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Freshman RB Finding His Way For Bulls

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By BRETT McMURPHY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2007

PITTSBURGH - University of South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe said it seems like in every big game, freshman running back Mike Ford provides a big play.

When defensive end George Selvie faces Ford in practice, he said he sees "an SEC back." USF fans simply can't see enough of Ford, but that is beginning to change.

In the past two weeks, Ford has emerged as USF's feature back and has delivered consecutive 100-yard games.

He had 28 carries for a then career-high 134 yards two weeks ago at Syracuse and topped that with 24 carries and 140 yards against Louisville last week. Today at Pittsburgh, Ford makes his third consecutive start.

The emergence of Ford the past two weeks has helped take the pressure off Grothe.

"It's really helped," USF offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said. "His size alone, that's what you really notice, with his size, he falls forward and because he can keep going north-south, he's really effective.

"He's taking some pressure off Matt. Just running the ball helps us be more balanced, no doubt about it."

Since Ford was such a dominating player as a senior at Sarasota High in 2004 - he had a state-record 11 consecutive 200-yard games - he was expected to step in immediately.

Despite getting 21 carries in the second game at Auburn, Ford's playing time fluctuated until the past two weeks.

"Part of that is attributed to the development of a very talented freshman football player," USF running backs coach Carl Franks said. "I think that's what people tend to forget because he's been out of high school for a couple of years - he's a true freshman. He's still learning what to do, how to run.

"When they come out of high school, they don't run with the body lean you need to in college football. Now that he's able to get his pads down, it's made him a lot more effective."

Ford has been able to take advantage of his opportunities.

"I definitely run better as the game goes along," Ford said. "I love it. I get stronger and stronger. It takes patience. I can't just come in here and take over. God has a plan for everyone, and I just have to be patient. When I come in I just do my thing."

Ford's 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame is tough to take down, Selvie said.

"He has a great combination of speed and power," Selvie said. "He's a big back. He's one of those SEC backs, he's not one of those small little backs you see. He has strength and everything to go with it, so he's hard to tackle. He's going to fall forward for 2 yards almost every time."

South Florida (8-3, 3-3 Big East) at Pittsburgh (4-6, 2-3)

KICKOFF: Noon, Pittsburgh

TV/RADIO: WFTS, Ch. 28/WFLA, 970 AM

THE LINE: USF by 9

KEEP AN EYE ON
USF - Since moving into the starting lineup three games ago, freshman WR Carlton Mitchell has a team-best 17 receptions for 225 yards and two TDs. For the season, the Gaither product leads USF with 32 catches for 505 yards and four TDs.

Pittsburgh - After backing up All-American H.B. Blades the past two seasons, junior LB Scott McKillop is leading the nation with 12.4 tackles per game.


KEY STAT
USF - The Bulls have scored at least 30 points in their past three games. The only time USF scored 30 or more points during a longer stretch was the final six games in 2001.

Pittsburgh - Although the Panthers have the nation's No. 9 defense, they are only 4-6. By comparison, the other schools with Top 10 defenses in the nation are a combined 85-15.


INJURY UPDATE
USF - WRs Amarri Jackson (knee) is out, DT Aaron Harris (ankle) is doubtful and LB Brouce Mompremier (ribs) is probable.

Pittsburgh - None reported.


AT STAKE
USF - A day in the Sun or more cold pizza? A win should secure the Bulls a Sun Bowl berth, while a loss could send USF back to the Papajohns.com Bowl for a second consecutive season.

Pittsburgh - It's a long shot, but the Panthers can still get bowl eligible by pulling off consecutive upsets today against USF and next week at No. 4 West Virginia.


KEY MATCHUPS
When USF has the ball - The Bulls look to continue their recent momentum behind QB Matt Grothe and RB Mike Ford. In the past four weeks, USF is the Big East's only team with at least 440 yards offense each game.

When Pittsburgh has the ball - The Panthers feature RB LeSean McCoy, the Big East's second-leading rusher behind Rutgers' Ray Rice. McCoy, the nation's leading freshman rusher, is only the third freshman in Big East history with 1,000 yards.

PREDICTION
USF has proven it can win at home, win on the SEC road and win in a dome this year. But can the Bulls win by wallowing in the mud? Heinz Field hosted four high school football games Friday, tearing up the strip between the hash marks, which could negate USF's speed.

Score: USF 20, Pittsburgh 13

Compiled by Brett McMurphy

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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