TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bonani Captures Big East Weekly Honors

ADVERTISEMENT

By GREGG BECNEL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 16, 2008

TAMPA - With University of South Florida freshman Maikon Bonani's game-winning 43-yard field goal against Kansas, not only did he surpass - at least for the moment - QB Matt Grothe as the most popular Bull, Bonani also was named Big East Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday.

After being run into by Kansas defenders, however, Bonani didn't even see his game-winner go in.

"I saw it when it was at about the goal line. That was the last time I saw the ball," said Bonani, who made three of four attempts in his first start. "I didn't see it hit the net or go in or anything. But when I heard the crowd I knew that it was in. It was a great feeling."

Junior S Nate Allen, who had three tackles and set up the winning kick with a 40-yard interception return, was named Defensive Player of the Week. Grothe (32-for-45 for 338 yards and two TDs; one rushing TD) made the conference's weekly honor roll list.

NO ADVANTAGE: Although the Miami area is such a fertile ground in recruiting, USF coach Jim Leavitt doesn't necessarily believe playing at Florida International on Saturday will boost the Bulls' presence in the area.

"I don't think it does a thing," Leavitt said. "Winning and losing has a lot to do with things. We're on TV so much, people see us."

BULLS NEARLY MATCH BUCS: How far has USF's program come in 12 years? The actual attendance for Sunday's Falcons-Bucs game was 56,868, compared with Friday's Kansas-USF actual attendance of 52,627, the Tampa Sports Authority said. That's only a difference of 4,241 fans.

ODDS AND ENDS: RB Mike Ford (ankle) practiced Monday, RB Ben Williams (ankle) was limited and CB Tyson Butler (ankle) was held out, Leavitt said. ... USF's Sept. 27 game at N.C. State will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and be shown on ESPNU.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT