The BIG EAST conference title could very well be on the line this week when the Cincinnati Bearcats (6-2, 2-1 BIG EAST) travel to Morgantown to take on the 20th ranked team in the country, the West Virginia Mountaineers (6-2, 3-0 BIG EAST). The winner of this game would be in the driver's seat heading into the stretch run of the season.

The Bearcats are coming off an impressive 24-10 victory over South Florida. In that game, quarterback Tony Pike returned to form, showing no ill effects of his broken non-throwing arm. In addition to Pike looking great, the UC defense stepped up and shut down USF's quarterback, Matt Grothe, forcing him to throw three picks. UC was coming off a disappointing loss to UCONN the week before where they gave up 40 points. Giving up only 10 points to a good scoring offense like USF speaks volumes for the Bearcats' defense returning to form.

West Virginia looked like they were in trouble last week against UCONN, and then Pat White and Noel Divine took over the game. The Mountaineers ended up coming from behind early to thump the Huskies, 35-13. WVU's running game is what defines their offense. White is averaging 5.3 yards a carry while Divine is averaging 6.9 per carry. If the Bearcats want to stand any chance of leaving Morgantown with a win, they'll have to keep both White and Divine in check.

The Bearcats have been wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks lately, lead by defensive end Conner Barwin. The team has recorded 12 sacks in their last five games after getting just three in their first three games. Barwin leads the team and the BIG EAST with seven sacks which also has him ranked 13th in the country. There's a good chance the defense will be able to keep the passing game at bay, but its White's skills as a runner that will cause problems. Look for head coach Brian Kelly to possibly use one of his linebackers, possibly Ryan Manalac, as a spy on White.

West Virginia holds a 14-1-1 record over Cincinnati with the only Bearcats victory coming in 2003.  UC gave WVU a run for their money last season in Nippert Stadium as the Mountaineers held on to win 28-23.

The Bearcats will need Pike to be sharp and protect the ball on Saturday night. Pike will no doubt be looking to hook up with his favorite target, Mardy Gilyard. If he can hit Dominick Goodman for a score he would tie Jim O'Brien for UC's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 21.

The BIG EAST championship means a trip to a BCS bowl game. The Bearcats could do a lot for their program with a win this weekend. The game starts at 7:00 pm on ESPNU.

College Football cincinnat, bearcats, west virginia, tony pike, pat white, noel divine, conner barwin, brian kelly, ryan manalac, mardy gilyard, dominick goodman