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USF's McKenzie Disputes Pivotal Call

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida linebacker Tyrone McKenzie said Monday he was surprised he was penalized for defensive holding on a last minute Louisville field goal attempt and said the call was "awful."

With 1:19 remaining in USF's 24-20 loss at Louisville, the Cardinals missed a field goal. However, on the play officials penalized USF for defensive holding. USF coach Jim Leavitt said the officials told him "McKenzie pulled one of their guys and allowed someone to shoot through."

McKenzie disagreed.

"I did the same thing I did all day," McKenzie said. "I engaged with him [Louisville lineman] and jumped. I did the same thing I did all day. The referee didn't say anything all day and then [this time] he threw a flag.

"He just wanted to throw a flag obviously. You watch the tape. It was an awful call."

If the penalty wouldn't have been called, the Bulls would have had 1:19 to drive 80 yards for a game-winning touchdown.

Leavitt said he was sending the game tape to be reviewed by Big East coordinator of football officiating Terry McAulay.

After the game, Louisville coach coach Steve Kragthorpe said it's something USF has done all season.

"There's no doubt McKenzie pulled up," Kragthorpe said. "We've seen it in film and we knew they'd try to do it again."

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

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