Zach Collaros threw a career-high five touchdowns passes, leading Cincinnati to a 35-27 victory over Louisville in the Big East opener for both teams Friday night.

Collaros threw three touchdown passes to Armon Binns and two to D.J. Woods for the Bearcats (3-3), who are attempting to win their third consecutive conference title. Collaros completed 18-of-28 passes for 275 yards while Isaiah Pead gained 145 yards on 21 carries.

Bilal Powell ran for two touchdowns and 209 yards for host Louisville (3-3), including an 85-yard run in the first quarter. Adam Froman completed 18-of-27 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown.

Both teams scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and Louisville led 24-21 at halftime.

Collaros hit Woods with a 47-yard scoring pass on Cincinnati's first possession. After Froman's 11-yard touchdown pass to Josh Chichester tied the game, Collaros gave the Bearcats the lead with a 10-yard pass to Binns. Powell's long TD scamper tied the game.

Chris Philpott's 26-yard field goal and Powell's nine-yard run gave Louisville a 24-14 lead in the second quarter, but Collaros' 31-yard touchdown pass to Binns late in the period cut the lead to three.

Collaros' second scoring pass to Woods put Cincinnati ahead late in the third quarter.

Philpott's 37-yard field early in the fourth quarter cut the lead to one, but Collaros' 62-yard scoring pass to Binns pushed the lead to eight.