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

The Cincinnati Bearcats are looking to close out a nine-win season by taking down the inconsistent, but still dangerous UConn Huskies.

The Huskies can close out this season with .500 record and a big win over one of the best teams in the Big East.

Let's take a closer look to see who has the upper hand.

Where: Nippert Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 12 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3

Spread: Connecticut +9, according to SportsBook

Go with Cincinnati here. UConn is 1-2 at home this season, beating only Buffalo. It's impossible to know what to expect with the Huskies, but their struggles in the very few road games they've had this season will likely surface again here.

Over/Under: 47

Go with the under. The Bearcats have an underrated defense that allows under 20 PPG, and aside from a few stat-inflating offensive performances in the beginning of the season, they've been relatively quiet. They may score 33.4 PPG, but they've scored below that mark in six of their last seven outings.

Key Injuries

Connecticut

John Delahunt, TE (Knee), Questionable
Martin Hyppolite, LB (Knee), Questionable
Jimmy Bennett, T (Knee), Out for Season
D.J. Shoemate RB (Shoulder), Out for Season

Cincinnati

Zach Collaros, QB (Ankle), Out for Season
Dominique Battle, DB (Knee), Out for Season

Click Here for complete USA Today injury report

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

The Bearcats are a bubble team at this point, and finishing inside the rankings would speak volumes about where their team is headed. Losing Brian Kelly was a setback, but it hasn't crippled Cincinnati, and after losing eight games a season ago, a nine-win season is huge step in the right direction.

Keys to Connecticut Win

Get Johnny McEntee comfortable. UConn is 1-3 in the four games he's thrown at least one interception and 4-3 in games that he doesn't. While protecting the football isn't going to guarantee them a victory, turning it over almost guarantees them a losing result.

Avoid the early onslaught. They are going up against a talented Cincy team on the road on ESPN in the final game of the season. There is a lot of pressure on their shoulders and are getting hit with a wave of offense like they did in their last four losses.

Keys to Cincinnati Win

Put the pressure on UConn early. Cincinnati is the better team here, and overwhelming the Huskies by putting them in an early hole is will take away the upset threat from the get go.

Let running back Isaiah Pead take over the game. He's broken for over 100 yards five times this season, and wearing down the UConn defense and protecting the lead will allow them to further extend their advantage when they get into the fourth quarter.

Prediction

Cincinnati 27, Connecticut 17