BIG EAST FOOTBALL PREVIEW GAME #10: CINCINNATI

November 14, 2008

Froday night football returns in the Big East as Cincinnati looks to stay in the mix for the Big East conference title when they travel to meet Louisville.

Last week the Bearcats held on for a wild win in West Virginia, 26-23 after blowing a 20-7 lead in the closing moments. Cincinnati prevailed, handing the Mountaineers their first conference loss, and put themselves in position to control their own desitny. However, they will have to do it on the road as the travel to meet Louisville tonight and have a showdown next week in Pittsburgh, the team that beat Louisville 41-7 last week in Pittsburgh.

Tony Pike looks to have takent over the QB position for the Bearcats giving them stability behind center. With a tough defense and a grind it out attack, the Bearcats are well suited and disciplined to win on the road.

The bottom fell out for the Cardinals last weekend and if they do not get off to a good start tonight against the Bearcats, the season could get away from them. Louisville is 5-4 overall, but just 1-3 in the conference and is coming off consecutive losses to Syracuse and Pitt. A return to home under the lights could light a fire under them, but their season is on the brink. We like the Bearcats, who are listed as 4 1/2 point road favorites in the latest NCAA Football Odds, to push them over that brink and collect another win.

Prediction:

Cincinnati 23
Louisville 13