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Big one for the Bearcats tonight

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AP Photo Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly applauds during Cincinnati's 47-15 win over Rutgers Monday, Sept. 7, 2009.

Staff and Wire Report Updated 9:15 AM Thursday, October 15, 2009

The University of Cincinnati football team is a four-point favorite tonight, Oct. 15, in a Big East showdown with South Florida. Both teams are 5-0 overall, 1-0 in conference play. UC won last year 24-10.

Stat happy

Led by Heisman Trophy contender quarterback Tony Pike, Cincinnati is third in the nation in scoring (42 PPG). The Bearcats are also last in the nation in time of possession (23:47).

Key matchup

UC’s potent offense against a USF defense that ranks fifth in fewest points allowed. UC is talking about trying to run more time off the clock on its possessions, allowing its defense to get more rest.

A few facts

• This is UC’s highest ranking since 1951.

• Pike’s favorite target, senior WR Mardy Gilyard, leads the Big East with 832 all-purpose yards.

• South Florida has played the fifth-easiest schedule in the country, three wins coming at the expense of Wofford, Charleston Southern and Western Kentucky.

Oxygen anyone?

The game-time temperature is expected to be in the high 80s, which would seem to favor South Florida.