Cincinnati @ South Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 22, 2010 ) South Florida 38, Cincinnati 30

THE STORY: Cincinnati hopes to extend its win streak to five and stay unbeaten in the Big East when it visits suddenly-struggling South Florida. The Bearcats are getting contributions on both sides of the ball and stand tied for second in the nation in turnover ratio, with 19 forced and seven committed. Cincinnati has not allowed an offensive touchdown in nine quarters. USF has lost two straight on the road to start the conference schedule, allowing a running back to rush for over 100 yards in each. The Bulls turned the ball over four times at UConn last week. Now the Bulls face another big challenge in Isaiah Pead, the Big East offensive player of the week after rushing for 153 yards against Louisville. Cincinnati has won four of the last five in the series, but lost last year’s matchup 38-30 at home.

TV: Big East Network. LINE: USF -3.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (5-1, 1-0 Big East): The Bearcats have good balance on offense. Quarterback Zach Collaros has 11 touchdown passes and 204 yards rushing. Pead is averaging 104 yards and 6.8 per carry, with eight touchdowns rushing and one receiving. The defense has been just as productive, ranking fourth in the nation against the run (70.5 yards per game) and tied for ninth in sacks (3.3). Senior defensive lineman Derek Wolfe had a career high 11 tackles against Louisville, including 2.5 for loss.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (4-2, 0-2 Big East): Quarterback B.J. Daniels has accounted for 12 touchdowns (eight passing), but struggled last week with a pair of interceptions and a fumble. The Bulls compiled 175 yards rushing against UConn, but two fumbles were critical. Demetrius Murray got most of the carries after Darrell Scott’s fumble in the third quarter. Sophomore defensive lineman Ryne Giddins had two of the Bulls’ seven sacks and a career-high 11 tackles.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cincinnati has allowed an average of less than 14 yards rushing to its last three opponents.

2. Pittsburgh and UConn were 16-for-33 combined on third down against USF.

3. Cincinnati's Pat O’Donnell has six punts of 50 yards or more and has put 11 inside the 20-yard line.

PREDICTION: USF 27, Cincinnati 21 – The Bulls rebound from two disappointing losses thanks to Daniels' big-play ability.