Miami @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 11, 2014 ) Cincinnati 34, Miami 55

Miami (Fla.) will find out a lot about itself over the next five games, beginning Thursday night when the Hurricanes visit offensively-gifted Cincinnati. Sophomore quarterback Brad Kaaya, who has led Miami to its second 3-0 start since 2005, is sure to be tested on trips to Florida State and Duke along with home games against Clemson and Virginia Tech after facing the Bearcats.

The Hurricanes cannot look past Cincinnati, which has won 27 straight games against non-conference opponents at Nippert Stadium and is averaging 40.3 points overall in 2015. Miami has the advantage of coming in off a bye week and boasts seven interceptions in three games while the Bearcats have suffered nine picks and lost five fumbles. Cincinnati is expected to go with Hayden Moore at quarterback after he threw for a school-record 557 yards in the 53-46 loss at Memphis last week in relief of injured Gunner Kiel (neck, shoulder). “He’s going to be a special player for us,” Bearcats coach Tommy Tuberville told reporters of Moore. “I like his temperament. His attitude is great.”

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Miami -6.5

ABOUT MIAMI (3-0): Kaaya has been efficient while throwing only four interceptions (one in 2015) in his last 303 attempts, dating back to last season. Joseph Yearby, averaging 7.6 yards per carry, and Mark Walton (four TDs) provide Kaaya (839 passing yards) good support on the ground, and Rashawn Scott leads the receiving corps (18 catches, 273 yards). The Hurricanes' defense, led by linebacker Raphael Kirby (23 tackles), must rebound after giving up 23 points in the fourth quarter of the 36-33 overtime win over Nebraska on Sept. 19.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (2-2): Kiel, who has completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 868 yards might not be available at all for the Bearcats after taking a big hit against Memphis. Moore came on to connect on 31-of-53 attempts (four TDs, two interceptions) and has six receivers who have gained at least 165 yards, keyed by Shaq Washington (26 catches, 286 yards). Running back Mike Boone (220 yards rushing, 9.6 per carry, three TDs) continues to be limited with an ankle injury for an offense that ranks third in the nation at 622.5 yards per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Hurricanes have won the last 11 meetings, including 55-34 at home last year, after losing the first matchup in 1947.

2. Miami CB Artie Burns is the first Hurricane with an interception in three straight games since Sean Taylor in 2003.

3. Washington has caught a pass in 30 straight games for the Bearcats and has three or more receptions in 17 consecutive contests.

PREDICTION: Miami 38, Cincinnati 24