Cincinnati, Louisville Ready For Keg of Nails

While Cincinnati coach Butch Jones is trying to put his own imprint on the Bearcats, there's one tradition he plans to keep: Winning.

The two-time defending Big East champions open conference play on Friday against surging Louisville (3-2). The Cardinals have won two straight for the first time in over two years and their confidence is soaring under new head coach Charlie Strong.

Cincinnati (2-3) has captured the Keg of Nails each of the last two seasons, including a 41-10 blowout a year ago. The victories are part of a 12-game conference winning streak.

Louisville is coming off a 56-0 rout of Memphis, its first shutout in four years. Quarterback Adam Froman says the Cardinals, picked to finish last in the league, believe they can compete for the Big East title.