Cincinnati Championship-Centered

The eighth-ranked Big East Bearcats from Cincinnati clash with the Bulls from South Florida in a matchup of unbeatens Thursday night. The college football primetime spotlight shines sumptuously on the two 5-0 clubs striving for conference supremacy. The 21st ranked Bulls boast one of the best defenses in the nation. South Florida has held opposing quarterbacks to two touchdowns, while forcing seven interceptions so far this season. Last year, the Bearcats upset the ranked Bulls 24-10 in late October. Cincinnati quarterback, Tony Pike, will take plenty of hard hits from this tough, all-together USF defense Thursday. The Bearcats’ Brian Kelly is quietly becoming a top head coach in Division I. His team has surged this season, and ranks third in the country in scoring. Pike, meanwhile, has been so efficient and an irreplaceable piece as a near 1,500 yard passer. A quarterback of consistency, Pike has thrown 13 touchdowns and just three picks. The Bearcats run an offense that is swift to strike, scoring in the surest manner. They know how to make the most of each possession. Cincinnati is just one victory away from bowl eligibility, but they shouldn’t jettison their Thursday night opponent just yet.
Pike has been so dominant and effective for Kelly in 2009 he is even hearing his name mentioned in Heisman candidacy contention. The senior slinger is the leader of UC’s potent offense. Last year, the virtually no-name Pike led Cincinnati to their first Big East championship and BCS Bowl game. This season, Pike is earning himself a household name after throwing for over 300 yards in a nationally-televised blowout over Rutgers. Pike’s production penetrates throughout the balanced Bearcat team. Mardy Gilyard is a terrific asset as the leading UC receiver and ranks 13th nationally in yards per game. The senior is the biggest scoring threat but Kelly would be wise to use him as a decoy as other teams focus on the big man. Instead of stacking the coverage to blanket Gilyard, Kelly will try to implement a plan to get the ball to his receiver more creatively and covertly. Gilyard will be playing close to his hometown in Florida. He should have a stocky smattering of fans on hand in Tampa to support and fire him up. Jacob Ramsey and Isaiah Pead will need to find opportunities to run the ball for Cincinnati’s offense to succeed against a team ranked fifth in scoring defense.
Pike could be a first round NFL draft pick if he improves his stock tonight against a 5-0 opponent. Pike and his teammates have a chance to own the Big East. The Bulls are just as stimulated as the Bearcats in proving themselves. Beating the defending champions will bolster the Bulls’ title hopes and send the team skyrocketing in the polls. The Bulls are commanded by a freshman signal-caller. B.J. Daniels has started just two games after first-string senior, Matt Grothe, suffered a season-ending injury. Daniels’ most impressive game guided the Bulls past Florida State at the end of September. Senior safety, Nate Allen, shines in the USF secondary, while wide receiver Carlton Mitchell, anchors the offense. Allen is complemented by a solid defensive line, propelled by team tackle topper, end Jason Pierre-Paul. This is not a matchup to be downplayed. Both Big East squads have a sense of urgency and will employ an extreme effort. Both teams are vying for a leg up in what some consider a weak conference. The showdown at Raymond James Stadium has another storyline worth noting. It will be a reunion of sorts for Kelly and USF defensive coordinator, Joe Tresey. Tresey served as the Bearcats coordinator for the past two seasons under Kelly before being fired. Tresey’s new team allows an average of ten points a game and ranks 12th in pass defense. USF’s brilliant defense coupled with an offense that has outperformed expectations may be enough to secure a home win. The Bearcats escaped a thriller the last time the teams collided in Florida in 2007. A repeat performance will not suffice for South Florida. They can’t appear a flicker befuddled against Kelly’s national contending ‘Cats. Both teams are deserving of the spotlight. Both teams are mounting and escalating their schools’ power and status in their respective home states. Soon, Ohio may not be all about Ohio State. Florida may not be just about Florida and Miami. The low profile Big East has spoken, and Thursday will be another step in the right direction for their football vivacity. Only after Thursday, there will be one less undefeated college football team left.

Parting Points: Song of the day- “Thank You” by Dido