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College Football Preview: No. 13 Kansas (2-0) at No. 19 South Florida (2-0)

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 12, 2008

KICKOFF: 8 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

TV/RADIO: ESPN2/WFLA, 970 AM; WQBN, 1300 AM

THE LINE: USF by 3

KEEP AN EYE ON

USF - Freshman Maikon Bonani makes his collegiate debut tonight and will handle field goals and extra points. Bonani replaces starter Delbert Alvarado. If it's a tight contest in the fourth quarter, how will Bonani respond to a field goal with the game on the line?

KU - The Jayhawks return nine defensive starters from last season and rank No. 1 in the nation in pass efficiency defense. Will KU be able to slow down USF QB Matt Grothe, who threw for 364 yards last week at UCF against one of the nation's most experienced secondaries?

KEY MATCHUP

USF DE George Selvie is not a happy camper. He has been frustrated by the constant double teams and is still looking for his first sack. Tonight, he'll have plenty of opportunities, as KU QB Todd Reesing has averaged 36 pass attempts a game the past two years. Selvie will be lined up against freshman LT Jeff Spikes (6-6, 314), making his third college start.

KEY STAT

This marks Kansas' first regular-season nonconference game with both teams nationally ranked since 1960. The Bulls have won their past three games against ranked opponents, but are 2-4 at home against AP-ranked teams.

INJURY UPDATE

USF - RG Mark Hermann (foot) and WR Colby Erskin (knee) are out, CB Tyson Butler (ankle) is doubtful, RB Mike Ford (ankle) is questionable.

KU - WR Dexton Fields (foot) is out, CB Kendrick Harper (neck) is questionable.

AT STAKE

Tonight's winner keeps alive its dark-horse national title hopes and possibly vaults into next week's Top 10 rankings. The loser spins it that this was only a nonconference game and the conference schedule is what really matters.

PREDICTION

USF 38, KU 21

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