Tony Pike will start at quarterback for No. 5 Cincinnati on Friday against Illinois, coach Brian Kelly said Monday.

Pike has not started since injuring his left forearm in the Oct. 15 win at South Florida. He made a brief appearance in the Nov. 13 victory over West Virginia, tossing two touchdown passes in four attempts. Kelly said last week's bye week gave Pike enough time to heal the bone in his arm, which required surgery.

Kelly said the biggest hurdle left for his 6-foot-6 senior is being ready to withstand getting hit.

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