Collaros' 5 TDs lead Cincy over Louisville 35-27

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Armon Binns knew it would work.

Binns alerted quarterback Zach Collaros that he could get open against a certain Louisville defensive formation. He ran right past a defender — just as he predicted — to catch a 62-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter Friday night, sending Cincinnati past Louisville 35-27 in the Big East opener for both schools.

Simple as throw-and-catch.

"I was just telling Zach, if he sticks it in there, I'll go get it," said Binns, who ran past cornerback Bobby Burns. "It worked out for us."

Collaros threw a career-high five touchdown passes — three to Binns — and Cincinnati (3-3) overcame the loss of another receiver. D.J. Woods left in the third quarter after banging his head on the ground and losing his helmet on a touchdown catch.

The two-time defending Big East champions already were short-handed at receiver with Vidal Hazelton out with a season-ending knee injury.

"We've suffered through some adversity all year and there was absolutely no panic on the sideline," coach Butch Jones said.

Binns' 62-yard touchdown 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. His final throw to Binns was the clincher.

"He was telling me he can get by that corner," Collaros said. "I just trusted him. All day, he made plays for me."

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.

"That was an unbelievable run," coach Charlie Strong said. "Everyone else needs to play like him."

The Cardinals managed only a field goal in the second half. 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.

Louisville also missed two field goal attempts.

"Again and again, it came down to us stopping ourselves," said Froman, who was 18 of 27 for 179 yards.

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