Thursday night in Raymond James Stadium, Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike looks to lead the eighth-ranked Bearcats to a fourth straight win over the 21st-ranked South Florida Bulls.

However, the 5-0 Bulls have one of the toughest defense in all of college football. South Florida has held opposing quarterbacks to just two touchdowns while forcing them into seven interceptions.

Even with the 5-0 Bearcats ranked in the top ten, NCAA odds makers see this one pretty close as the Vegas line is sitting at, Cincinnati -3 with the total in the contest set at 48.5.

A season ago, Cincinnati upset then-No. 24 South Florida 24-10. Pike played in that game with a soft cast protecting a surgically repaired left forearm and completed 20 of 28 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns. It was Pike's second game back after breaking his non-throwing arm.

Now completely healthy, Pike looks for another win against the Bulls in the hopes to help thrust the Bearcats into the National Championship picture. With both of these teams coming out of the Big East Conference, National Title hopes depend on an undefeated record through the season.

For the Bulls to pull off the upset in this one they will need a huge performance from their defense. Senior safety Nate Allen, the anchor of the Bulls' secondary, leads the team with 29 tackles and two interceptions, and he's forced and recovered a fumble.

Allen will have to have a big night.

Offensively, South Florida is now led by freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels since senior Matt Grothe suffered a season-ending knee injury. Daniels has made appearances in all of South Florida's games thus far, throwing for six touchdowns to just two interceptions.

Look for South Florida to keep the intensity level up at home for all four quarters. This should be a fun game to watch.

Take the Bulls in an upset at home getting the 3 points.