No. 5 Cincinnati Looks To Keep BCS Hopes Alive Against West Virginia

Sports News - November 11th, 2009 - Written by Scott

No. 5 Cincinnati will look to keep their national title hopes alive as they host No. 25 West Virginia on Friday. The Bearcats (9-0, 5-0) control their own destiny as they face a Mountaineer team that is capable of pulling off an upset. West Virginia (7-2, 3-1), with a win on Friday, would remain in the hunt for a Big East title as they still have to play Pittsburgh (5-0 in Big East play) on November 27. The Mountaineers are coming off a 17-9 win over Louisville and Cincinnati squeaked by Connecticut 47-45 on Saturday. The Bearcats won last year's matchup 26-23 in overtime.

West Virginia's offense centers around running back Noel Devine. Devine left Saturday's game with an ankle injury, but should be ready against Cincinnati. He has rushed for 1,010 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Mountaineers entered the season wanting to pass more, but after a concussion to staring quarterback Jarrett Brown, their passing attack has not been the same. Brown has passed for 1,661 yards and 10 touchdowns. Brown has relished with consistent play form his wide receivers, including Alric Arnett and running back Jock Sanders. Sanders leads the team in receiving yards and the two have combined for 985 yards and 6 touchdowns. Establishing long drives will be key for the Mountaineers in order to keep Cincinnati's offense off the field.

The challenge for the Mountaineer's defense will be stopping the pass. The Bearcats thrive on their passing game and West Virginia has allowed over 300 yards passing twice this season.

Cincinnati's offense is one of the most explosive in the country and is averaging 40 points per game. They piled up 711 total yards last week behind the passing of Zach Collaros who threw for 480 yards. Collaros has filled in beautifully for starter Tony Pike who has been out with a shoulder injury. Collaros has thrown for 1,229 yards and 10 touchdowns. Isaiah Pead is their leader in rushing with 512 yards and 7 touchdowns. Mardy Gilyard has emerged as their playmaker at receiver and has 908 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The Bearcats must recover from their second half performance against UConn in which they allowed 322 yards in the final half. The 201 yards rushing they allowed is disheartening as they now must try to stop one of the nation's best backs in West Virginia's Devine. Stopping Devine will be the key for Cincinnati.

Cincinnati will be favored by 9 according to Betus sportsbook with an over/under set at 53 1/2. Cincinnati will look to stay undefeated and move up the NCAA College Football Standings.

To discuss this and other Sports related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums