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USF Answers Challenge

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By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: October 19, 2008

TAMPA - Apparently the University of South Florida thought its off week also included the first half against Syracuse.

The Bulls, who hadn't played in 16 days, finally awoke from a lethargic first half with a dominating second half to smash Syracuse, 45-13, Saturday.

"We were a little sluggish in the first half," USF senior linebacker Brouce Mompremier said. "I'm not sure why, but whatever it was, we fixed it at halftime."

No. 19 USF led 21-13 at halftime, but was outgained by Syracuse 221-212. In the second half, USF outscored SU 24-0, holding the Orange to no first downs and 9 yards on 18 offensive plays.

USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, after watching Orange running back Curtis Brinkley rush for 106 yards in the first half, issued a "challenge" to the defense.

"I got on them a little bit," Burnham said. "Let's just say I challenged them. I hollered. I made 'em think I was mad."

The Bulls bought it.

"Wally, USF coach Jim Leavitt and secondary Coach Troy Douglas went crazy at halftime," USF senior linebacker Tyrone McKenzie said. "We stepped to the plate and got it fixed. We can't have that happen anymore."

The Bulls' domination wasn't limited to the field. Even Syracuse's mascot was no match. Rocky the Bull knocked Syracuse's Orange to the ground in the fourth quarter.

Long before Rocky's knockout, USF quarterback Matt Grothe already had administered his own TKO of the Orange. Grothe threw for 248 yards and three TDs, and rushed for 72 yards and another score before leaving with 6:45 remaining. The secret to Grothe's success?

"I probably was still tired from waking up at 7 o'clock," said Grothe about the noon start. "I'm still tired from that.

"Normally when I'm not so worried about football all day, I play better. I was worried about waking up, came out and played well."

With USF leading 21-13 in the third quarter, Grothe caught Syracuse (1-6, 0-3 Big East) asleep. After USF defensive end Craig Marshall returned a Syracuse fumble caused by Aaron Harris 7 yards to the SU 1, Grothe hit A.J. Love, who was left alone near the right sideline, for a TD with 6:53 remaining in the third.

USF scored points on four consecutive drives to turn the 21-13 lead into a 45-13 laugher before an announced Raymond James Stadium crowd of 51,384.

"We went dormant on offense," Syracuse coach Greg Robinson said. "I wish I could tell you what specifically was the reason for that but I don't know. I just didn't feel like we showed the same explosiveness we showed in the first half."

USF's defense was sparked by the return of Mompremier, defensive end George Selvie and nose tackle Terrell McClain. The trio had not been in the starting lineup together since playing at Florida International on Sept. 20.

"It made a great deal of difference," Burnham said.

While the Bulls defense dominated the second half, the Bulls offense put in a complete performance. USF's balanced attack had 487 yards - 239 rushing, 248 passing.

"Matt played great," USF offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said. "We're a much better team when we don't worry about who's carrying the ball and we just go. The offense can revolve around the quarterback and we can rotate the backs in and let 'em go."

Mike Ford (51 yards rushing), Moise Plancher (31 yards) and Ben Williams (25 yards rushing, 65 yards receiving) each had at least six carries.

"We were satisfied with our performance," USF senior guard Matt Huners said.

USF senior wide receiver Taurus Johnson, who had two TD receptions, said Saturday's performance was more indicative of the Bulls offense.

"We did what we were supposed to do," Johnson said. "I thought, 'Now this is the offense.' I know this is what we usually do."

Even though the victory made the Bulls bowl eligible, Grothe said USF has bigger goals. "I want to be BCS bowl eligible," he said.

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

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