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Seniors Get Win In Home Finale

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

USF's fans enjoy the game against UCONN Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 in Tampa.

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By GREGG BECNEL

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 24, 2008

Updated: 11/24/2008 12:44 am

TAMPA - USF honored 21 seniors before Sunday's home finale: DE Jarriett Buie, RB Shawn Cannon, RT Marc Dile, LS Darryl Dudding, WR Marcus Edwards, SS Louis Gachette, QB Grant Gregory, C Jake Griffin, TE Cedric Hill, LG Matt Huners, WR Taurus Johnson, LB Tyrone McKenzie, LB Brouce Mompremier, FB Mike Padilla, CB Tyller Roberts, LT Ryan Schmidt, LS Eric Setser, K Justin Teachey, S Danny Verpaele, RB Ben Williams and SS Carlton Williams.

Although a senior, Gregory will apply after the season for a sixth year of eligibility because of injuries at the start of his career, which would allow him to return next year, USF offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said.

Entering the game, the four-year senior class had a winning percentage of 62.5 (30-18), which was good for third-best in program history. The 2002 and '03 classes each finished 31-13 (70.5 percent).

This year's class is the first to play all four years in the Big East and the first to be bowl eligible four straight seasons.

BOGAN'S BIG NIGHT: Sophomore Dontavia Bogan's 71-yard kick return right before halftime was USF's longest play of the season, topping Theo Wilson's 67-yard punt return for a TD in the season opener against Tennessee Martin.

Bogan's return was wasted, however, when QB Matt Grothe threw an interception two plays later.

Bogan set up the Bulls' first TD when he returned the opening kickoff 64 yards to the UConn 30. Five plays later, Williams capped the short scoring drive with a 3-yard TD run.

By halftime, Bogan had already set season records for kick returns (24) and yards (652).

ODDS AND ENDS: Senior SS Carlton Williams made his first career start at strongside linebacker. ... Junior DE George Selvie reinjured his ankle during the game and was replaced several times on obvious passing situations. ... Grothe's second-quarter interception was his 12th of the season, giving him the top three totals for interceptions in a season. He had 14 as both a freshman and sophomore. ... The Bulls' starting offensive line - Schmidt, Huners, Griffin, RG Zach Hermann and Dile - was the same group that started the season's first two games.

Gregg Becnel

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