Both Cincinnati and West Virginia are coming off convincing conference wins last week. The Bearcats beating USF on Thursday 24-10, and the Mountaineers coming from behind to beat UConn 35-13 on Saturday. These two teams sit at the top of the Big East standings with West Virginia being 3-0 in conference and Cincinnati just behind at 2-1. Saturday’s game in Morgantown could determine this year’s Big East Champion. If Cincinnati wins they would have the tie-breaker if West Virginia would not lose another game. And if the Mountaineers win over the Bearcats, Cincinnati would most likely have to win out and hope for an upset of West Virginia late in the season. Last year, the Mountaineers escaped Nippert Stadium with a 28-23 victory over the Bearcats.

On Saturday, the top offenses in the Big East will battle it out in what could be a high scoring game. Cincinnati has an aggressive passing attack, while West Virginia has a great rushing game. But with both defenses playing well last week, turnovers could win the game. Cincinnati forced Matt Grothe into throwing three interceptions on Thursday, with the first one setting up a 2-yard touchdown run by John Goebel to give the Bearcats an early lead on USF. And the Mountaineer defense also recorded three interceptions last week plus two fumble recoveries.

 For Cincinnati to win, they must look for QB Tony Pike to find WR Mardy Gilyard, as they have hooked up for five touchdowns this season. The Bearcat defense must stop the playmakers for West Virginia, QB Pat White and RB Noel Divine from running all over field. It is not impossible for the Bearcats to beat West Virginia in Morgantown, they did so in 2003 with a 15-13 victory over the Mountaineers.

 For West Virginia to win, they must stop the explosive air attack of the Bearcats who average 260 yards per game passing. The Mountaineer’s have the best rushing offense in the Big East, but Cincinnati showed last week that they can stop the run too. The key for West Virginia is the offensive line, if they don’t block for QB Pat White and RB Noel Divine, the Bearcats’ defense will turn the game around.

Cincinnati and West Virginia will meet in Morgantown on Saturday, in what could be the decisive game for the Big East Championship.

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