Syracuse @ Cincinnati preview
Nippert Stadium
Last Meeting ( Oct 31, 2009 ) Cincinnati 28, Syracuse 7
Quarterback Zach Collaros' injured left knee is yet another blow to Cincinnati’s chances of winning its third consecutive Big East Conference championship.
Collaros, who was injured in last week's 38-30 loss to South Florida, might not be able to play in Saturday's home game against Syracuse, which suddenly is in the Big East title picture.
Last week's loss ended a 13-game conference winning streak for the Bearcats (3-4, 1-1 Big East). Meanwhile, the Orange (5-2, 2-1) pulled off a 19-14 upset at West Virginia.
Playing without Collaros would be a major setback for Cincinnati. The junior has thrown eight touchdown passes in the last two games, including three against South Florida, a game in which he threw for 463 yards. Collaros leads the conference in passing efficiency and yards. He has thrown 20 touchdown passes and four interceptions while running for 284 yards.
Junior Chazz Anderson will start if Collaros can't play. Anderson came in for Collaros last week and completed 4 of 8 passes for 49 yards. Anderson started two games in 2008, but lost the backup job to Collaros last season and attempted only six passes in 2009.
Cincinnati's offense will look much different without Collaros, who is very efficient in running the attack and is a threat both passing and running. A second straight loss at home will likely end the Bearcats' chances of repeating as Big East champions.
While Cincinnati's season may be on the brink, Syracuse is shedding its label as conference doormats. The Orange's last winning season came in 2001 and they haven’t been to a bowl game since 2004.
Judging by the first seven games, it looks like that's about to change. The Orange's surprise win last week has moved them near the top of the conference standings.
Syracuse’s defense has led the way, as was the case against West Virginia. The Orange recorded three interceptions and had a season-high five sacks. That combination could be bad news for the Bearcats if they are forced to start Anderson, who lacks Collaros' experience at running the offense and reading defenses.
The win over West Virginia came despite the fact that tailback Delone Carter missed most of the game with a hip injury. Carter gained 75 yards on nine carries, but was injured midway through the second quarter and didn't return. It was originally feared Carter had suffered an aggravation of the hip injury that forced him to miss the 2007 season, but he was cleared to practice Tuesday and should be ready for the Bearcats.
Carter has gained 651 yards and rushed for six touchdowns this season. The running game was still productive without him. Antwon Bailey gained 94 yards on 19 carries and the Orange ended the game with 183 rushing yards.