Belk Bowl preview: UC Bearcats vs. Duke Blue Devils

Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Duke (6-6), 6:30 p.m. EST

Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Coverage: ESPN

Line: Cincinnati by 7

Series Record: First meeting

WHAT'S AT STAKE

This is Duke's first bowl game in 18 seasons and the Blue Devils haven't won one since 1961, so this is a great opportunity for the Blue Devils. Cincinnati is a bowl-tested team; this is the Bearcats' sixth postseason appearance in the last seven years. Cincinnati defeated Vanderbilt last year in the Liberty Bowl.

KEY MATCHUP

Cincinnati RB George Winn vs. Duke's porous run defense. Winn has emerged as a playmaker this season for the Bearcats, rushing for 1,204 yards and 12 TDs. Over the last four games, the Blue Devils have allowed 51 points and 294.5 yards rushing on average.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Duke: WR Conner Vernon, the ACC's all-time leader in receptions and yards receiving, has 75 receptions for 955 yards and seven TDs.

Cincinnati: QB Brendon Kay came in against Syracuse and led the Bearcats to a key victory over the Orange. Kay has thrown for 6 TDs.

FACTS & FIGURES

Cincinnati is 7-6 all-time in bowl games. ... Kay was granted a sixth year of eligibility Dec. 17 after the NCAA approved his request for an extension of his eligibility waiver. Kay has missed multiple games during his Cincinnati career. ... Bearcats OL Austen Bujnoch and Eric Lefeld were first team All-Big East this season. ... Duke QB Sean Renfree has a QB rating of 136.43, the second-highest single-season mark in school history. ... Duke K Ross Martin has converted 18 of 20 field goal attempts and all 44 extra points this season. ... Duke DE Kenny Anunike has nine sacks in his last 14 games. However, the Bearcats have allowed only 13 sacks this season. ... Cincinnati is 5-0 when scoring 34 or more points. ... Greg Blair is Cincinnati's leading tackler. He has registered double digits in tackles seven times.

STAT LEADERS (provided by ESPN)

CINCINNATI

Passing: Legaux - 120-230, 1716 yds, 13 tds

Rushing: Winn - 227 car, 1204 yds, 12 tds

Receiving: Kelce - 40 rec, 599 yds, 7 tds

DUKE

Passing: Renfree - 260-392, 2755 yds, 18 tds

Rushing: Duncan - 99 car, 516 yds, 4 tds

Receiving: Crowder - 70 rec, 1025 yds, 8 tds

SOCIAL MEDIA

9 On Your Side Sports Director John Popovich and WCPO will be tweeting live updates at the game unfold. You can follow his tweets at @Popo_WCPOSports and @WCPO sports .