Recap: Cincinnati vs. West Virginia

By Sports Network

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Tony Pike threw two touchdown passes in a limited role in his return, and Isaiah Pead ran for 175 yards and a score, as fifth-ranked Cincinnati held off West Virginia, 24-21, to keep its perfect season alive.

The Bearcats moved to 10-0 for the first time in school history, improving on the 9-0 start accomplished by the current and 1951 squads. They also moved to 6-0 in the Big East and extended their regular season winning streak to 16 games.

Pike was 2-of-4 for 16 yards, as the majority of the snaps went to Zach Collaros, who finished 17-of-24 for 205 yards with an interception. Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly opted to start Collaros after he impressed in three starts in place of Pike, who is still recovering from a forearm injury.

Armon Binns and D.J. Woods caught the touchdown passes for the Bearcats, who had never before beaten West Virginia at Nippert Stadium in seven tries.

Jarrett Brown was 17-for-25 for 188 yards and a TD for the Mountaineers (7-3, 3-2), who fell off the pace in the Big East race with their second loss in three contests.

Brown also ran for a score, as did Ryan Clarke, while Brad Starks had the lone touchdown catch with 39 seconds remaining, bringing West Virginia within three points. But Binns successfully recovered the onside kick.