SYRACUSE — One week ago, Cincinnati might've felt at ease knowing Syracuse was the last game on its football schedule.

The Bearcats can really relax now after what transpired Friday. Since Pittsburgh upended West Virginia, Cincinnati is the Big East Conference champion and is the recipient of the conference's Bowl Championship Series bid. As a result, today's game with the Orange is meaningless.

Don't tell that to Syracuse, though. The vibrant Orange (3-8 overall, 1-5 conference) is no longer despondent. After weakening Notre Dame's bowl résumé with a road win last week, SU can cast a blow to Cincinnati's psyche with a victory at noon today in Nippert Stadium.

It's also the final stop of the farewell tour for Greg Robinson, who will coach his last game for Syracuse.

"Nothing would be greater for us to get him a win, but it will help us going into next year and the offseason," said Cameron Dantley, Syracuse's starting quarterback.

Cincinnati (9-2, 5-1) has been rolling as of late, winning its last four games. While the Bearcats' spread offense has lasted through five quarterbacks, it's the defense that's made them dynamic. They've forced nine turnovers during their hot streak.

"They have 10 starters who are seniors, that is important," Robinson said. "They've played together for a lot of years. On top of that, there are some very good football players in that group who are experienced."

For Robinson's final task as Syracuse's coach, he'll need to contain the Bearcats' vaunted spread attack that shredded the Orange a year ago. Cincinnati finished with 544 yards of total offense in a 52-31 victory last year at the Carrier Dome. The Bearcats have recycled five quarterbacks this season, but Tony Pike should get the start today. Pike, who broke his nonthrowing arm in September, threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns last week against Pittsburgh.

But the previous embarrassing losses to spread offenses don't concern Robinson anymore. It's the coach's last stand. He wants the Orange to channel its emotion from the win over the Irish to today's statement game with the Bearcats.

"It's another thing for our players to accept the responsibility and accountability that this is the last game of the season," Robinson said. "They've just played a wonderful game and if they really want to make a mark for the senior class, they have to follow it up with another fine performance."

EXTRA POINTS ...

Cincinnati senior cornerbackMike Mickensis out today after having surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee. The All-Big East selection leads the Bearcats with 65 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass breakups. ... Cincinnati head coachBrian Kellyis temporarily off the hook after a report Friday stated that Tennessee is ready to nameLane Kiffinas its new head coach early next week. Kelly was previously mentioned as a leading candidate for the Volunteers' head job. Syracuse was also looking at Kiffin as a possibility for its coaching vacancy.