West Virginia vs. Cincinnati: Latest Spread Info, BCS Impact and Predictions

The Cincinnati Bearcats are currently the only undefeated team in Big East play, but the West Virginia Mountaineers will look to change that on Saturday.

This matchup had more meaning before West Virginia was upset last week against Louisville, but they could still shake up the current standings with a win here. 

Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

When: Saturday, November 12, 12:00 PM ET

Watch: ABC Regional/ESPN 3

Listen: 700 WLW AM

Betting Line: Cincinnati -3.5

Key Storyline

A few weeks ago, West Virginia looked like the team to beat in this conference. But after two losses in three weeks, Cincinnati is clearly the top of the class.

Still, though, don't overlook the Mountaineers and their talented pass attack on the road in this one. The talent is still there.

This should be a good one.

Who Might Not Play for West Virginia

Joshua Taylor (undisclosed), Questionable

Brad Starks (knee), Out

Who Might Not Play for Cincinnati

Dominique Battle (knee), Out

BCS/Top 25 Implications

A loss for Cincinnati (No. 23 BCS/AP) would certainly drop them out of the Top 25. If they win, however, they should jump to the Top 20 and continue on their current path to a BCS bowl. 

A win for West Virginia would be nice, but with two losses in the Big East, they probably need to win out to crack the Top 25 again.

What They're Saying

West Virginia certainly has a bunch going on off the field, as their move to the Big 12 is all but a done deal. 

Cincinnati should have the upper-hand in this one, as they are the home team and are also coming in with much more momentum.

West Virginia is looking to correct problems on its special teams. And so is the defense.  

West Virginia Player to Watch

There's plenty of explosive players on this offense, but I'll go with wide receiver Stadman Bailey.

Bailey is averaging a fantastic 18.3 yards per catch, as he has been quarterback Geno Smith's deep threat all year. The sophomore has pulled in nine touchdowns, including an 84-yarder against Connecticut.

Cincinnati's pass defense has been far from perfect this year, so expect Bailey to break off a few huge plays. 

Cincinnati Player to Watch

Running back Isaiah Pead can be hit or miss, but he has the ability to have big days. He's surpassed 100 yards four times this season and hit 87 on just seven carries in another.

The senior from Columbus is averaging a stout six yards per carry and has been much more involved in the pass game as of late. 

Pead has caught eight passes in the last two games and should continue the multi-faceted attack against the Mountaineers.

Key Matchup

Bailey versus Cincinnati's pass defense.

The Bearcats defense is giving up 7.7 yards per pass play, which is 85th best in the country. That's not good. Bailey has been able to carve up pretty much every defense, and it should be different against Cincy.

If the Bearcats want to win this one at home, they'll have to be better against Geno Smith and his talented wide receivers. 

On the Hot Seat

No one. Dana Holgersen is doing a fine job in his first at West Virginia, and Butch Jones has immensely improved the Bearcats in just his second year. 

Prediction

West Virginia 35, Cincinnati 31. The Mountaineers' passing offense will be too much for Cincinnati.