Far from perfect, fifth-ranked Cincinnati was good enough to remain one of the half-dozen remaining undefeated major college football teams.
(AP) -- Tony Pike threw two touchdown passes in a cameo appearance and the Bearcats overcame a self-destructive first half to beat West Virginia 24-21 for the best start in school history. Cincinnati is 10-and-0 overall, and 6-and-0 in Big East play.
Cincinnati struggled offensively because of uncharacteristic mistakes — a fumble, a dropped touchdown pass, a missed field goal, and an interception — all in the first half.
Isaiah Pead ran for a career-high 175 yards. Sophomore Zach Collaros (kuh-LAHR'-ohs) threw for 205 yards in his fourth start for Pike, who is recovering from an injury to his non-throwing arm.
West Virginia took advantage of the mistakes to keep it close. The Mountaineers are 7-and-3.
The other undefeated teams are top-ranked Florida, No. 2 Texas, No. 3 Alabama, No. 4 TCU and sixth-ranked Boise State.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
