DeMarco McCleskey runs against Army. | ZOOM |

        DeMarco McCleskey hopes to pick up where he left off three weeks ago when he and the Cincinnati Bearcats play Conference USA foe Houston on Saturday at Nippert Stadium.

        When the 5-foot-11, 214-pound sophomore running back last was seen on the playing field, UC was 2-0 and leading then-No.4 Wisconsin at halftime Sept.16.

        But after McCleskey badly pulled a hamstring midway through the game, UC went on to lose 28-25 in overtime. UC was thrashed 42-6 the following Saturday at Indiana and lost 24-19 at Tulane last week.

        Junior Ray Jackson has played well and run hard in McCleskey's absence. But McCleskey is an open-field slasher who makes you stop to watch when he's handed the ball because he just might break away for a big run.

HOUSTON at UC

Records: Houston 2-3 (1-0 Conference USA); UC 2-3 (1-1).   Kickoff: Noon Saturday.   Site: Nippert Stadium (35,000).   Series: Houston leads 13-5.   TV: Ch.19   Radio: WLW-AM (700).   Line: UC by 41/2.

        “Mac's not a sprinter, but he can make somebody miss,” UC coach Rick Minter said. “When Mac comes downhill, if that safety wants to stick his nose in there a little too hard, Mac can dipsy-doodle a little bit and be gone. He has quick, lightning feet.”

        Growing up in Claremore, Okla., McCleskey idolized three backs: Emmitt Smith, Terrell Davis and Curtis Martin. He's modest about his ability, noting that UC has a good corps of running backs capable of taking up the slack in his absence. But there is no other Bearcats runner like him.

        Watching his team lose has been grating.

        “It's been eating at me pretty bad,” McCleskey said.

        It's uncertain how much McCleskey will play Saturday. He thinks he is capable of playing “the whole game” but said the hamstring isn't quite normal.

        Minter said McCleskey and tight end Ashley Hunt (ankle) still are “a little tender. They've all been turned loose to practice and go, but are they really back yet?”

        Minter doesn't intend to overdo it with either player. Both are valuable parts of the offense — especially McCleskey, because he gets the ball so much.

        “The risk with Mac is if he (pulls the hamstring) again, he'd be gone probably for the year,” Minter said.

        McCleskey said the thought of a season-ending injury isn't on his mind. He said he'll know when it's time to take himself from the game, before he re-injures his hamstring.

        KENNER UPDATE: Quarterback Deontey Kenner, who suffered a torn abdominal muscle two weeks ago against Indiana, has begun throwing again. It's not likely he'll see any action Saturday — backup Adam Hoover is getting his second straight start — but Kenner might be a part of the mix next week in Louisville.

        “He's doing some things right now I was led to be lieve he couldn't do,” Minter said. “It's good to have him out here. Just him being on the field helps everybody.”

UC's McCleskey ready to run

New stadium no guarantee of sellouts
Bengals, Titans a competitive series
Titans Scouting Report
Pickens, Kearse questionable
Keaton wants his chance
What Bengals need: Exorcist
Rose scoffs at Bench as manager
Larkin: 'I didn't fire Jack'
Reds let Boone interview with Phillies
Reds send 5 to Louisville
Cyclones, Ducks resume ice wars
Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball

Tonight's top Cincinnati games
Tonight's top N.Ky. games
Fairfield fighting for playoffs against No. 1 Colerain
Beechwood home streak in jeopardy
Our Fearless Predictions: Cincinnati games
Our Fearless Predictions: N.Ky. games
No. 1 Seton seeks elusive soccer title
High School Highlights
Ohio high school results
N. Kentucky high school results
Boys golf poll