DON’T click it!

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Oct
23

…AND “DON’T” click it right here!

Saturday = GAME DAY!….Louisville (2-4) at Cincinnati (6-0),3:30 EST, ESPNU, Saturday, October 24

Why to watch: These are strange times in Cincinnati, indeed. One of just seven unbeaten teams left in the country, the Bearcats are navigating uncharted waters after debuting at No. 5 in the first BCS rankings. However, they’re also trying to process an injury to star QB Tony Pike, who sprained his wrist and aggravated a plate in his forearm in Thursday’s key win over South Florida. He hasn’t been ruled out of this week’s game, though super sub Zach Collaros will prepare as if he’ll be the starter. Winners of five of the last six in this rivalry, Louisville needs to get its hands on the Keg of Nails in the worst way. The Cardinals are in danger of circling the drain after fumbling a game to Connecticut and falling two games below .500. With rumors about Steve Kragthorpe’s future beginning to swirl, the team needs to tune out the noise and focus on picking up a Big East win.
Why Louisville might win: Obviously, if Pike is unavailable, it’s a boon to the Cardinals’ chances. As good as Collaros was in Tampa, he has limited experience and nowhere near the potential as a passer, which neutralizes Mardy Gilyard and the talented Cincy receivers. Adam Froman is settling into his role as the starting quarterback, throwing for 295 yards on Connecticut and getting the best out of WR Scott Long. With a threat from the passing game, backs Victor Anderson and Bilal Powell have started to enjoy more running room than earlier in the year.
Why Cincinnati might win: Even if the Bearcat offense takes a step back until Pike is up and running, the defense is capable of picking up the slack. One of the biggest surprises of the first half in the Big East, the rebuilt unit has been stout, yielding just 14 points a game and leading the country in tackles for loss. It’s been a total team effort, with first-time starters, like LB JK Schaffer, DT Derek Wolfe, and CB Dominique Battle, rising to the challenge. The always-important turnover battle will heavily favor the home team. While Cincinnati ranks No. 5 nationally, Louisville is No. 90 and having problems protecting the ball.
Who to watch: The Cincinnati D was playing well before LB Curtis Young returned, but it’ll be even deeper and harder to circumvent now that he’s back from knee surgery. A hybrid between an outside linebacker and a defensive end, he had three tackles for loss in the opener with Rutgers before getting hurt a week later. In the South Florida game, he had five solo tackles and two more stops behind the line, signaling a rapid return to his pre-injury form.
What will happen: Considering all that’s swirling around Cincinnati these days, might it be vulnerable a week following the nationally-hyped South Florida game? You bet. Especially in a rivalry game, the Bearcats will have to be careful not to get caught in a lull. They’ll struggle early before the defense comes through with a couple of key stops and turnovers to change the tempo of the game. Cincy will remain unbeaten, but will have to sweat this one out for a while. 

 
Prediction: Cincinnati 30 … Louisville 17 … Line: Cincinnati (-17)…