Bearcats-Bulls is a huge clash of styles

The Cincinnati Bearcats move to a dizzying tempo - don't blink or you might miss a touchdown - and their rise has been a great story for Big East Conference football.

Here comes the next chapter.

And if the University of South Florida's defense plays to its potential, there could be a surprise ending.

"Cincinnati is good, but we can play a little bit, too," USF linebacker Chris Robinson said. "We're going to hit you."

When the No. 8-ranked Bearcats (5-0, 1-0) meet the No. 21 Bulls (5-0, 1-0) in tonight's nationally televised game at Raymond James Stadium, it's the classic matchup of a free-flowing, quick-strike offense against a rugged, chip-on-the-shoulder defense.

Earlier this week, Bearcats wide receiver Mardy Gilyard told the Cincinnati Enquirer his offensive coaches were "licking their chops" at the prospect of facing USF defensive coordinator Joe Tresey, who held the same position at Cincinnati the past two seasons.

If the Bulls have their way, the Bearcats could leave town licking their wounds. USF has won five consecutive games against ranked opponents, dating to 2006.

"We have to play smart and we have to play physical," USF linebacker Sabbath Joseph said. "Always keep the ball in front of you. Make 'em pay. Get in their face."

That starts up front.

Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly acknowledges his offensive line could hold the key to tonight's outcome.

"You better block them and get rid of it quickly," Kelly said. "You better or you're going to get sacked. Those two guys coming off the edge (USF defensive ends George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul), they will sack you.

"You better have some answers. I think we have some answers."

Cincinnati has the nation's 11th-best offense. Bearcats senior quarterback Tony Pike, a fifth-string player entering last season who is now a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, is as nimble a 6-foot-6, 225-pound player as you'll find. Operating from the shotgun, he has quick reactions and a rifle-quick release.

Cincinnati plays a fast-break style that produces rapid-fire scoring drives. They held the ball for less than 17 minutes against Fresno State and less than 20 minutes against Miami (Ohio) - yes, those were victories. Opponents have little time to know what hit them.

"Nobody has really slowed them down," said USF coach Jim Leavitt, whose defense is ranked 10th nationally. "And they don't make any mistakes."

Cincinnati has committed the nation's fewest turnovers - three (no lost fumbles and three interceptions thrown by Pike).

"They're very efficient in what they do," Selvie said. "But we've been preparing for their tempo for two weeks. We saw it last year and they caught us off-guard. We didn't have the right guys on the field when they snapped it. Sometimes, we only had nine guys on the field. We were getting tired. We're ready for it now."

The most dangerous player on the field might be Gilyard, a potential first-team All-American who is projected as a top-10 pick in next spring's NFL draft. Facing him will be a challenge for a USF secondary that couldn't contain Syracuse receiver Mike Williams (13 catches, 186 yards, two touchdowns).

The biggest test of all might be tackling Gilyard, who has 38 receptions and averages 166.4 all-purpose yards per game.

"The thing I like about Mardy is his ability to advance the ball after the catch," Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe said. "He's always moving forward with the ball. He finds the voids and makes people miss once he has the ball in his hands. He's one of the best in the country, I don't think there's any doubt."

"He'll lull you to sleep," said Tresey, accustomed to facing Gilyard in practice the past two seasons. "They'll throw the rocket, then a screen, throw the comeback, maybe a crossing route and then - bam!"

He's gone.

"He can turn the rocket into a touchdown," Tresey said. "He can turn a short drag into a 30-yard gain. He's a dynamic receiver."

The USF defense is relishing that challenge.

"I can't speak enough about the talent they do have," USF safety Mistral Raymond said. "They're very good, and their tempo is outstanding. Playmakers are all over the field.

"At the same time, the challenge is within ourselves. We know what we're capable of as a defense. We feel we can be really sound. It's going to be a very, very elevated atmosphere. Mentally and physically, we're going to be ready. We can do this thing."