They're not making any Joe Namath-style guarantees about beating East Carolina today, but the University of Cincinnati Bearcats are determined to avoid the self-inflicted wounds that have devastated them in the past.

        “We don't want to have any mistakes hurt the team,” guard Kirt Doolin said. “It's always one mistake, one turnover, a big play — something happens and we shoot ourselves in the foot.”

        UC (5-3) is 4-1 in Conference USA, one loss behind 4-0 co-leaders Louisville and East Carolina.

        ECU (5-3) features the league's leading rusher, fullback Leonard Henry, and an option offense that averages 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing.

        “They've got playmakers all over the place,” said UC coach Rick Minter.

        Henry ranks seventh nationally with an average of 129.9 rushing yards a game. Quarterback David Garrard is the career total offense and passing yardage leader at a school that produced former Bengals quarterback Jeff Blake. Garrard has rushed for 479 yards and thrown for 1,605.

        Henry and Garrard present a challenge for a UC defense that has allowed 175 rushing yards and 387 total yards a game.

        “We're confident in our defense,” said cornerback LaVar Glover, “that we can play with just about anybody when we're going hard for four quarters and playing assignment football.”

        If UC — which hasn't beaten a team with a winning record this season — wins, it will pass East Carolina into second place with one league game remaining, Nov.24 at Memphis.

        A win also would make UC bowl-eligible for the second straight season.

UC's vow: No more mistakes UC-NKU creating an unusual buzz

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