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USF Lets Another Slip Away

The Associated Press

South Florida receiver Marcus Edwards, left, grimaces as he is tackled by Louisville defender Dane Mattingly during the first half.

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - If there is any good news from the University of South Florida's 24-20 loss at Louisville on Saturday, the Bulls should save a ton of money on their bowl expenses.

Just three weeks ago, USF was unbeaten and Bulls fans were wondering if an undefeated USF team could get into the BCS title game as Big East champions.

Three games and two losses later, USF senior center Jake Griffin said the Bulls' Big East title hopes are "slim and none."

The 14th-ranked Bulls (6-2, 1-2) likely won't be ranked when the AP poll is released today. If so, they would be the nation's only team sitting in seventh place in their conference in the AP Top 25.

"The Big East is tough," USF safety Carlton Williams said. "You lose two league games you put yourself behind the 8-ball. We need some help. We need some things to happen, and we're in a lot of trouble as far as the Big East title goes."

USF's loss ultimately could be the St. Petersburg Bowl's gain. The inaugural bowl stands a great chance at landing USF this year. And if you want to beat the holiday rush, buy your tickets at stpetersburgbowl.com.

The Bulls lost for the third time in as many games at Louisville thanks to several factors: undisciplined play (14 penalties for 109 yards), a school-record-low 8 yards rushing and the defense's inability to hold a fourth-quarter lead.

After USF quarterback Matt Grothe drove the Bulls 79 yards, capped by Grothe's 15-yard touchdown pass to Ben Busbee for a 20-17 lead with 9:22 remaining, the Bulls defense allowed Louisville (4-2, 1-1) to retake the lead.

On the Cards' next possession, they drove 63 yards in six plays with Hunter Cantwell hitting Scott Long for his second touchdown of the afternoon - this one from 24 yards out, putting UL up 24-20 with 7:07 remaining.

Louisville's TD drive was eerily similar to the Pittsburgh loss on Oct. 2, when the Bulls defense allowed a touchdown immediately after taking the lead in the fourth quarter.

"It's the same situation as Pittsburgh," Williams said. "We knew then we couldn't allow it to happen. It's very frustrating. It's something we have to live with and deal with."

After UL took a 24-20 lead, the Bulls had two possessions to retake the lead. The first drive, USF went three-and-out; the second drive Grothe, who was trying to avoid a sack, threw his second interception.

"We just didn't protect enough," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "That's what I thought was a big problem. I thought Matt Grothe did some great things. I thought he was courageous.

"I thought he played extremely well. When he threw the interception, he was just trying too hard to make something happen. I almost can't fault him. I know you can't throw the interception, but that poor guy was just battling for his life."

USF forced Louisville to attempt a 37-yard field goal with 1:19 remaining, but Ryan Payne's miss was negated when USF linebacker Tyrone McKenzie was penalized for defensive holding, allowing the Cards to run out the clock.

Leavitt said McKenzie told him he didn't commit the penalty. UL coach Steve Kragthorpe said it was definitely a penalty and that it was something the Bulls have been doing all season.

"For them to miss the field goal and then a penalty against us is beyond belief," Leavitt said. "Lord have mercy. That's something."

USF trailed 14-6 at halftime after the Bulls had to settle for a couple of Maikon Bonani field goals on drives that reach UL's 15 and 8.

"We needed to get touchdowns on those two drives we got field goals, that's what hurt," USF offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said. "That's what you need. You need four TDs, not two field goals and two TDs."

While Grothe threw for 344 yards, completing 30 of 42 with two touchdowns and two interceptions, the Bulls were unable to do anything on the ground.

Grothe was sacked a season-high five times.

"We couldn't get anything going," Grothe said. "I don't know if it was us or it was them."

Even without a running game, the Bulls were in position to win if their defense could make a late stop.

"For some reason, we cannot make a play when we need to," USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. "If we tip one pass, they don't score and things like that, don't jump offsides and our linebackers have to play the draw better and on and on.

"The kids are trying. They are busting their butts, there is no lack of effort."

Added Leavitt: "There were a number of mistakes we made. We expected to come in here and win, and we didn't. That's all there is to it."

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

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