Louisville @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 15, 2010 ) Cincinnati 35, Louisville 27

THE STORY: Cincinnati looks for its fourth straight win over Louisville in what marks a mutual Big East opener for both teams. Louisville has been plagued by drama surrounding the recent demotion of its offensive coordinator. The Bearcats are one of the surprise teams in the conference. Cincinnati currently boasts a three-game winning streak, as well as the top team in the Big East in both scoring and total yardage gained.

TV: ESPN. LINE: Cincinnati -16.5.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (2-3, 0-0 Big East): Louisville has allowed fewer yards than any other Big East team, but it’s the offense that has been the major flaw thus far. Coach Charlie Strong demoted offensive coordinator Mike Sanford just before Louisville’s Oct. 8 game at North Carolina, which the Cardinals lost by a 14-7 margin. Shawn Watson, the QBs coach, is now calling the plays. The Cardinals haven’t amassed more than 24 points in any individual game yet this season, and rank last in the Big East and 112th in the nation in scoring.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (4-1, 0-0 Big East): This is the first of two Big East games Cincinnati is playing at Paul Brown Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Bengals, in an attempt to increase revenue. Cincinnati already has forced 18 turnovers, after generating just 14 in all of 2010, and the Bearcats’ plus-12 turnover margin ranks second in the nation. Keep an eye on RB Isaiah Pead, who is averaging 6.6 yards per carry and has seven touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Louisville QB Will Stein is expected to be back in action after missing the previous two ballgames with a shoulder injury.

2. This season, 24 Louisville players have made their collegiate debuts, including 11 true freshmen. Of those freshmen, eight of them have made starts.

3. Cincinnati LB J.K. Schaffer currently leads the Bearcats in tackles. He also ranks second in the Big East in passes defended with six and is tied for second in interceptions with three.

PREDICTION: Cincinnati 31, Louisville 10 – The Cardinals are playing good defense this season, but stopping Cincinnati’s high-powered offense is easier said than done. Look for the Louisville defense to wear down in the second half due to the Cardinals’ continued inability to move the football.