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Bulls Face Tough Chore

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 23, 2008

TAMPA - Ray Rice running with a football under his right arm probably doesn't conjure up the most pleasant memories for University of South Florida fans.

The former Rutgers running back averaged 180 yards in three games against USF.

As good as Rice was, USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said he's seen an even better back - UConn's Donald Brown.

Brown and the Huskies (7-3, 3-2 Big East) visit Raymond James Stadium tonight in the final home game for the Bulls (6-4, 1-4).

"Brown might be the best back in the new Big East since 2005 ever, I'm telling you," Burnham said. "I think so.

"He is so powerful and quick. I think he's better than Ray Rice. I really do and that's not taking anything away from Rice."

Brown is the nation's leading rusher, averaging 153.7 yards per game. Only twice this year has the 5-10, 210-pound tailback been held to less than 130 yards - against West Virginia (19 carries, 82 yards) and Rutgers (27 carries, 107 yards).

"Brown is really good," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "He's leading the nation. He's No. 1. He's the top guy and he deserves it. They do a good job blocking for him and he runs well."

Brown runs behind an offensive line featuring three linemen who are 6-foot-6 or bigger.

"He's got everything a great running back has got - he's strong, he's fast, powerful and quick," Burnham said. "He can change direction in the hole. He's got a great stiff arm.

"They do things that he can do so well. They use him so well, screen passes, things like that. It's unbelievable.

"When we get there we have to make a tackle. We have to wrap up. All the cliches about good technique and all that stuff. Our kids have to concentrate and it's going to be a heck of a challenge."

Tonight's game will be the final home game for 21 USF seniors - defensive end Jarriett Buie, running back Shawn Cannon, offensive linemen Marc Dile, Jake Griffin, Matt Huners and Ryan Schmidt, long snappers Darryl Dudding and Eric Setser, wide receivers Marcus Edwards and Taurus Johnson, safeties Louis Gachette, Danny Verpaele and Carlton Williams, quarterback Grant Gregory, tight end Cedric Hill, linebackers Tyrone McKenzie and Brouce Mompremier, fullback Mike Padilla, cornerback Tyller Roberts, kicker Justin Teachey and running back Ben Williams.

"It's their last one, they'll never get a chance to play here again," USF junior quarterback Matt Grothe said. "So we need to go out and play well for them.

"I know they'll come out ready to play, it's their last time. I think we'll be fired up, ready to play. We have to stay away from the stuff we haven't been able to stay away from the last couple of weeks."

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

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