CINCINNATI -- Notre Dame fans will be tuning into this game as much as Illinois and Cincinnati fans.
With Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly rumored as a potential lead candidate if the Irish fire Charlie Weis, Irish fans will likely be watching this nationally televised game to scout him.
The teams actually playing have other concerns.
The No. 5 Bearcats are trying to stay unbeaten and remain in the national championship conversation. Orange Bowl representatives were at Nippert Stadium to observe Cincinnati.
Illinois has a chance to play spoiler and finally gain some respect by beating their first ranked opponent of the season.
The Illini are putting the ball back in quarterback Juice Williams' hands. He has not played since suffering an ankle injury early in the Minnesota game.
Safety Donsay Hardeman (neck) and receiver A.J. Jenkins (knee) were not available to play.
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