September 6, 1980:

“My Home Among the Hills”. This song’s lyrics most closely depict the natural beauty of the state in our opinion.

WV Trivia

Succession:
West Virginia is the only state to separate from another state, and the legality of that move was questioned due to the following statement in the Constitution, Article 4, Section 3: "...no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, or parts of states, without the consent of the legislature of the states concerned, as well as of the congress." You can read more here.

Jerry West, NBA Logo and Lakers Star

Notable Natives:
Jerry West (The NBA Logo)
Mary Lou Retton (Olympic Gold Medalist)
Randy Moss

Mary Lou Retton

Lou Holtz
Nick Saban

Rich Rodriguez
Bob Huggins
Brad Paisley (Country Singer)
Don Knotts (Actor, Andy Griffith Show)
Stonewall Jackson
Chuck Yeager (First to break sound barrier)
Jennifer Garner (Actress)
Johnnie "Johnny B. Goode" Johnson
Pearl S. Buck (first American woman to win Nobel Prize in Literature)

Originated in WV:
Mother's Day
Father's Day
State sales tax
Pepperoni Rolls

Other Facts:
West Virginia was nearly named "Kanawha".

WVU and Pitt played the first football game every broadcast on the radio (1921, KDKA).

West Virginia and Kentucky are the sites of the most famous American family feud, the Hatfields and McCoys.

After the Cold War was over, the Washington Post revealed that underneath the Greenbrier resort at White Sulphur Springs, WV the U.S. government had kept secret a massive two-story bunker to house the United States Congress for forty days in the event of a nuclear attack.

WV Misconceptions

Western Virginia

West Virginia is a state, and it's not part of Virginia! June 20, 1863. Civil War. 50 states. Do these ring a bell? If not, go back to middle school. Apparently, that includes Brad Nessler. But seriously, how do people overlook such a uniquely shaped state on the map? I guess Miss South Carolina was right...we need more maps.

WV is Southern, right?

In short, no one really knows. There are groups who conflictingly claim that WV is Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Mid-Western. We would imagine that most Big 12 fans consider it Eastern (or Northern for those of TX and maybe OK), but that’s based upon our relative positions on the map. There are many factors that add to this confusion. The Mason-Dixon Line symbolizes the divide between the North and the South. While most of the state is to the South, WV’s panhandle extends north into Ohio and Pennsylvania. Also, how do you classify a state as Southern when it succeeded from Virginia during the Civil War to to become part of the Union? Here's a famous quote from the late Senator Robert C. Byrd:

"Its boundaries extend farther north than Pittsburgh, farther south than Richmond -- the capital of the Old Confederacy -- as far east as Buffalo, New York, and as far west as Columbus, Ohio. It is the most southern of the northern and the most northern of the southern; the most eastern of the western and the most western of the eastern. It is where the East says good morning to the West, and where Yankee Doodle and Dixie kiss each other good night!"

Stereotypes

We don’t need to list them, and you don’t need to use them. Every state has them, and there’s always someone who will reinforce them. But we are here to tell you that those people are the exceptions, not just here in West Virginia, but everywhere. Stereotypes, for the most part, are just ignorant and gross generalizations of the worst representatives of a group. Let’s leave them behind.

Now that you’ve discovered what the state of West Virginia is like, it’s time to take a closer look at its flagship university. Welcome to the Mountain State!

Up next: West Virginia University
Or back to the guide.

The Big 12 Guide To WVU

2012-02-20T04:00:00.006-05:00

West Virginians are thrilled to be part of the Big 12, and we want fans from Austin to Ames to have a great time when they travel those Country Roads. Read on for a quick snapshot of the best of the best that Morgantown and the Old Gold and Blue have to offer, and be ready for some “cheers, beers, and Mountaineers!”

Welcome to West Virginia

A trip to Morgantown is a trip to West Virginia, and for many Big 12 fans, it’s safe to assume this will be their first journey to either. So, we’re starting with a quick glance at the Mountain State.

West Virginia University

Now that you’ve discovered what the state of West Virginia is like, it’s time to take a closer look at its flagship university.

Taste of WV

Discover the local treasures that make WV dining unique. You can eat at chain restaurants anywhere, but your chances of finding this grub outside the state borders are slim. Don't leave Morgantown without sampling the local fare.

Home Away From Home

The best hotels and where to find them. Avoid traffic on game day, and arrive a day early. Take the extra time to check out the sights and sounds mentioned in this guide.

WV Entertainment

Looking for shopping and entertainment to fill in the gaps on your trip, or maybe looking for something more? There's plenty of local shopping and entertainment, and if you allow for a little extra time during your visit, there are some great opportunities to see some of the best West Virginia landmarks not too far from Morgantown.

Game Day

Everything you need to know to prepare you for kickoff in Touchdown City. If riding the PRT, watching the Mountaineer Mantrip, or making your way through the Blue Lot doesn't sound familiar, you'll definitely want to absorb this information.

Mountaineer Insider

Are the locals saying things that you don't understand? Are you making enemies by bringing up topics you thought were relatively harmless? You might want to check out these extras to feel a little more grounded.

Thanks for reading! Hopefully a few things here will help you out on your journey to Morgantown in the years to come. The Big 12 seems like a great fit for WVU, and Mountaineer fans everywhere are excited to join a conference with such quality opponents.
Writing this guide reminded us of how much we love Mountaineer sports, and we know that you feel the same about your home team. If you know of any similar guides for teams in the Big 12, please let us know by sending us an email at mailbag@wvsportsnation.com. With your permission, we'll post a link to your guide here as well.

Once again, thanks for reading, and have a safe trip on your journeys to the Mountain State. We'll be seeing a lot of each other very soon.

BCS Chances: Pitt

2011-11-22T14:29:00.001-05:00

This post is a continuation of 128 Big East Outcomes and explores the 14 0 scenarios (of 128) where Pittsburgh would obtain the Big East's BCS bid. As a reminder, the following is a breakdown of the remaining scenarios by the team that obtains the BCS bid:

Louisville: 37 (28.90625%)
Rutgers: 37 (28.90625%)
West Virginia: 27 (21.09375%)
Cincinnati: 13 (10.15625%)
Pittsburgh: ~~14 (10.9375%)~~ 0 (0.0000%)

Without further ado, and in honor of the Backyard Brawl, Pittsburgh's chances...

Come on...what did you expect? It's the Backyard Brawl, and it may be the last one for the foreseeable future. There's "no chance" this Mountaineer is helping out a Pitt fan.

We'll wrap up this series with a classic Pitt-bashing quote from none other than Jack Fleming. You know, the great Steelers announcer who called the Immaculate Reception. Well, he was also the "Voice of the Mountaineers," and he grew up right beside old Mountaineer Field. And when he was young, his mother bestowed upon him one of the best lines in Pitt-hating, West Virginia history:

"Son, that's Pitt. You hate Pitt now. You hate Pitt tomorrow. You hate Pitt until the day you die. After that, you will hate Pitt for eternity."

Let's Go Mountaineers! Beat PITT!

BCS Chances: Cincinnati

2011-11-22T14:25:00.001-05:00

This post is a continuation of 128 Big East Outcomes and explores the 13 scenarios (of 128) where Cincinnati would obtain the Big East's BCS bid. As a reminder, the following is a breakdown of the remaining scenarios by the team that obtains the BCS bid:

Louisville: 37 (28.90625%)
Rutgers: 37 (28.90625%)
West Virginia: 27 (21.09375%)
Cincinnati: 13 (10.15625%)
Pittsburgh: 14 (10.9375%)

Without further ado, Cincinnati's chances...

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
CINCINNATI (13 of 128):
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

SCENARIO 1:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati and Louisville are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Cincinnati won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 2:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (4-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)
Pittsburgh (4-3)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (2-1)
Rutgers (2-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Cincinnati (8-4)
Rutgers (8-4)

However, Cincinnati has the longest winning streak (1 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 3:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati and Louisville are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Cincinnati won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 4:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 5:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 6:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Cincinnati won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 7:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Cincinnati has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Cincinnati (2-0)
Pittsburgh (1-1)
Louisville (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 8:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Cincinnati has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Cincinnati (2-0)
Pittsburgh (1-1)
Louisville (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 9:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Cincinnati won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 10:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 11:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 12:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati and Louisville are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Cincinnati won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 13:
BCS Bid: 
 Cincinnati
EXPLANATION: 
 Cincinnati and Louisville are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Cincinnati won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)

BCS Chances: West Virginia

2011-11-22T14:20:00.001-05:00

This post is a continuation of 128 Big East Outcomes and explores the 27 scenarios (of 128) where West Virginia would obtain the Big East's BCS bid. As a reminder, the following is a breakdown of the remaining scenarios by the team that obtains the BCS bid:

Louisville: 37 (28.90625%)
Rutgers: 37 (28.90625%)
West Virginia: 27 (21.09375%)
Cincinnati: 13 (10.15625%)
Pittsburgh: 14 (10.9375%)

Without further ado, West Virginia's chances...

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WEST VIRGINIA (27 of 128):
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SCENARIO 1:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (1-1)
West Virginia (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
West Virginia (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)

However, West Virginia has the longest winning streak (3 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 2:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 3:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (4-3)
West Virginia (4-3)
Connecticut (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)
Pittsburgh (4-3)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
West Virginia (3-1)
Louisville (3-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, West Virginia has the best overall record (8-4) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 4:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)

West Virginia has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
West Virginia (2-0)
Rutgers (1-1)
Cincinnati (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 5:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 6:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, West Virginia won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 7:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
West Virginia (2-1)
Louisville (2-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, West Virginia has the best overall record (9-3) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 8:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (4-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
West Virginia (4-3)
Connecticut (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
West Virginia (3-1)
Louisville (3-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, West Virginia has the best overall record (8-4) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 9:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
West Virginia (2-1)
Louisville (2-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, West Virginia has the best overall record (9-3) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 10:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, West Virginia won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 11:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (1-1)
West Virginia (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
West Virginia (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)

However, West Virginia has the longest winning streak (3 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 12:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (4-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
West Virginia (4-3)
Connecticut (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)
Pittsburgh (4-3)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
West Virginia (3-2)
Louisville (3-2)
Pittsburgh (3-2)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, West Virginia has the best overall record (8-4) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 13:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, West Virginia won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 14:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 15:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, West Virginia won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 16:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, West Virginia won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 17:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (4-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
West Virginia (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)
Pittsburgh (4-3)

West Virginia has the best head-to-head record (3-1) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
West Virginia (3-1)
Cincinnati (2-2)
Rutgers (2-2)
Louisville (2-2)
Pittsburgh (1-3)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 18:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 19:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (4-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
West Virginia (4-3)
Connecticut (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)
Pittsburgh (4-3)

West Virginia has the best head-to-head record (4-1) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
West Virginia (4-1)
Louisville (3-2)
Cincinnati (2-3)
Rutgers (2-3)
Connecticut (2-3)
Pittsburgh (2-3)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 20:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)

West Virginia has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
West Virginia (2-0)
Rutgers (1-1)
Cincinnati (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 21:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia and Cincinnati are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, West Virginia won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 22:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (4-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
West Virginia (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
West Virginia (2-1)
Louisville (2-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, West Virginia has the best overall record (8-4) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 23:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 24:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (4-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
West Virginia (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)
Pittsburgh (4-3)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (2-2)
Rutgers (2-2)
West Virginia (2-2)
Louisville (2-2)
Pittsburgh (2-2)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Cincinnati (8-4)
West Virginia (8-4)
Rutgers (8-4)

And finally, the following teams are also tied for longest active win streak:
Cincinnati (1 wins)
West Virginia (1 wins)

In this case, the last option is to use the current BCS standings to predict the final outcome. West Virginia is ranked the highest in the extended BCS standings, and is therefore most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 25:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 26:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, West Virginia won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 27:
BCS Bid: 
 West Virginia
EXPLANATION: 
 West Virginia and Cincinnati are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, West Virginia won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)

BCS Chances: Rutgers

2011-11-22T14:12:00.001-05:00

This post is a continuation of 128 Big East Outcomes and explores the 37 scenarios (of 128) where Rutgers would obtain the Big East's BCS bid. As a reminder, the following is a breakdown of the remaining scenarios by the team that obtains the BCS bid:

Louisville: 37 (28.90625%)
Rutgers: 37 (28.90625%)
West Virginia: 27 (21.09375%)
Cincinnati: 13 (10.15625%)
Pittsburgh: 14 (10.9375%)

Without further ado, Rutgers' chances...

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
RUTGERS (37 of 128):
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

SCENARIO 1:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 2:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Rutgers has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Rutgers (2-0)
Cincinnati (1-1)
Pittsburgh (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 3:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 4:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (1-1)
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Rutgers (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)

However, Rutgers has the longest winning streak (3 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 5:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (1-1)
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Rutgers (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)

However, Rutgers has the longest winning streak (3 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 6:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 7:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Pittsburgh are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 8:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 9:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Pittsburgh are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 10:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (1-1)
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Rutgers (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)

However, Rutgers has the longest winning streak (3 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 11:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Pittsburgh are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 12:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)
Pittsburgh (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, Rutgers has the best overall record (9-3) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 13:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (4-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
Connecticut (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)
Pittsburgh (4-3)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (2-2)
Rutgers (2-2)
Connecticut (2-2)
Louisville (2-2)
Pittsburgh (2-2)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Cincinnati (8-4)
Rutgers (8-4)

And finally, the following teams are also tied for longest active win streak:
Cincinnati (0 wins)
Rutgers (0 wins)

In this case, the last option is to use the current BCS standings to predict the final outcome. Rutgers is ranked the highest in the extended BCS standings, and is therefore most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 14:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)
Pittsburgh (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, Rutgers has the best overall record (9-3) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 15:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 16:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Pittsburgh are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 17:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 18:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Pittsburgh are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 19:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 20:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (2-1)
Rutgers (2-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Rutgers (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)

However, Rutgers has the longest winning streak (3 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 21:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Cincinnati are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 22:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Rutgers has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Rutgers (2-0)
Cincinnati (1-1)
Pittsburgh (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 23:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 24:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 25:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 26:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)
Pittsburgh (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, Rutgers has the best overall record (9-3) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 27:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Cincinnati are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 28:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)
Pittsburgh (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, Rutgers has the best overall record (9-3) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 29:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Pittsburgh are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 30:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 31:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)
Pittsburgh (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, Rutgers has the best overall record (9-3) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 32:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (1-1)
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Rutgers (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)

However, Rutgers has the longest winning streak (3 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 33:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Cincinnati are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 34:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Cincinnati (5-2)
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Cincinnati (2-1)
Rutgers (2-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

Of those with identical head-to-head records, the following teams are also tied for best overall season records:
Rutgers (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)

However, Rutgers has the longest winning streak (3 wins) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 35:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 36:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 Rutgers and Cincinnati are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Rutgers won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        W vs Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      L vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

SCENARIO 37:
BCS Bid: 
 Rutgers
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-2)

Within the group, the following teams have identical head-to-head records:
Rutgers (1-1)
Louisville (1-1)
Pittsburgh (1-1)

In this case, the BCS ranking determines the BCS bowl representative. Several factors including overall record, longest active win streak, and current rankings are used to predict the final BCS poll.

However, Rutgers has the best overall record (9-3) among those teams, and is therefore is most likely to have the highest BCS rating and receive the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   W vs Syracuse (7-5, 5-2)        
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)

BCS Chances: Louisville

2011-11-22T13:55:00.000-05:00

This post is a continuation of 128 Big East Outcomes and explores the 37 scenarios (of 128) where Louisville would obtain the Big East's BCS bid. As a reminder, the following is a breakdown of the remaining scenarios by the team that obtains the BCS bid:

Louisville: 37 (28.90625%)
Rutgers: 37 (28.90625%)
West Virginia: 27 (21.09375%)
Cincinnati: 13 (10.15625%)
Pittsburgh: 14 (10.9375%)

Without further ado, Louisville's chances...

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
LOUISVILLE (37 of 128):
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

*SCENARIO 1*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 2*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 3*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and West Virginia are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 4*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 5*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Louisville has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Louisville (2-0)
West Virginia (1-1)
Rutgers (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 6*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 7*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and West Virginia are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 8*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 9*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 10*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 11*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 12*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 13*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 14*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and West Virginia are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 15*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 16*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 17*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Louisville has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Louisville (2-0)
West Virginia (1-1)
Rutgers (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 18*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 19*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 20*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 21*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 22*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 23*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 24*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 25*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 26*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 27*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Louisville has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Louisville (2-0)
West Virginia (1-1)
Rutgers (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
Connecticut (4-8, 2-5)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         L at Cincinnati (4-8, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 28*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and Rutgers are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 29*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Louisville has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Louisville (2-0)
West Virginia (1-1)
Rutgers (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 30*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      W at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 31*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (4-3)
West Virginia (4-3)
Connecticut (4-3)
Louisville (4-3)

Louisville has the best head-to-head record (3-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Louisville (3-0)
West Virginia (2-1)
Connecticut (1-2)
Rutgers (0-3)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Louisville (6-6, 4-3)           L at South Florida (6-6, 4-3)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (8-4, 4-3)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      L at South Florida (8-4, 4-3)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
South Florida (7-5, 3-5)        W vs Louisville (6-5, 2-5)      W vs West Virginia (7-5, 3-5)   
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 32*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Louisville has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Louisville (2-0)
West Virginia (1-1)
Rutgers (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 33*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville has the best Big East conference record (5-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           W at West Virginia (6-5, 4-2)   L vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (7-5, 3-4)        L vs Pittsburgh (7-4, 3-3)      L at South Florida (7-5, 3-4)   
South Florida (6-6, 2-6)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      W vs West Virginia (6-6, 2-6)   
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      W at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 34*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 The following teams are tied for the best conference record in the Big East:
Rutgers (5-2)
West Virginia (5-2)
Louisville (5-2)

Louisville has the best head-to-head record (2-0) among the group and therefore receives the BCS bid:
Louisville (2-0)
West Virginia (1-1)
Rutgers (0-2)
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
Rutgers (9-3, 5-2)              W at Connecticut (9-3, 5-2)     --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          L vs Rutgers (4-7, 2-4)         W at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Syracuse (6-6, 2-5)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      L at Pittsburgh (6-6, 2-5)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 35*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and West Virginia are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Cincinnati (7-5, 3-4)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        L vs Connecticut (7-5, 3-4)     
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 36*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and West Virginia are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           W at Syracuse (8-3, 4-2)        L vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Connecticut (6-6, 4-3)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         W at Cincinnati (6-6, 4-3)      
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-3)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   W vs Syracuse (6-6, 4-3)        
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)   
Syracuse (5-7, 1-6)             L vs Cincinnati (5-6, 1-5)      L at Pittsburgh (5-7, 1-6)      


-------------------------------------------

*SCENARIO 37*
BCS Bid: 
 Louisville
EXPLANATION: 
 Louisville and West Virginia are tied in the Big East conference standings (5-2). However, Louisville won the head-to-head matchup during the regular season and receives the BCS bid.
FULL RESULT: 
 Team                            Week 12                         Week 13                         

Louisville (7-5, 5-2)           W at South Florida (7-5, 5-2)   --Bye Week--                    
West Virginia (9-3, 5-2)        W vs Pittsburgh (8-3, 4-2)      W at South Florida (9-3, 5-2)   
Cincinnati (8-4, 4-3)           L at Syracuse (7-4, 3-3)        W vs Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     
Rutgers (8-4, 4-3)              L at Connecticut (8-4, 4-3)     --Bye Week--                    
Connecticut (5-7, 3-4)          W vs Rutgers (5-6, 3-3)         L at Cincinnati (5-7, 3-4)      
Pittsburgh (5-7, 3-4)           L at West Virginia (5-6, 3-3)   L vs Syracuse (5-7, 3-4)        
Syracuse (7-5, 3-4)             W vs Cincinnati (6-5, 2-4)      W at Pittsburgh (7-5, 3-4)      
South Florida (5-7, 1-7)        L vs Louisville (5-6, 1-6)      L vs West Virginia (5-7, 1-7)

128 Big East Outcomes

2011-11-22T12:21:00.001-05:00

With only two weekends and seven games remaining in Big East play, five teams still remain in the hunt for a BCS bowl birth: Louisville, Rutgers, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and oh yeah...Pitt. Just to illustrate how wide open this race is, consider that West Virginia could win the conference outright, or finish in last place. In two weekends. Two!

No team controls its destiny. All fates are intertwined. Even Syracuse, South Florida, and Connecticut, while out of the race, will have a huge impact on the league. For West Virginia fans, South Florida defeating Louisville is monumental. Without going into too much detail, here's a quick breakdown of what WVU needs:

Of 128 total outcomes remaining, only 27 (21%) give WVU the BCS bid. Of those 27, only 4 outcomes exist where Louisville wins against South Florida, and each of those 4 scenarios require Cincinnati to win out. So, it's nearly critical for WVU fans that the Cards lose to USF on Friday morning preceding the Backyard Brawl. Otherwise, the Mountaineers' BCS chances depend on Cincinnati winning their final two, and that's not a very promising prospect with Collaros out.

For your viewing pleasure, and to satisfy your curiosity, we will post the output of a Big East Season simulator created by WV Sports Nation to determine all possible outcomes for the remaining games. We adhered to the Big East rules on tie-breakers to the extent possible. But keep in mind, the rules do not mention anything larger than a 4-way tie, although they are possible (up to a six-way tie is possible). In those cases, we applied the same ruling as a 4-way tie.

We will post all of the results that favor each team in individually, but for now, here are the overall results:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011 Big East Championship and BCS Scenarios
There are 7 games and 128 possible outcomes remaining in the Big East. Below is a listing of the teams by the number of outcomes that would provide that team with a BCS bid:
Louisville: 37 (28.90625%)
Rutgers: 37 (28.90625%)
West Virginia: 27 (21.09375%)
Cincinnati: 13 (10.15625%)
Pittsburgh: 14 (10.9375%)
--------------------------------------------

The comprehensive individual results for each team are now available. Follow the links below to see a breakdown of which 128 scenarios favor each team:

Louisville
Rutgers
West Virginia
Cincinnati
Pittsburgh

Enjoy the list, the turkey, and the football this week. Oh, and...Beat Pitt!

Mountaineer Weekend Updates

2011-10-29T21:45:00.002-04:00

Big 12 announcement details:

After West Virginia was officially inducted into the Big 12 conference Friday evening, the conference made a statement regarding the delay in the announcement that had Mountaineer nation on edge:

"We were moving forward with West Virginia but also having to look at the possibility of being an 11-member conference. We had to pause to make sure that we could accomodate 11 schools, if we could play an 11-team schedule in football next season. We were still waiting on Missouri's decision but we also need to assure ourselves we would have 10 members for next season in order to fulfill our contractual obligations."

No statement was made regarding the accusations that Louisville was being considered at the last minute. Since the vote for the Mountaineers was unanimous, we find it hard to believe the reports regarding Louisville, which may have been nothing more than a tactic to raise doubt. It seems far more likely that Missouri or someone on the Big 12 board raised a question about the logistics of an 11 team conference should it come to that. We can only speculate regarding the true nature of what went on behind the scenes, but the end result is a great one for the Mountaineers. With the only real negatives being travel and the need to find a home for Men's Soccer (the Big 12 doesn't have that), the conference move should bring WVU a new level of national exposure, financial strength, and recruiting capabilities.

Our rant was a little harsh on the Big 12 considering how swiftly they recovered from the mishap. Had things gone differently, our accusations would have been more easily justified. We still stand by our comments regarding the way in which the announcement was made, but we are thankful that West Virginia has a new home, and we're proud to soon be a part of the Big 12 family.

Rutgers Win:

The Mountaineers struggled early in snow-blown whiteout in Piscataway, but the defense that had been all but transparent in the first half held Rutgers without a score in the second, and WVU made it seventeen straight wins against the Scarlet Knights, 41-31. West Virginia is now 6-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big East. Syracuse fell to Louisville today, meaning that the Mountaineers will no longer lose a tiebreaker to the Orange--WVU once again controls its own destiny. If West Virginia wins out, they are guaranteed a spot in a BCS bowl.

Big XII should be ashamed

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

It was just last weekend that reports surfaced indicating that WVU was at the top of the Big XII's list to replace Missouri. It was speculated that an offer could come within a week or two--just as soon as Mizzou made it's jump to the SEC official. Then, just three short days later there was jubilation in the Mountain State. Every media outlet from the Charleston Gazette to the New York Times was reporting a "done deal": West Virginia had applied and been accepted to the Big XII. Mountaineer fans, more than anything else, expressed relief that the anxious waiting and worrying in regards to getting "left behind" was finally over. Sure, the Big XII wasn't the first choice of many--for one, the ACC and SEC were better geographic fits and provided more natural rivalries. But Mountaineer nation wasn't about to complain. Not when the alternative, staying in the decaying Big East, was the equivalent of football suicide.

But Wednesday morning fans awoke to strange news reports that the deal with the Big XII was "on hold." For the most part though, it seemed that nothing had changed. There would simply be a delay, presumably to make necessary arrangements and prepare statements. Formalities, nothing more.

Most fans missed it in their jubilation the previous night, but an eerily downcast message was released by WVU, almost warning the media to back off. The short message read: "Contrary to media reports, there is no press conference scheduled for Wednesday concerning WVU's athletic conference affiliation."
Something wasn't right. Many felt it, but few said it. Realistically, how could a major athletic conference renege on its word, specifically after media outlets had confirmed the agreement and after being so close to making an announcement? After finally getting respite from the madness of football realignment, was it possible that it was about to get much worse?

Those questions were unfortunately answered by a New York Times report suggesting that there had been political intervention at the eleventh hour by Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell to push for Louisville instead of West Virginia. Such is the life of a Mountaineer fan: nothing, it seems, ever comes easily. West Virginians don't expect handouts, and they don't shy away from hard work. They understand that earning something makes that thing more valuable than if it had been freely given. But more than that, West Virginians understand loyalty and respect. The statements released by WV Senators Manchin and Rockefeller later that evening embody those sentiments. WVU had earned a spot in the Big XII through the hard work and merits of its athletic programs, only to have it reportedly stolen away though under-handed actions and backdoor dealings.

It's a shame that West Virginia is limited in its conference affiliation options, because the complete lack of respect with which the Big XII conference treated WVU is not acceptable, and is certainly not up to the moral standards held by the people of West Virginia for whom respect and loyalty are of utmost importance. It's one of the major reasons for the backlash against Rich Rodriguez when he bolted, without addressing the media or fans, for Michigan. A simple "I'm thankful for the opportunity WVU gave me" would have sufficed. In this case, the Big XII should have never taken the actions it did in regards to accepting West Virginia (including sending a draft press release and giving a verbal confirmation) if the conference was not fully committed to the decision, regardless of any developments that may have occurred last minute. The right thing to do is to own up to the decision that has been made, and move forward. Reneging on a decision at this level, when it has progressed to this degree of certainty, is the equivalent of transitioning from a handshake to an uppercut. It's the kind of bonehead mismanagement that has earned the Big XII conference its reputation of instability and left teams looking for the exit. It's also a major blow to the respect that West Virginians had for the Big XII conference just one day earlier. And respect is something that once broken is rarely ever the same.

It's possible that more news on the subject could surface as early as this weekend, as the Big XII has reportedly been in extended phone conversations with the West Virginia administration. If the issue is quickly resolved, and a sufficient explanation for the guffaw is provided, then respect can be restored. After all, everyone is entitled to mistakes as long as they are recognized and corrected. West Virginians deserve an explanation, and they shall receive one in short order. Otherwise, Manchin has stated that he will push for a Senate investigation. Let's hope that things can be resolved civilly--that the Big XII realizes its mistake. Then again, maybe it's naive to expect integrity when every facet of college football is oozing with corruption and greed.

Update: The Big 12 has addressed the delay in the announcement that WVU will be a member of the Big 12 conference.

WVU at top of Big XII list

2011-10-22T21:41:00.001-04:00

ESPN is reporting that a source with knowledge of the Big XII's expansion plans has stated that West Virginia is at the top of the conference's list of candidates to replace Mizzou should they leave for the SEC. In addition, the source said that BYU is a close second, followed by Louisville and Cincinnati.

Let's hope the Big XII committee doesn't have a bad taste in their mouths after watching WVU's implosion against Syracuse on Friday night. But realistically, one bad game shouldn't make a difference in conference expansion decisions. (Update: And, it would be a tad bit hypocritical to chastise WVU for their loss to Syracuse after the conference's highest ranked team, then #3 Oklahoma, lost to unranked Texas Tech.)

There have been rumblings of the Mountaineers jumping to every conference imaginable outside of the PAC 12, and all of those rumors were found to be heavy on wishful thinking and light on factual evidence. However, this is the first time a source with inside knowledge of the conference in question has spoken out. There is a very good possibility that WVU could get an invite within the next two or three weeks depending on Missouri's decision. As it stands now, Missouri has granted rights to their chancellor to make a move, and signs indicate that will happen soon.

A move by WVU to the Big XII could sound the death knell for the Big East as a football conference, as the league needs West Virginia's record of success to help retain its BCS AQ status. Additionally, if West Virginia makes a move before a team joins the Big East, they will only be responsible for a $5 million exit fee instead of $10 million.

Add to this news the fact that AD Oliver Luck nor President James Clements were present at the Syracuse game, and things get interesting. Who knows, maybe they were meeting to discuss the possibility should Missouri jump soon. One thing is for sure--if West Virginia gets an invite from the Big XII, Mountaineer fans will quickly forget that atrocious loss to the Orange.

WVU at Syracuse Recap

2011-10-21T23:31:00.002-04:00

Final Score: WVU 23, Syracuse 49

West Virginia was absolutely embarrassed tonight. It was the most points Syracuse has ever scored against the Mountaineers . Everything that could go wrong did, but more than that, Syracuse outplayed WVU in every aspect. The blitzing defense and grind-it-out offense with big, physical tight-ends was West Virginia's kryptonite. Look for more teams to emulate this game plan throughout the rest of the season.

It was a horribly disappointing game for Mountaineer fans, and much like the team, we'd like to put this behind us as quickly as possible. Let's move on to the pre-game questions...

Pre-game Questions:
Can WVU put together a solid game in all phases?

No. West Virginia failed in absolutely every phase of the game against Syracuse. It was the worst performance of the season, and one of the worst in recent memory for the Mountaineers.

Can WVU play two halves of football?
No. West Virginia played poorly again in the first half, but this time failed to compete in the second as well.

Will the Syracuse blitzing scheme get to Geno again?
Yes. It worked to perfection. Geno looked unsettled throughout the entire game, and made very uncharacteristic throws.

Prediction:

Our Guess: WVU 39, Syracuse 21.
Final Score: WVU 23, Syracuse 49.

This result is a nightmare for the Big East conference. After tonight there should be no ranked team, and Syracuse--a team headed for the ACC--could be the best team in the conference. West Virginia needed a strong performance to impress the Big 12. Instead, the laid an egg. Let's hope they don't get left behind.

3rd Quarter Update

2011-10-21T22:49:00.000-04:00

Syracuse 35, West Virginia 16

The defense is being exposed tonight.

The Mountaineers opened the second half on a promising note by putting together a nice drive that ate up some clock and put 7 points on the board. But special teams was shaky once again, nearly giving up another kickoff return, and the defense continued to struggle. The Orange got all the breaks they needed to keep drives alive, whether it was amazing one-handed catches, or great spots by the referees.

The defense failed to step up, allowing Syracuse to drive down the field on their first possession and score to go up by 12. On the next Orange possession there was much of the same, as WVU didn't execute on third downs and the tight ends were open down the field. Syracuse scored again on a wide open pass to go up by 19.

Then, needing a good drive, Geno Smith made a very bad play and threw an interception to a Syracuse defender with no gold and blue in sight.

West Virginia is in full meltdown mode.

Halftime Update

2011-10-21T21:40:00.001-04:00

Syracuse 21, West Virginia 9

Syracuse continued to engineer long drives and dominate West Virginia in time of possession. The WVU defense had no answer for the Orange in the first half, as Syracuse picked up three or more yards on nearly every play. But if Syracuse's offense is a poisonous molasses, then West Virginia's is a quick striking dagger. With a blitz coming in quickly, Geno connected with Stedman Bailey on a 64 catch and run that led to the first Mountaineer touchdown of the night.

However, WVU's special teams problems resurfaced in horrific fashion. Bitancurt missed his first extra point of the season, banking it off the left upright. Then, deja vu: WVU gave up another huge kickoff return for a touchdown, putting the Mountaineers in an 12-point hole. Special teams has had problems on kickoffs and punt returns all year, and it looks like that trend will continue after a promising performance against Connecticut.

The Mountaineer defense finally came up with a three-and-out with about three minutes left in the half. The offense was able to come up with another big pass play to get within striking distance. However, Geno Smith was picked off along the goal line on third down.

One word to describe West Virginia tonight is "frustrated". Every aspect of the team has played off-kilter. It looks like the Mountaineers will have to rely on another big second half, but the pressure is really on the defense to get the Orange off the field. That starts with slowing down the run game, which is chewing up big chunks on every play. On offense, look for some counter-plays and screen passes against the blitz happy defense to take some pressure off of Smith. But with the poor play all around for West Virginia, the difference on the scoreboard is the breakdown on special teams.

1st Quarter Update

2011-10-21T20:41:00.002-04:00

Syracuse 7, West Virginia 3

Not much happened in the first quarter thanks to Syracuse milking the clock on every play, executing their game plan perfectly to keep Geno Smith off the field. The Orange put together a 14-play drive that seemed to never end, taking 6:21 off the clock and putting 7 on the board. West Virginia got the ball back for only the second time with 4:15 left in the first. They drove down the field with relative ease, but ended up settling for a field goal as the blitz got to Geno on third down. The Orange returned on offense with 1:06 to go and continued grinding it out.

The tempo and style of the game is playing out exactly as Syracuse would like. West Virginia needs to come up with plays on defense to get the Orange off the field or the Mountaineers could be in jeopardy of dropping two in a row to Syracuse for the first time in a decade.

WVU (5-1) at Syracuse (4-2) Preview

2011-10-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

Source: Syracuse University

Amid the conference expansion chaos, we pause for Mountaineer football high-school style as West Virginia takes on Syracuse Friday night at 8pm (ESPN) in the Carrier Dome. Last year Syracuse beat WVU after failing in eight straight previous attempts. That loss combined with West Virginia's first ever loss to Connecticut is a major reason that Dana Holgorsen is standing on the sidelines this year. Although Geno has said he isn't using last year for motivation, it's very likely that some of his teammates are.

Questions heading into the game...

Can WVU put together a solid game in all phases?
This question is a repeat from the UCONN game, where the Mountaineers did a much better job of playing as a team than they had earlier in the season. The special teams were vastly improved with Molinari as the punter. The defense kept the game close in the first half while the offense was struggling. Then Geno and company exploded in the second half to bury the Huskies. But was it a fluke? A great offense is nice to have, but the defense and special teams must be able to step up when the offense has an off day.

Can WVU play two halves of football?
West Virginia has been a one-half team all season. The Mountaineers were nearly transparent in the first half against Norfolk State and Connecticut, but went on to demolish the competition after halftime. Against Maryland WVU dominated the scoreboard in the first half, only to idly watch Maryland mount a huge comeback that didn't end until the Terps were picked off at the West Virginia 13 yard line with a minute left in the fourth. The Mountaineers are putting up big offensive numbers, but imagine the outcome if they could play two halves of football.

Will the Syracuse blitzing scheme get to Geno again?
Last year the Orange blitzed Geno and kept him off balance to force three interceptions and steal the game 19-14 in Morgantown. This year Syracuse has been horrible against the pass, so expect more of the same to keep the pressure off of the secondary. Is there something about the 'Cuse defense that agitates Geno, or was last year's game just an off day? Remember that Smith has put another year of experience under his belt and is playing in a much more productive offensive scheme.

Our prediction...
If Syracuse brings the blitz-heavy defense against Geno, look for the Mountaineers to run some counter plays with Garrison and throw bubble screens to the outside. With a gambling defense and shaky secondary, the Orange could potentially give up big plays through the air and on the ground. However, they are also likely to get a few big sacks or even some takeaways.

Look for the West Virginia offense to struggle in the first quarter, but get on track early in the second after they have a chance to analyze Syracuse's approach. Smith will throw a lot of quick passes to get the ball out of his hands, which will lead to shorter pickups and more methodical drives. The Orange defense will wear out midway through the 3rd, and WVU will pull away late. Syracuse will keep it close by making a play or two on defense and special teams.

WVU wins 39 - 21.

West Virginia playing it safe

2011-10-18T07:45:00.000-04:00

Conference expansion comes in waves, and things have been fairly quiet since A&M made their move to the SEC at the end of September. We've all heard West Virginia to the ACC, then the SEC, then the Big XII. There has been a lot of talk, rumors, and wishful thinking, but not much has actually happened.

That's all about to change.

Conference USA and the Mountain West recently announced plans to marry. If the ceremony took place tomorrow, it would result in a family of 22 football schools. Talk about a lot of mouths to feed. That won't happen though, as reports broke Tuesday night that the Big East has voted unanimously to double the exit fee to $10 million in hopes of luring additional schools on board. Houston, UCF, and SMU are some of the schools under consideration who are currently members of either Conference USA or the Mountain West. So the alliance may be just a way to batten down for the upcoming onslaught.

But wait, it gets better.

Right before the reports surfaced regarding the Big East's exit fee increase, the story broke that Mizzou will submit an application to the SEC. Of course, this news has huge implications for the Big East, because Louisville and WVU are near the top of the Big XII's list of schools to grab should Missouri bolt.

But the Big East unanimously voted to increase the exit fee, meaning the league's top two candidates to jump ship both checked off on the decision. Did WVU and UL have knowledge of the Mizzou news before voting? If so, why would they agree?

The most likely answer is that, yes, the two schools had insight into the Missouri situation. The entire football expansion landscape has hinged on the "Show-Me" State, well...showing us. There had been signs that Missouri was going to wait out their decision, possibly making their mind up after the season. But the latest is that an application could go out within a week. So, if Louisville and West Virginia knew this, why vote to increase the fee?

It's simple. They bought into an insurance plan. While both are candidates for Big XII expansion, who knows if the conference will go to twelve or stay at ten? Maybe it's BYU that gets the ten-pin and that's it. Game over.

Consider the case where Missouri changes it's mind or isn't able to secure the necessary SEC votes for membership. All cases where West Virginia is still standing in the Big East.

The point is, this whole situation is extremely fluid. Putting all of your eggs in one basket is a very unwise decision, and if UL and WVU are forced to stay in the Big East, it's in their best interest that the conference picks up enough talent to retain its AQ status.

Grab your boogie boards. The next wave is rolling in, and it'll be interesting to see where it takes us.

Expansion, BCS Signs of Major Flaw

2011-10-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

When Syracuse and Pittsburgh jumped ship to the ACC last month, the popular opinion was that West Virginia would follow suit. Maybe they wouldn't join the ACC, but WVU certainly wouldn't remain in the wounded Big East. After all they were the "Beast of the East," and the only school in the conference with significant BCS victories. On a list of Big East teams with the best fan base, on-the-field success, game-day atmosphere, and Big East championships, West Virginia is at the top. Simply put, if any sort of conference realignment trouble were to surface, West Virginia, king and almighty ruler of the Big East, could have it's picking. There was no room for concern, just overconfidence.

And like clockwork that line of logic was validated. Twitter, Facebook, and blogs everywhere exploded with the news: WVU to the SEC. Even D'Sean Butler jumped in with the #WVUtoSEC hash tag. Mountaineer nation rejoiced. All was right in Morgantown.

But the jubilation died quickly when respectable media outlets failed to deliver the story. Days passed without further news and soon the word "rumor" crept into the picture. Fans grew impatient. Sources that once claimed the move was a "done deal" were now backpedaling and stalling. The announcement would happen "by the end of the week" or "by next weekend at the latest." There was a collective sigh from Mountaineer fans. Would somebody go ahead and break the story already? It was obvious that WVU was headed south to greener pastures--what was the hold up?

Then the storm clouds rolled in.

Reports surfaced that WVU had been rejected by both the ACC and SEC conferences. Speculation arose that it was academics or TV markets. Those reports were later denied by WVU officials, but the damage was done. The silence that followed was deafening. Mountaineer fans scratched their collective heads. Was it really possible that teams like PITT and Syracuse were getting invites and WVU couldn't buy one? Was there really more to this expansion business that athletic success and fan support? After all, when was the last time Pittsburgh or Syracuse filled their stadiums or took a trip to a BCS bowl?

Source: Orlando Post

West Virginians, used to being counted out and overlooked, didn't give up. They have continued to express support for their University, and reiterate why it would be a good fit in the Big 12 or SEC. But some fans have questioned WVU's leadership, specifically that of athletic director Oliver Luck. Always the business man, fans believed Luck would have WVU on the quickest train out of the Big East at first sign of trouble. And believe us when we say he would have, if he could have. And he's still trying, but the ballgame is really out of his hands.

Don't blame the administration, blame the system--one that favors numbers and markets and money over passion, support, and success. If the ACC or SEC had been looking for the best program available, West Virginia would have been the first to go. But it's not about that. It's about money. This blunder is not the fault of West Virginia University's administration. It's not even the fault of the SEC or the ACC. It's the fault of a college football system that lacks regulation.

There is no leadership, and there is no control. There are only conferences and money-hungry executives. They don't care about football teams or scores. They care about bank accounts and TV deals. But this conference realignment mess, with its disregard for regional rivalries, history, and on-the-field success, isn't the only product of a flawed system. And it isn't the worst either.

The same problems we're seeing with realignment exist in the BCS system. The BCS wasn't created with the game of football in mind, it was created with money in mind. Period. You can make whatever argument you want for the BCS, like that it preserves traditional bowl games or that it's easier on the student athlete. But after seeing this conference expansion madness, it's perfectly clear that the dollar is driving these decisions. Tradition be damned.

What we're witnessing with the BCS and conference expansion are the symptoms of a sickness in college football caused by a lack of regulatory control. No one, not even the NCAA, can regulate the post season or conference realignment. This isn't the NFL.

This is the Wild West of sports. It's the United States with no federal government. Every man for himself. And there's no one to stand up for the good of the whole.

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WVU bye week ill-timed

2011-10-12T06:30:00.000-04:00

With the first BCS rankings set to debut on Sunday and conference realignment rumors swirling, West Virginia's bye week couldn't have landed at a more inconvenient time. The BCS is bad enough without having to sit out the inaugural week, and with no game to focus on, the expansion chatter becomes that much louder.

Source: Nick Anderson, Houston Chronicle

Let's start with the BCS.

For WVU this weekend, there will be no game, no highlights, no player-of-the-week awards, and no reason for the pollsters to vote for the Old Gold and Blue. Maybe the 5-1 record and potent offense will be enough keep WVU fresh in the minds of voters, but this Saturday will offer a whole new slate of games involving teams whose names don't start with West and don't end with Virginia. That's not good news considering that the Harris Poll and USA Today Coaches Poll make up two thirds of the BCS formula.

The Mountaineers should hope for losses by teams flanking them in the rankings. Last week's Harris and Coaches polls both had the Mountaineers at number 16, while the AP Poll, which is not factored into the BCS, had them at 13. Strength of schedule is also important because it is factored into the computer polls that make up the final third of the BCS. To bolster that stat, West Virginia needs LSU (#1 Harris, #2 Coaches) to maintain it's lofty ranking as well as some of their earlier opponents to start showing some vital signs. We're looking at you Maryland and Marshall.

In addition to the BCS poll coming out, there's the continued concern surrounding conference expansion and what it means for WVU. The last thing Holgorsen needs is his players worrying about realignment. They can't afford to overlook a Syracuse team that beat the Mountaineers in Morgantown last year, something they hadn't done in eight previous attempts.

But what is happening on the expansion front?

Now that the TCU move is official, the Big 12 says it is set for ten teams in 2012, because Missouri's decision on whether to leave for the SEC won't take affect until 2013. The waiting game continues, and it doesn't look like Mizzou is in a hurry to make a decision. After all, they're locked into the Big 12 for at least another year. But as Mizzou appears content to mull the situation over, the future of the Big East hinges on their decision. If the time comes and West Virginia, Louisville, or Cincinnati is poached by their neighbors out west, it's unlikely the teams on the Big East's expansion slate would jump on board.

The Big East is considering adding six teams to become a twelve member football conference, but it's moving slowly for a group that's fighting for survival. The conference is sinking quickly, and there's not nearly enough life rafts to save the whole crew should it go under. Conference commissioner Marinatto is calling for the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force to save his ship, but even that may not be enough. And that makes West Virginia fans understandably uneasy.

Many fans and boosters are campaigning for the Mountaineers to land a spot in either the Big 12 or SEC. On Tuesday West Virginia Metro News radio host Hoppy Kercheval made a case on the Paul Finebaum Radio Network for the Mountaineers to be accepted into the SEC. Chris Wallace, WVU fan and general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, also thumped for the Mountaineers as an SEC candidate in the Charleston Gazette Tuesday morning. And although a recent poll found him to be the most hated man in the state, Rich Rodriguez said on a radio show that the SEC "should be thrilled to have West Virginia," and that the school is being undervalued.

Still, the silence from WVU's administration is unsettling, and what little has been said hasn't been encouraging. Rumors as to why West Virginia hasn't been invited to another conferences point to weak academics, lack of television markets, poor fan behavior, and geographic considerations, but all are only speculation. The truth is that no one knows except the executives who are making the decisions. With no official statements from WVU or any of the athletic conferences, Mountaineer fans are growing restless.

With this ill-timed bye week, West Virginians have plenty of time to ponder the enigma of football realignment and why their beloved Mountaineers appear to be sitting on the sidelines. For this week at least, when it comes to football, the BCS, and realignment, there's only one way to describe how Mountaineer fans are feeling.

Left out.