By Tom Gelehrter
FOX Sports Ohio
October 18th, 2010
CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Bearcats were able to overcome great adversity, 3 turnovers and a 10-point 2nd quarter deficit in winning their 13th consecutive BIG EAST Conference game and starting league play 1-0. Throughout the Bearcats victory at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Armon Binns was a model of consistency. Binns caught 8 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns, giving him a career day. It was his second consecutive 100-yard game, 5th touchdown of the season and 16th of his career (11 of which have come from Zach Collaros.) For his effort, Binns was named the BIG EAST Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
WOODS IS OK - Head coach Butch Jones confirmed Monday that junior wide receiver DJ Woods is fine and will practice Monday afternoon after leaving the game at Louisville following his second touchdown catch of the night. Woods finished the game with two catches (both touchdowns) for 61 yards. Jones said he could have returned but that anytime there is concern over a head injury the team will be cautious about sending a player back onto the field.
YOUNG DEFENSE GELS - There was a bit of a youth movement when the Bearcats took the field defensively Friday night with 8 sophomores in the starting line-up. Cincinnati starts no seniors on defense and the only three upper classmen in the starting line-up at Derek Wolfe, John Hughes and JK Schaffer, all juniors. With 8 under classmen starting, the Bearcats have the youngest defensive line-up of any BCS-conference school. After surrendering the 24 points to the Cardinals in the first half, the Bearcats defense came together in the 3rd and 4th quarters, making numerous key stops and holding the Cardinals to just 3 points.
PEAD KEEPS CHURNING - Despite being shutout of the endzone, junior running back Isaiah Pead continue his torrid pace Friday, carrying the ball 21 times for 148 yards. He has amassed 511 yards in the Bearcats last three games, averaging 9.8 yards per carry while scoring one touchdown.
