The Big East Conference consists of 8 football members: Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Florida, Syracuse, and West Virginia.

Cincinnati won the Big East Championship for the second consecutive year and was invited to the Allstate Sugar Bowl where they lost to Florida 51–24.

Pittsburgh (9–4) lost to Oregon State 3–0 in the Brut Sun Bowl.

And West Virginia (9–4) beat North Carolina 31–30 in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

[20] Howard had a career-high 11 tackles and forced a 3rd-quarter fumble to earn the game ball just hours before his death.