Collaros’ five TDs lead Cincy to victory

Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, KY.

Zach Collaros threw a career-high five touchdown passes — three to Armon Binns — and Cincinnati overcame the loss of another receiver Friday night, beating Louisville 35-27 in its Big East opener.

The two-time defending champs lost receiver D.J. Woods to a concussion after his second touchdown catch in the third quarter. Cincinnati (3-3) already was short-handed at receiver with Vidal Hazelton’s season-ending knee injury.

Binns’ 62-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter decided a game of try-to-top-this plays. He also scored on catches of 47 and 10 yards in the best game of his career. Collaros was 18 of 28 for 275 yards with a pair of interceptions.

Bilal Powell ran for a career-high 209 yards and two touchdowns, keeping Louisville (3-3) in the game. He had an electrifying 85-yard touchdown run that helped the Cardinals take a 24-21 lead into halftime.

Out of timeouts, Louisville went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 12 with 4:20 left. Adam Froman’s pass was broken up by Camerron Cheatham and Cincinnati ran out the clock.

The Ohio River rivalry — a keg of nails goes to the winner — got off to a raucous start and never slowed down.