Cincinnati @ East Carolina preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2014 ) East Carolina 46, Cincinnati 54

Cincinnati’s season hasn’t gone according to plan, but it already secured bowl eligibility by reaching six wins. East Carolina can do the same with a victory when it hosts Cincinnati on Saturday.

The Bearcats boast a versatile offense led by Gunner Kiel, and despite Kiel’s struggles against South Florida last week, defense is a bigger issue for Cincinnati. Pirates quarterback Blake Kemp broke out with 465 passing yards in last week’s victory over UCF and could be in for another big game thanks to Cincinnati’s lackluster pass rush, which is ranked 121st in the nation with 12 sacks. The Bearcats haven’t looked much better against the run, allowing 355 rushing yards against South Florida. East Carolina has an emotional edge playing at home with its season on the line, but ending the regular season with a victory - no matter how meaningless - could do a lot to rebuild Cincinnati’s wounded ego.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network LINE: East Carolina -1

ABOUT CINCINNATI (6-5, 3-4 American Athletic Conference): Kiel was pulled in favor of Hayden Moore last week after throwing two interceptions in his first bad start in five games since returning from injury. Chris Moore is on a four-game touchdown streak (five total) and finished three of those contests with more than 100 receiving yards. Zach Edwards has two interceptions and 22 solo tackles over the last three games.

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (5-6, 3-4): Defensive lineman Demage Bailey and offensive lineman Quincy McKinney are questionable to play because of undisclosed injuries. Chris Hairston exploded for 123 rushing yards last week on a season-high 8.8 yards per carry. Backup quarterback James Summers is the Pirates’ second-leading rusher with 445 yards and is tied with Hairston with eight rushing touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. East Carolina has made three consecutive bowl appearances under coach Ruffin McNeill.

2. Cincinnati can climb as high as third in the AAC East Division with a win and a Connecticut loss to No. 24 Temple.

3. The Pirates are 12-6 all-time against Cincinnati, but the Bearcats have won the last four meetings.

PREDICTION: East Carolina 38, Cincinnati 28