Collaros to start at QB for Bearcats

CINCINNATI, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Zach Collaros will remain the starting quarterback for fifth-ranked Cincinnati this week, though Tony Pike likely will play, Coach Brian Kelly says.

Kelly announced Tuesday Collaros, who is 3-0 as a starter since Pike hurt his left arm, will start Friday against West Virginia University with Pike expected to see limited action.

Kelly said he's looking to the 9-0 Bearcats' Nov. 27 game against Illinois for a possible return by Pike to a starting role.

"When Tony's back to (100 percent) he's our starter," Kelly said. "He's not there yet. He's making progress."

Pike hurt his left arm in an Oct. 24 game against South Florida. He had been playing with a plate and screws in his non-throwing arm since breaking it last season.

Pike, a senior, has thrown for 1,633 yards and 15 touchdowns with three interceptions in his six starts this season.

Collaros, a sophomore, has 1,229 passing yards and 10 touchdowns with one interception. He also has 288 yards with four touchdowns on the ground.

"Clearly when Zach has come in he's played at a high level," Kelly said. "It's allowed us to set the bar a little higher for Tony. Now we don't have to put him back in there until he's 100 percent."