Only four games comprised the BIG EAST ledger in Week 5 of the college football season, yet it nonetheless featured some wild finishes, crazy weather, a record crowd and clutch performances.

 

The day was highlighted by Cincinnati’s dramatic 27-24 win against Virginia Tech in Landover, Md. The Bearcats held a 13-7 lead after three quarters, but a wild fourth period saw the teams combine for 31 points and three lead changes. The Hokies gained a 24-20 lead with 1:49 left on a 56-yard touchdown pass, but Cincinnati took over on its 15-yard line with no timeouts and got the game-winning score on a diving, 39-yard touchdown catch from WR Damon Julian. QB Munchie Legaux, the author of the TD pass, threw for a career-high 376 yards with three TDs, while WR Kenbrell Thompkins had seven catches for a career-high 134 yards and a touchdown.

 

The win improved Cincinnati to 3-0 as the Bearcats head into their annual game against Miami (Ohio) for the Victory Bell.

 

Louisville became one of just 11 FBS teams to get to 5-0 as the Cardinals fought their way to a 21-17 win against Southern Mississippi. The game was played in a driving rainstorm in Hattiesburg, Miss., with standing water on the field throughout. The conditions, coupled with a game Golden Eagles squad, contributed to an early 17-6 deficit for Louisville before the Cardinals scored the last 15 points. RB Senorise Perry led Louisville as he slogged his way to 119 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, including the go-ahead TD late in the fourth quarter.

 

The Cardinals, who have won 10 of their last 11 regular-season games, dating to last season, enjoy a bye in Week 6 before beginning BIG EAST play Oct. 13 against Pittsburgh.

 

Connecticut completed the nonconference portion of its schedule at 3-2 after the Huskies scored a 24-17 win against Buffalo at Rentschler Field. The Huskies reeled off 21 consecutive points in the second and third quarters and held off the Bulls’ comeback bid in the fourth with timely plays on both offense and defense. QB Chandler Whitmer was an efficient 15-for-22 for 227 yards and a touchdown, and the Huskies were also sparked by a 50-yard touchdown run by RB Martin Hyppolite. LB Jory Johnson finished with a game- and career-high 14 tackles.

 

Connecticut begins BIG EAST play Saturday with a visit to Rutgers.

 

The only BIG EAST team to fall Saturday was USF, which gave No. 4/4 Florida State a battle in a 30-17 setback in front of an announced 69,383 at Raymond James Stadium — the largest crowd at the facility for a game other than the Super Bowl. The Bulls trailed 13-10 midway through the third quarter before the Seminoles scored 17 points in the last 5:09 of the period to pull away. QB B.J. Daniels threw for 133 yards and rushed for 72 as USF dropped its third straight game.

 

The Bulls take to the road this week to face Temple in Philadelphia Saturday.