The Associated Press

CINCINNATI (2-0) at No. 22 OHIO STATE (2-1), 6 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)

Line: Ohio State by 14½

Series Record: Ohio State leads 13-2

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Stuck in an overlooked conference (the old Big East, aka American Athletic Conference), out of the rankings and removed from the national conversation, the Bearcats want nothing more than to knock off their high-profile rival in the center of the state and climb back into prominence. The Buckeyes are ranked but still trying to re-establish themselves after losing to Virginia Tech at home.

KEY MATCHUP

Cincinnati QB Gunner Kiel against Ohio State’s rebuilt pass defense. Kiel debuted as the starter against Toledo and completed 25 of 37 passes for 418 yards with six touchdowns to match Tony Pike’s school record. He looked a little more frazzled against a lesser opponent last week in a victory over Miami, Ohio. The Buckeyes were torched for 380 passing yards per game while losing two of three to end last season. They tore up that defense and started over. This is the first real test.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cincinnati: LB Jeff Luc is tied for the national lead in tackles (15) per game. DE Silverberry Mouhon and his linemates must apply pressure, since the Bearcats are averaging 46 points a game but giving up 27.5.

Ohio St.: DEs Joey Bosa and Tommy Schutt need to have a big day for the Buckeyes to narrow the time Kiel has in the pocket. On offense, look for QB J.T. Barrett to hand off to RBs Ezekiel Elliott, Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson a lot.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Bearcats get $888,246 to come to Ohio Stadium. … Cincinnati’s Tommy Tuberville is 2-0 over Ohio State’s Urban Meyer, both games coming when Tuberville was at Auburn and Meyer at Florida. … That’s the best record of any opposing coach with at least two decisions against Meyer. … Ohio State has won its last 39 games against in-state opponents, the last loss a 7-6 setback to Oberlin in 1921. … Meyer is a Cincinnati grad (1986) who lettered for the Bearcats in football.

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