CINCINNATI — Tony Pike returned from an injury to his nonthrowing arm and had a record day Friday, passing for six touchdowns in a 49-36 victory over Illinois that left fifth-ranked Cincinnati unbeaten and back to full strength.

The senior quarterback started for the first time since Oct. 15 and broke the school record for touchdown passes. Two of them went to Mardy Gilyard, who also ran back a kickoff for a score.

Cincinnati (11-0) remained one of six unbeaten Bowl Subdivision teams. The Bearcats finish their regular season next weekend in Pittsburgh, aiming for their second consecutive Big East title.

The Illini (3-8) couldn't handle a spread offense that's different from anything they'd see in the Big Ten. Cincinnati had 35 points in the first half alone.

At Auburn, Ala., Alabama found its championship form in the nick of time.Outplayed most of the game, the Crimson Tide stayed unbeaten with victory Friday over Auburn, taking the lead with a nearly perfect drive that was capped by Greg McElroy's 4-yard touchdown pass to Roy Upchurch with 1:24 left.Alabama (12-0, 8-0 Southeastern Conference) completed a second straight perfect regular season in the Iron Bowl, but did it the hard way against its bitter rival. The Tide fell behind in the opening minutes, but came out ahead to do its part to set up 1 vs. 2 showdown with top-ranked Florida in the SEC championship game.

At Boise, Idaho, Kellen Moore tied his career high with five touchdown passes, three to fill-in fullback Dan Paul, and the Broncos remained undefeated.With executives with the Sugar, Fiesta and Orange bowls watching — and hearing fans' chants of "BCS! BCS!" through the rain and cold — the Broncos (12-0, 7-0 WAC) withstood the Wolf Pack's rally from 24 points down in the first half.Boise State is sixth in the latest BCS but far from a lock to earn a bid to the marquee bowls.