With only two regular-season games remaining in what has been the most productive career for a quarterback in the history of University of Cincinnati football, Guidugli is playing at his peak.

The senior from Highlands High School set another school record Saturday when he threw five touchdown passes against a Southern Miss defense that had allowed only seven touchdown passes all season.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Saturday's game

He completed 19 of 26 passes for 308 yards and did not throw an interception for the third straight week in UC's 52-24 victory.

"He's sharp as a tack out there," said running back Richard Hall. "He's making all the right reads. It's the little things. They want to jump down his throat if he throws an interception, but he's a great quarterback."

In his last four games, Guidugli has completed 70 of 109 passes (64 percent) for 995 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has been intercepted once.

"I'm just getting more familiar with the offense in general," Guidugli said. "The offensive line is giving me a great pocket to sit in, and the wide receivers are making plays."

UC scored 52 points against a defense that was allowing 19.5 a game. It was the most points allowed by Southern Miss since Florida State scored 61 in 1987.

"He makes it all go," said Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower. "He's playing better than he has ever played. I do not see him making the mistakes he did in the past."

MOTIVATION: The UC players, particularly Hall and defensive tackle Trent Cole, came out of the locker room before the game prancing and looking toward the Southern Miss players, who were preparing to run onto the field.

"We came here to win," Cole said. "We lost two years in a row to them. They beat us at our place (last year) when we gave the game away. This meant something to us. It meant a lot to a lot of people to come in here and beat them on their own turf. We're trying to show the world who we are."

NO SACKS: The offensive line kept Guidugli from getting sacked for the fourth straight game, something the offensivelinemen are loathe to talk about for fear of jinxing the streak.

"As long as we keep Gino healthy and safe, that's all we worry about," tackle Clint Stickdorn said.

It was also UC's third straight game without a turnover.

OFF WEEK: The last time the Bearcats had an off week, they used it to regroup after the loss to Army.

They have another one this week before playing South Florida at home on Nov. 20.

---

E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com