A look at top-ranked teams

Posted: 11.14.2009 at 9:30 AM

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.