In the last few years, the Big East Conference has lost football powerhouses Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College, prompting many to believe the conference should no longer be considered among the nation’s elite. I say, let the play speak for itself.

In 2005, West Virginia lost only one game, manhandled the Georgia Bulldogs in post-season play and finished inside the Top 10.

So far this season, the Big East has 4 undefeated teams, West Virginia, Louisville, Rutgers and South Florida, all at 3-0. The University of Pittsburgh has performed well at 2-1 as well. All but two of the conference’s teams have a .500 or better record.

Some might argue that these teams may not have played the best competition. Last time I checked, Louisville's trouncing of Miami 31-7, West Virginia’s 45-24 crushing of Maryland and Rutgers' 21-16 win over North Carolina, all hold some weight. Sure, some wins have come against the likes of less credible schools such as McNeese State, Ohio and Florida International, but that shouldn’t be held against them when top teams like Texas and Florida State have Rice and Troy on their schedules.

I’d say overall, the conference matches up pretty well with other so-called major conferences. I’d break it down something like this:

Major Conferences rated (on a 1-10 scale)

Listed as “Elite teams” are those that deserve reasonable consideration for at least the Top 10.

Southeastern Conference - 9

- Elite teams - Auburn, Louisiana State, Florida

Big Ten - 8.5

- Elite teams - Ohio State, Michigan

Atlantic Coast Conference - 8

- Elite teams - Virginia Tech

Big East - 8

- Elite teams - West Virginia, Louisville

Big Twelve - 7

- Elite teams - Texas

Pacific Ten - 6.5

- Elite teams - Southern California

Look for Big East teams to continue to prove the conference’s value.