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2008 USF Football Season Yields Lose-Lose Situation

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2008

TAMPA - The University of South Florida football program saw fewer wins in 2008 compared with 2007, and it attracted fewer fans.

USF had a 16.5 percent decrease in the number of fans attending the Bulls' home games in 2008 compared with 2007, according to figures provided today by the Tampa Sports Authority.

In six home games this season, USF's average actual attendance (number of individuals at the game) was 37,598, including a season-low 26,677 for Sunday night's national televised home final against the University of Connecticut. Raymond James Stadium's capacity is 65,857.

In six home games in 2007, USF's average actual attendance per game was 45,033.

Here are the game-by-game actual attendance numbers for USF's 2008 home games, provided by the Tampa Sports Authority:

•Tennessee Martin, 33,507

•Kansas, 52,627

•Pittsburgh, 40,721

•Syracuse, 38,570

•Rutgers, 33,487

•UConn, 26,677

Sunday's UConn game had the smallest home crowd since the 2006 final against Syracuse (23,353).

USF's "announced attendance" for home games this season was 49,690, which includes tickets purchased, distributed or given away. USF's 2007 home game "announced attendance" was 53,170.

USF finished 9-4 last season, climbing as high as No. 2 in the nation before ending the season unranked. This year, USF is 7-4, with a road game remaining at West Virginia on Dec. 6. USF was ranked as high as No. 10 in the nation but fell from the national rankings after starting Big East play by losing four of five games.

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

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