The Big East Conference was founded in 1979, but did not begin playing football until 1991. Before then, it had been primarily a stage for the basketball programs of it’s constituent schools. Miami’s presence gave Big East football instant credibility, and the Hurricanes dominated, winning 9 titles in 13 years. When Miami left (along with Virginia Tech) to join the ACC in 2004, there was a gaping hole, only partially filled by the additions of Cincinnati, Louisville, and South Florida. Boston College also left to join the ACC, in 2005. In 2005, West Virginia claimed the Big East title, and won the Sugar Bowl (over Georgia), finishing #5 nationwide, in the AP poll. In 2006, Louisville won the title, which they sealed with a triple-overtime win over upstart Rutgers. Louisville went on to win the Orange Bowl (over Wake Forest), and finished #6 in the AP poll. West Virginia finished #10, and Rutgers were #12. The state school of New Jersey, Rutgers were a perennial doormat in football up until 2006. Their surprising success, along with the rise of Connecticut and South Florida as football powers, points to a promising future for Big East football.
