The University of Cincinnati's victory over Louisville on Thursday night might have been a season-saver.
Three weeks ago, the Bearcats were 2-5 and staring at their first losing season in three years.
But after their 24-14 decision over the Cardinals, UC (4-5, 3-2) is back in the bowl picture. And there's still an outside chance the Bearcats could share the Conference USA championship and secure a Liberty Bowl bid.
If UC wins its final three C-USA games - at home against Houston and UAB, and at East Carolina - it will finish 7-5 overall and 6-2 in conference. That could be enough to tie the Bearcats for first place with TCU, currently 4-1, if someone else can knock off the Horned Frogs. If there's a tie for the league title, Liberty Bowl officials can choose which team they want.
The Bearcats recovered from a sloppy, scoreless first half against Louisville to score 24 unanswered points.
UC quarterback Gino Guidugli, held to just 3 passing yards in the first half, threw for 117 in the second.
Bearcats senior running back DeMarco McCleskey, who scored the go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter, rushed for 82 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns on 26 carries. And UC's defense, sparked by Antwan Peek's return of a fumble recovery for a touchdown early in the second half, held Louisville quarterback Dave Ragone to just 91 yards on 11-of-31 passes.
"Our defense has played good ball for the past month," said Bearcats coach Rick Minter. "That's what kick-started us."
