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FACTS & STATS: Site: Rutgers Stadium (52,454) -- New Brunswick, New Jersey. Television: ESPN. Home Record: Cincinnati 0-0, Rutgers 0-0. Away Record: Cincinnati 0-0, Rutgers 0-0. Neutral Record: Cincinnati 0-0, Rutgers 0-0. Conference Record: Cincinnati 0-0, Rutgers 0-0. Series Record: Rutgers leads, 7-6-1.

GAME NOTES: It may be just the first game of the season for both programs, but there is no down playing the importance of Monday's Big East matchup featuring the Bearcats of Cincinnati and the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.

Under head coach Brian Kelly, the Bearcats have won 21 games over the past two seasons, their highest total ever over a two years stretch. The 2008 campaign was a magical one for Kelly and the Cincinnati program, as the Bearcats won a school-record 11 games and captured their first outright Big East Conference title with a 6-1 mark. Cincinnati was rewarded with a spot in the school's first BCS game, although it was on the short-end of a 20-7 decision against Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Still, Kelly has turned the Bearcats into a force and he will need to work his magic again in 2008 if the program hopes to successfully defend its Big East title.

As for Rutgers, it has become a consistent winner under head coach Greg Schiano and last season was a perfect example of how far this program has come over the past few years. The Knights entered the 2008 campaign with lofty expectations, but lost five of their first six games and appeared to be headed back to their losing ways. Rutgers though, turned things around in a big way, ripping off seven straight victories, including a 29-23 triumph over NC State in the Papajohns.com bowl. It was quite a turnaround for the Knights, who return a good deal of talent and are expected to be legitimate contenders for the Big East title in 2009.

Rutgers holds slight 7-6-1 edge in the head-to-head series with Cincinnati, although the Bearcats picked up a 13-10 victory in last year's encounter.

The Bearcats ranked 26th nationally in passing last season behind quarterback Tony Pike and his return is a major reason why many believe Cincinnati can repeat as league champions. Pike passed for 2,407 yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago, even though he entered the campaign as a backup. Now, with a full camp under his belt as the team's leader, expectations for Pike are sky high. Pike will certainly benefit from a talented group of wideouts that is highlighted by the return of Mardy Gilyard. The 6-1 Gilyard has gamebreaking ability and he ranked third in the Big East with 81 grabs, to go with 11 touchdowns. John Goebel and Jacob Ramsey figure to once again share the duties at tailback after combining for 1,271 rushing yards last season, but they could lose carries to some younger and more explosive players like Isaiah Pead. The line is deep and talented with three returning starters, and that is even more reason to believe in the Bearcats' offense.

Cincinnati's offense is certainly set, but the defense is a different story, as the team welcomes back only one starter from a year ago. The lone returnee is safety Aaron Webster, who notched 60 stops in 2008 and will be counted on a lot more this season. Marcus Barnett will accompany Webster in the secondary and he is a tremendous talent. The team's second-leading receiver two years ago, Barnett has the potential to be a lockdown corner with some time. At linebacker, sophomore J.K. Shaffer has the potential to develop into a consistent producer and he will be one of several new faces to play a more prominent role in 2009. Fellow sophomore Derek Wolfe is an anchor at tackle, but expecting too much from the young player isn't sensible.

The Knights did a terrific job on offense last season, but now must find a way to replace two of the most successful players in school history in quarterback Mike Teel and wideout Kenny Britt. Trying to fill the void left by Teel will be Domenic Natale, a fifth-year senior that has only eight career pass attempts to his credit. If Natale does lose a grip on the position, 2007 backup Jabu Lovelace could step in. The success at the quarterback position could very well determine how competitive the entire team will be in 2009. Making things harder on the new quarterback is a wideout corps that returns only one player with any experience. Tim Brown is that guy and he lacks size at 5-8, but he is explosive, averaging 20.9 yards per catch in 2008. With uncertainty surrounding the aerial attack, expect the Knights to pound the ball on the ground. The tailback trio of Kordell Young, Joe Martinek and Jourdan Brooks accounted for just under 1,500 yards and 15 scores last season, and all three are back in place. Mix in an offensive line that returns all five starters, including standout tackle Anthony Davis, and Rutgers may be able to overcome any issues associated with the passing.

Rutgers ranked 19th in scoring defense last season, allowing just 18.9 ppg, and despite the loss of five starters, there is belief that this unit could be even better in 2009. One reason for the optimism comes with the return of linebacker Ryan D'Imperio, who emerged as a star last season and finished with 93 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 12.5 TFLs. There are some questions in the secondary following the loss of two key players, but the team does have other options. Corner Devin McCourty returns after posting 57 tackles and joining him in the backfield will be safety Joe Lefeged, who ranked fourth with 72 stops in 2008. Two starters are back up front in ends Alex Silvestro and George Johnson and they both have potential for all-league honors. Johnson recorded 10 TFLs, two sacks and an interception a year ago, while Silvestro notched 43 stops and a pair of sacks.

The Knights are expected to contend for the Big East title and there is no better way to start off a season than by knocking off the defending champions. That is easier said than done however, as the Bearcats certainly won't go quietly. This will be an interesting matchup, as Cincinnati possesses an inexperienced defense, while Rutgers' offense has issues of its own. They may be on the road, but go with the Bearcats and expect Pike to make the difference.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Cincinnati 24, Rutgers 20