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Which Bulls Can We Expect?

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By BRETT McMURPHY

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 27, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. - Will the real University of South Florida please stand up tonight against N.C. State? Actually, what is the real USF?

"I don't think we've put our 'A' game together yet," USF senior center Jake Griffin said. "I think that's what we need to do to prove we are a pretty good team. It would be nice to do it this week."

Even without their "A" game, the 13th-ranked Bulls (4-0) have managed to remain unbeaten - but not without some drastic ebbs and flows.

At UCF, the Bulls were in control 24-10 only to allow UCF to score 14 points in the final three minutes to force overtime.

Against Kansas, USF was outscored 20-3 at the outset, only to reel off 31 consecutive points and then allow KU 14 points in a five-minute span in the fourth quarter.

At FIU last week, USF was up 17-0 when FIU scored nine points in the final 2:20. USF recovered an onside kick to hold on.

Tonight, the Bulls (4-0) visit N.C. State (2-2). The Wolfpack were picked to finish last in the ACC's Atlantic Division, but they're coming off last week's overtime upset of No. 15 East Carolina.

"N.C. State, they have some momentum, a night game at their place," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "Our guys will have to be mentally, mentally tough. We certainly have to play better than we did last week in order to have a chance to win."

The Bulls have had their ups and downs on offense, defense and special teams, but one area they must improve is the turnover battle.

Last season, USF had forced 14 turnovers after four games. This year, the Bulls have managed only three interceptions and no fumble recoveries.

"There are no absolutes," Leavitt said of the difference from last season. "I learned that in some of the research I did in the past."

Leavitt said several factors contribute to winning the turnover battle.

"We try as hard as we can," Leavitt said. "I think everybody in the country wants turnovers. I imagine everybody in the country wants to hold on to the ball. I think everybody in the country is going to try to do all they can to get the turnovers. And everybody in the country probably does all they can to keep the ball.

"We just haven't done that as good."

Griffin said the Bulls need to show everybody in the country what the real USF is like.

"We're sure of ourselves, we need to go out and show everyone else, too," Griffin said. "Show them how we can play. We need a solid game from the first quarter to fourth quarter.

"You always want to beat the other BCS teams you play against, especially the ACC because they're so good."

While the Bulls' Big East opener isn't until Thursday at home against Pittsburgh, USF quarterback Matt Grothe said tonight's game is important.

"I think we need to make a statement," Grothe said. "It's an ACC team."

NO. 13 SOUTH FLORIDA (4-0) AT N.C. STATE (2-2)

At Stake

USF's top priority, of course, is the Big East championship, so tonight's result will have no impact on that goal. However, a loss at N.C. State could shake the Bulls' confidence entering Thursday's Big East opener against Pittsburgh. USF's last three wins have been by three, seven (in OT) and eight points. A dominating performance could set the tone for USF for the second half of the season.

Keep An Eye On:

USF - The defense could be without as many as three starters. LB Brouce Mompremier is out, and DE George Selvie, NT Terrell McClain and NT Sampson Genus will be game-time decisions. None are near 100 percent. USF's defense faces a Wolfpack offense that ranks as the 11th-worst in the nation, but it has been effective at times with the running of HB Andre Brown (70 yards per game).

N.C. State - QB Harrison Beck, of Countryside High, is slated to get the start for Russell Wilson. A transfer from Nebraska, Beck never seriously considered USF coming out of high school. This will be Beck's fifth start. In his previous four, he has eight interceptions and no TD passes.

Key Stat

USF's defense has forced only three turnovers, tied for the fourth-fewest in the nation. By comparison, N.C. State has forced 12. That is tied for the nation's sixth-best total.

Injury Update

USF - NT Terrell McClain (ankle), LB Brouce Mompremier (neck) and RG Mark Hermann (foot) are out; DE George Selvie (ankle) and K Justin Teachey are doubtful; NT Sampson Genus (ankle) is questionable.

N.C. State - DT Alan-Michael Cash (knee), OG Curtis Crouch (foot), TE Anthony Hill (chest strain), LB Nate Irving (ankle) and WR Geron James (ankle) are out; QB Russell Wilson (shoulder) is doubtful.

Key Matchup

The Bulls' offense sputtered last week in the red - dead? - zone at FIU. Five possessions inside the 20 resulted in only 17 points. USF, led by QB Matt Grothe, must convert its opportunities tonight against an N.C. State defense that has allowed 28 points a game against Division I-A clubs this year.

PREDICTION

USF 21, N.C. State 17

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com.

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