The BIG EAST standings received a major shakeup Saturday as two teams suffered their first conference losses of the year. That left West Virginia — the preseason BIG EAST favorite — as the only unbeaten team in conference play.

Connecticut got things started Saturday as the Huskies pulled away for a 40-16 win against Cincinnati at Rentschler Field. The Huskies trailed by three points at halftime and held a 20-16 lead after three quarters before breaking it open with a 20-point fourth quarter. A pair of first-time starters delivered solid performances as quarterback Cody Endres threw for 196 yards without a turnover and kicker Dave Teggart made four field goals in his first collegiate game.

Connecticut also relied on its stalwart running back as Donald Brown ran for 150 yards and two touchdowns, giving him at least 100 yards in all eight games this season. The Huskies held Cincinnati to 0-for-14 on third down and forced six Bearcat turnovers.

Rutgers and Pittsburgh found themselves in an even sprint later in the afternoon, but the Scarlet Knights had the better finishing kick as Rutgers scored a 54-34 win at Heinz Field. Quarterback Mike Teel came through with one of the top single-game performances in BIG EAST history as he completed 14 of 21 passes for 361 yards and six touchdowns, including a conference-record five TDs in the first half. Kenny Britt was the primary beneficiary as he had 143 yards and three touchdowns on five receptions.

Pittsburgh received an outstanding performance from running back LeSean McCoy, who ran for 146 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries. Panther quarterback Bill Stull was taken off the field on a stretcher in the third quarter after suffering a head injury, but late reports indicated that Stull suffered no lasting injuries.

Louisville, meanwhile, picked up its first BIG EAST win of the season and moved squarely into contention with a 24-20 win against USF at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Louisville’s defense held the Bulls to just eight rushing yards while the Cardinals had five sacks and forced two interceptions. Wide receiver Scott Long had five catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 7:07 left in the fourth quarter. USF was undone in part by 14 penalties for 109 yards to offset a 344-yard effort by quarterback Matt Grothe.

Though West Virginia did not play a conference game this weekend, the Mountaineers did score a notable win and still managed to take sole possession of first place in the BIG EAST, thanks to Saturday’s results. The Mountaineers began the week by taking a 34-17 win against Auburn Thursday at Milan Puskar Stadium. After spotting the Tigers a 17-3 lead, West Virginia scored 31 unanswered points and had a 259-84 advantage in total yards in the second half. Running back Noel Devine ran for a career-high 207 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries to spark West Virginia’s fourth straight win.