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Lopsided Win Puts USF In Top 10

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 29, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. - Last week, N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien questioned why opposing coaches would seek advice from the University of South Florida staff on how to stop the spread offense based on USF's Sun Bowl loss to Oregon.

Following USF's 41-10 victory against N.C. State Saturday night, USF secondary coach Troy Douglas also was wondering something.

"We wondered who N.C. State visited to swap ideas about stopping the spread," Douglas said. "Wherever it is, they better find somewhere else to go. They're no Oregon.

"And they better get a refund for their visit because our offense runs the spread and they never slowed us down."

The Bulls scored touchdowns on their first three possessions and scored on five of their six first-half possessions. The Bulls finished with 514 yards, including 354 in the first half.

USF's lopsided win and losses by four of last week's Associated Press Top 10 teams moved the Bulls up to No. 10 in Sunday's AP and coaches polls entering Thursday's home game with Pittsburgh.

"Last season when we were in this situation with a Thursday night game, we went to Rutgers ranked No. 2 and did not play well," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "This is great for our fans, but we as a team have to stay focused on Pitt and do everything we can to give our best effort on Thursday night."

WHAT WENT RIGHT: The Bulls' offense had their way with the Wolfpack. QB Matt Grothe completed his first 11 attempts and finished with 327 yards of total offense. WR Jessie Hester (seven receptions, 68 yards) and Marcus Edwards (77 yards on three receptions) paced the wide receivers. ... USF has the nation's No. 4 rush defense and No. 8 total defense. ... The Bulls lead the Big East in total offense (464 yards per game) and total defense (243 yards allowed).

WHAT WENT WRONG: While the defense allowed only 10 points at N.C. State, it did allow 26.6 yards per catch on nine N.C. State receptions.

INJURY REPORT: DE George Selvie (ankle), NT Terrell McClain (ankle) and LB Brouce Mompremier (neck) all missed Saturday's game. Mompremier definitely won't play Thursday, while Selvie and McClain could return.

CHALLENGE AHEAD: USF plays host to Pittsburgh on Thursday (7:30 p.m., ESPN) in the Bulls' Big East opener.

Brett McMurphy

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