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Leavitt: 'We Didn't Play Smart'

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 8, 2008

ORLANDO - Despite the University of South Florida blowing a 14-point lead in the final three minutes of regulation at UCF on Saturday, Coach Jim Leavitt wasn't questioning the Bulls' late-game management in the 31-24 overtime win.

"We had the game under control," Leavitt said Sunday. "We made a number of mistakes that were disappointing. We didn't play smart."

Leavitt stood by the Bulls' play-calling in the final four minutes. QB Matt Grothe threw an interception on second down with 3:24 remaining (setting up a UCF TD, making it 24-17).

"You can always question things," Leavitt said. "I don't mind passing and going for a first down. They sent both linebackers and the guy was open. You can always look back. We definitely didn't want the interception."

On USF's next possession, Grothe threw an incompletion on second down, allowing UCF to save its final time out for third down with 2:30 remaining. After USF punted, the Knights scored to send the contest into OT.

EMOTIONAL NIGHT: In a game brimming with emotions, there probably was no one more emotional than USF RB Moise Plancher.

The junior got his first start since the 2006 season opener - the same game in which he tore his ACL on the first series - on the night UCF honored his late cousin, Ereck Plancher, a former UCF WR who died in March at age 19.

"It felt real great wearing the name 'Plancher' on my back and representing him," Moise Plancher said.

Plancher finished with 50 yards on nine carries. He scored USF's first TD, using a 360-spin move to avoid a tackle in the backfield and then sprinting and diving into the end zone to complete the 14-yard run.

"This was a very tough week; it was not easy," Plancher said. "That was for my cousin. That playing at UCF went through my mind all week. That TD was for him."

WHAT WENT RIGHT: The offense was missing RBs Mike Ford and Ben Williams but still rolled up 500-plus yards for a second consecutive game. ... WR Taurus Johnson (six catches, 143 yards, tied for third-most yards in school history) had the game-winning 25-yard TD reception in overtime. ... UCF fans got hold of Grothe's cell number, but he has UCF's number: He threw for 346 yards and three TDs Saturday. In three career games vs. UCF, Grothe had 1,087 yards of total offense and accounted for 10 TDs.

WHAT WENT WRONG: USF allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown and 71 yards on three punt returns by Joe Burnett. ... K Delbert Alvarado had a 46-yard field goal blocked and missed the game-winner from 42. He did make a 20-yarder.

INJURY UPDATE: TE Trent Pupello (ankle), Williams (ankle) and LB Lucas Darr (ankle) re-aggravated injuries against UCF. PR Marcus Edwards (ribs) also was injured. Ford (ankle) did not play against UCF. Their availability this week is unknown.

CHALLENGE AHEAD: No. 13 Kansas and QB Todd Ressing visit No. 19 USF for a Friday night matchup (8 p.m., ESPN2).

Brett McMurphy

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