CINCINNATI -- Illinois failed to slow No. 5 Cincinnati's high-powered offense, losing 49-36 at Nippert Stadium on Friday.
Illinois' defense allowed the most points of the season despite Cincinnati's ineptitude to run the ball, staying in negative rushing yardage through most of the fourth quarter.
Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike had a career day, throwing for six touchdown passes and 399 yards.
A 21-yard touchdown pass to Mardy Gilyard had to be reviewed because it looked like his foot was out of the back of the end zone when he had control of the ball on the one-handed catch. Officials ruled it a completion with 4 minutes 19 seconds to go to remain undefeated.
Illinois closed to within 42-30 at the start of the fourth quarter on a two-yard touchdown run by Juice Williams.
Williams connected with Fred Sykes in the end zone with less than three minutes remaining to trail 49-36. A two-point conversion attempt bounced out of Chris Duvalt's hands and was picked off in the end zone by Cincinnati.
Photo: Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard hauls in a touchdown pass on Illinois cornerback Terry Hawtorne. (AP)
All Bears news delivered to your mailbox on Friday and Monday mornings. 
When sports news breaks, be the first to know. (To get alerts on a mobile device, text CHISPORTS to 31286.). 
Get our updates on 
Juice didn't lose this game, the defense did. On another matter, whoever the replay official was, he needs to be fired. Talk about a "Homer" on his reviews or his failure to review. He must be from the Helen Keller school of officating. I hope someone reviews his work today, because it was shameful.
if Illinois had a quaterback with even a modicum of passing talent they win this game.