As Big East play is set to begin for Cincinnati, the Bearcats seem as ready as ever to defend their crown. 

The Bearcats travel to Louisville to face the surprising Louisville Cardinals who are off to a respectable 3-2 start. 

Both teams are coming off blowout victories. Cincinnati handled rival Miami 45-3 while Louisville took down Memphis 56-0. 

With the Big East wide open this season, every game is important and for Cincinnati, winning at Louisville is a must if they hope to win a third straight Big East title. 

Here are five things the Bearcats will need to do to take down the Cardinals in Louisville. 

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