Pike May Play Next Week

CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati senior quarterback Tony Pike, who underwent surgery on his left (non-throwing) arm earlier in the week, did not play today against Louisville, but could return next week against Syracuse.

Pike watched from the sideline in sweats as No. 5 Cincinnati routed Louisville 41-10 behind back-up Zach Collaros, who made his first start for the Bearcats.

Kelly said Pike had the plate replaced in his left arm Tuesday and remains day to day.

"It's a matter of getting the swelling out," Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly said. "We want to make sure we don't put him in a position where he can't protect himself.

"He'll start to move himself into a position where a lot of it will depend on his comfort level. Medically, it is what it is."

Pike reinjured his left arm last week against South Florida.

"It was damaged on a helmet hit," Kelly said. "On that stand point, the good news last year is he had a dislocation with that wrist and the fracture. This year, there isn't a dislocation. We'll take it day to day."

Against Louisville, Collaros was 15 for 17 for 253 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries and was pulled in the second half after the Bearcats built a 28-point lead.

In last week's win at South Florida, Collaros came in for Pike and rushed for 132 yards and threw for 72 in the Bearcats' 34-17 victory. In high school, Collaros was 30-0 as a starter and won two state titles.

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