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Bearcats survive, improve to 10-0

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Last update: November 13, 2009 - 11:39 PM

Far from perfect, No. 5 Cincinnati was good enough to stay unbeaten. Now the Bearcats can try to run the table with their senior quarterback throwing the ball.

Tony Pike threw two touchdown passes in a cameo appearance Friday night, and the Bearcats overcame a self-destructive first half to beat West Virginia 24-21 for the best start in school history.

Cincinnati (10-0, 6-0 Big East) struggled offensively because of uncharacteristic mistakes -- a fumble, a dropped touchdown pass, a missed field goal and an interception -- all in the first half. In the clutch, the Bearcats were good enough in front of the biggest crowd in Nippert Stadium's history.

"It's unbelievable how much winning can change a city and how much a city can rally behind you," said Pike, who was 2-for-4 for 16 yards and the two TDs.

Isaiah Pead ran for a career-high 175 yards, and Zach Collaros threw for 205 yards in his fourth start for Pike, who is recovering from an injury to his non-throwing arm.

"We definitely shot ourselves in the foot a couple of times in the first half," said Collaros, who was 17-for-24. "We came back to the sideline and said, 'They're not stopping us.' "

West Virginia (7-3, 3-2) took advantage of the mistakes to keep it close, but couldn't break through. The Mountaineers wasted a chance with 5:23 left, going for it on fourth-and-8 from the Bearcats 24-yard line. Jarrett Brown's pass into the end zone fell incomplete.

Pead cut across the field on a 43-yard run on the next play that put Cincinnati in position to take control.

Temple 56, Akron 17: Chester Stewart threw two TD passes and ran for two scores as the Owls (8-2, 6-0 MAC) routed the Zips (2-8, 1-5) in Akron, Ohio, and stayed on track for a spot in the Mid-American Conference title game.

Notes

• Though there's plenty of drama over No. 14 Oregon's game against Arizona State, a guy who might or might not play is getting most of the attention. Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, who became infamous for punching a Boise State player on national television after the season opener, has returned from suspension after missing eight games. "LeGarrette still has to be brought up to speed, so to speak," coach Chip Kelly said earlier this week. "It's not like he's going to come out and carry the ball 25 times."

• Three Tennessee freshmen players charged with attempted armed robbery will not travel with the team to Mississippi today. According to sheriff's officials, receiver NuKeese Richardson remains in jail in lieu of a $19,500 bond. Defensive back Mike Edwards posted a $19,500 bond, and safety Janzen Jackson was released on his own recognizance.

• Buffalo right tackle Andrew West will serve a one-game suspension for a low hit during Tuesday's game against Ohio.

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