The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

College football preview: UConn at Cincinnati

AP Photo UC football coach Brian Kelly

The Associated Press Updated 8:50 AM Friday, November 6, 2009

What's on the line for Cincinnati Saturday at home against Connecticut? Everything. The Bearcats have their highest national ranking ever and are fifth in the BCS rankings, also their top mark.

A victory would match the 1951 team for best start in school history and keep the Bearcats in the discussion of national title candidates. Connecticut is trying to beat a ranked team for only the second time in school history. The Huskies are 1-14 all-time, with the sole win over No. 11 South Florida in 2007.

UConn junior QB Zach Frazer against Cincinnati's grudging defense. Frazer lost the job earlier this season when he hurt his knee and then was outplayed by backup Cody Endres. Endres hurt his left shoulder during a 28-24 loss to Rutgers last Saturday and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Frazer returned to his old job and passed for 333 yards, but threw three interceptions. Cincinnati's defense will give up yards but few big plays and even fewer touchdowns. The Bearcats rank ninth nationally, allowing only 12.9 points per game.

Connecticut: DE Lindsey Witten. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound senior leads the Big East with 10 1/2 sacks and ranks second nationally. Cincinnati is among the best at avoiding the sack — Tony Pike and Zach Collaros have been dropped nine times total.

Cincinnati: Collaros. He's expected to start for the third straight game in place of Pike, who had to have a plate replaced in his non-throwing forearm. Collaros has been sensational in his two starts, going 41 of 52 for 620 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bearcats could use one more steady game from the sophomore.