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Bulls Will Look To Slow Surging Scarlet Knights

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By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: November 15, 2008

TAMPA - Previously at Raymond James Stadium ...

When we last saw the University of South Florida play at home, the Bulls were nationally ranked and in contention for the Big East title. Gas was more than $3 a gallon.

Now 28 Days Later (ironic isn't it, horror movie fans?) there have been quite a few USF plot twists.

Among them: the Bulls' national ranking and Big East title hopes are long gone, the seniors called a players' only meeting to clear the air, The Sporting News listed USF coach Jim Leavitt as its No. 1 dark-horse candidate to get fired and someone even purchased a Fire.com Web site aimed at USF's offensive coordinator.

In today's episode ...

The Bulls (6-3, 1-3 Big East) host Rutgers (4-5, 3-2) at noon. Since starting 5-0, the Bulls have lost three of four. Since starting 1-5, Rutgers has won three consecutive games.

"They have a lot of things going," Leavitt said. "A lot of momentum."

Fortunately for the Bulls, Rutgers running back Ray Rice, who averaged 180 yards rushing the past three years against USF, is gone to the NFL.

However, Rutgers' turnaround has been keyed by quarterback Mike Teel, who has thrown for nine TDs in the past two games, and wide receiver Kenny Britt, who leads the Big East in receptions and yards receiving.

"Britt is their go-to guy," USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. "He's their Ray Rice this year."

USF senior linebacker Tyrone McKenzie said it's been difficult to accept the Bulls' Big East title hopes have vanished.

"It's extremely hard, but then you have to realize you have to let it go," McKenzie said. "Our guys realize there's more to the season. I'm pumped up for the rest of season and the guys are too. We can still get after it."

USF quarterback Matt Grothe said there hasn't been a lot of talk about last year's game. Rutgers upset No. 2 USF, sending the Bulls' into a three-game tailspin.

Rutgers has won the past two games by a total of five points (30-27 in 2007; 22-20 in 2006).

"They're not fun the way they ended," Grothe said. "Both came down to the wire. Not much fun when you're not on the winning side."

Fun is also something that's been missing from the Bulls lately. That was one of the subjects - a lack of passion and enthusiasm - discussed at last week's players' only meeting called by the seniors.

"I think the meeting is great if they wanted it," Leavitt said. "They're seniors for goodness sakes. They should be able to do anything they want to do. I mean, really, they've invested five years of their lives into this.

"The bottom line is if you play better than the other team, you win. If you don't, you lose. It's not complicated."

Tune in next week when the conniving Connecticut Huskies visit Nov. 23.

AT STAKE

With their Big East title hopes dashed, the Bulls' main goal is to win out, which would give them a school-record 10 victories. The Scarlet Knights also are trying to win out, and must do so, to clinch a bowl berth.

KEY MATCHUP

USF's defense has been susceptible to the pass, which is not good news with red-hot Rutgers QB Mike Teel coming to town. In Rutgers' first six games, Teel completed 55 percent of his passes and averaged 195 yards with three TDs and seven interceptions. In Rutgers' three-game winning streak, Teel has completed 65.5 percent and averaged 276 yards with nine TDs and three interceptions.

KEY STAT

USF is favored in its 16th consecutive game against a Division I-A opponent. The Bulls are 8-7 in their previous 15 games as a favorite.

KEEP AN EYE ON

USF - What is the Bulls' current psyche? In a players' only meeting last week, the Bulls said they haven't shown the same enthusiasm and passion since early in the season. How the Bulls respond in the first quarter will be very telling.

RUTGERS - WR Kenny Britt has quietly put up numbers similar to Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree. Britt ranks sixth in the nation in receiving yards per game (111.8) and seventh in receptions per game (7.5).

INJURY UPDATE

USF - K Justin Teachey (quad), FS Danny Verpaele (foot), LB Brouce Mompremier (head) and RT Danous Estenor (knee) are out.

RUTGERS - DE Gary Watts (knee) is out.

PREDICTION

USF 24, Rutgers 21

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928.

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