Dec 5, 2009; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Brian Kelly in action against the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Bearcats defeated the Panthers 45...

It's a no-brainer for No. 1

Ranking the best and worst bowl games, those decisions were no-brainers. The games in between were the fun part.

...the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE Dec 5, 2009; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Tony Pike (15) in action against the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Bearcats defeated the Panthers 45...

Bearcats rally from 21 down to claim second straight Big East crown

Tony Pike's 29-yard touchdown pass to Armon Binns with 33 seconds remaining finished No. 5 Cincinnati's frantic comeback from a 21-point deficit, and their second consecutive Big East title

Cincy Rallies To Top Pitt, Win Big East Title

No. 5 Cincinnati mounts second-half comeback to defeat No. 15 Pittsburgh, 45-44; Bearcats claim Big East title, BCS Bowl berth

...05: Head coach Dave Wannstedt of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers watches his team against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images...

...DECEMBER 5: Quarterback Tony Pike #15 and wide reciever Armon Binns #80 of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats celebrate after the winning touchdown during the game against the University of Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz...

Dec 5, 2009; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Armon Binns (80) holds up the game winning touchdown to defeat the Pittsburgh Panthers...

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Tony Pike #15 is congratulated by head coach Brian Kelly of the Cincinnati Bearcats following their win against the University of Pittsburgh Panthers on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field...

...the University of Pittsburgh Panthers runs in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images...

Dec 5, 2009; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Tony Pike (15) warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the...

Dec 5, 2009; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Mardy Gilyard (1) catches a pass for a touchdown while being defended by Pittsburgh...

Stoops says reports are wrong

Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly told ESPN this week that he promised fans he would focus on the Pitt game and that speculation he is a candidate for the Notre Dame opening wouldn't be a distraction.

...running back Dion Lewis (28) runs in for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the 2009 Big East Championship at Heinz Field . Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber/US Presswire

Dec 5, 2009; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Tony Pike (15) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers in...