CINCINNATI (AP) -- Tony Pike is back as Cincinnati's starting quarterback.
Pike is expected to run the offense tomorrow night when the fifth-ranked Bearcats (10-0) play their final home game against Illinois (3-7).
Pike's return will be the most intriguing element of an out-of-conference game for teams at the opposite ends of their leagues.
The Bearcats had one of the nation's top offenses when Pike got hurt at South Florida on Oct. 15. A helmet hit damaged a protective plate in his non-passing forearm, which had been broken last year.
Pike had to have the plate replaced.
Sophomore backup Zach Collaros took over and kept the offense rolling for the next four games.
Illinois also expects to have its starting quarterback back.
Senior Juice Williams hurt his left ankle during a 35-32 win over Minnesota on Nov. 7.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
