Just when it seemed Syracuse was over the hump, the Orange self-destructed again and rejoined a dubious Big East crowd that also includes South Florida, Connecticut, Pitt and Temple.

With the season winding down, dreams of the postseason are getting oh-so-dim for these programs.

While Rutgers, Louisville and Cincinnati orchestrate memorable seasons in the ever-changing Big East, the beat goes on for these mediocre teams that have struggled to find consistency as the landscape of the league begins to turn.

Doug Marrone’s Orange (4-5) have a glimmer of hope, needing to win two of the last three games. For UConn and USF, both 3-6, there is no margin for error — they have to win out to reach the six victories needed to become bowl eligible.

Paul Chryst, in his first year at Pitt, is in the same boat as Marrone. The Panthers are 4-5, have three games left and might be able to carry over some momentum from their near upset of No. 3 Notre Dame last week. Pitt has won two of the least three, and faces UConn on Friday.

Meanwhile, Temple (3-5) is sort of in a league of its own. After rejoining the Big East in March, the Owls were left with only 11 games on this season’s schedule. They’ve been trying to schedule a 12th opponent, and a December game at Hawaii remains a possibility.

Without the extra contest, it’s wait till next year for the Owls. So, just getting to a 12th is a big goal.

Syracuse’s up-and-down season is down again for the moment after a 35-24 loss at Cincinnati. The Orange, leaving for the ACC next season, was seeking its third straight conference win, something not done in 11 years.

Instead, Syracuse lost two fumbles that set up touchdowns, missed a field goal and had another blocked, was whistled for a dozen penalties for 104 yards, and Brandon Reddish dropped an interception that was a pick-six for the taking.

Back to the drawing board one more time.