Big East Battle for Bearcats

Cincinnati and coach Brian Kelly have exactly what every team wants, the ability to control their own destiny. Currently at number five in the BCS standings, with two of the four teams ahead of them playing one another, and TCU facing number 17 Utah this week, the Bearcats are able to grasp at that much more optimism. Problem is that Cinncy has to face West Virginia themselves tonight at home.

Since joining the Big East in 2005 the numbers have not been pretty when these two matchup, and before they won last year in a thriller at Morgantown, West Virginia had won all three times they faced each other in conference. This included a 38-0 drumming at home the first year in the conference for the Bearcats.

Injured opening day starter, and former Heisman Trophy candidate, Tony Pike is still unable to start according to coach Kelly, however he will be able to play. Kelly believes that Pike is healthy enough to help the team, though starting is apparently too much for him at this point. Instead, backup Zach Collaros is coming off of his third start, and what possibly might be his best when he threw for 480 yards against Connecticut. A better runner than Pike, Collaros has helped the offense not miss a beat since becoming the starter.

Cincinnati currently ranks 48 in the nation against the run, giving up an average of 126.1 yards a game. The run defense will certainly be tested by West Virginia, and star running back Noel Devine, who finds himself number 14 nationally in total rushing yards.

I think that Collaros will be fine against the Mountaineers and their pass rush, especially since his offensive line has been playing well all year. Devine will also be able to find some daylight, and if he finds it he will capitalize. This looks like a game where the offenses should reign supreme, and an upset is very possible. With Kelly at the helm though, I think this Bearcat club is solid all the way around. But don't let Devine get that ball at the end of the game, just ask Connecticut.

Prediction: Cincinnati 38 West Virginia 27

Hey, if you get through this one Bearcats you can look forward to an easy road to an undefeated season. Oh. Wait. You still have Pitt coming up on the fifth of December. Here's to controlling your own destiny...