Brian Kelly: Tony Pike to start on Friday for Bearcats

Kelly said Pike, who is six weeks removed from an injury to his left non-throwing forearm, has had time to heal and minimize the risk of further injury.

Pike, a senior, threw two touchdown passes in a brief appearance in the Bearcats' 24-21 defeat of West Virginia preceding the bye week. It was his first appearance since sustaining the injury Oct. 15.

cincinnati.com