Cincinnati Buries USF's Big East Title Hopes, 24-10

Need a last-minute Halloween costume for tonight that's guaranteed to scare the bejeesus out of any University of South Florida fan? Just dress up as the Big East standings.

With No. 24 USF's 24-10 loss at Cincinnati on Thursday, the most-anticipated season in school history has officially turned into a nightmare.

Since climbing to No. 10 last month, the Bulls (6-3, 1-3) have lost three of their last four.

Since last year's 6-0 start, the Bulls are 8-7 against Division I-A opponents.

USF sits alone in seventh place in the Big East ahead of only woeful Syracuse (1-6, 0-3).

"We're not quite at the bottom of the Big East, but pretty much the bottom," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "We still have a chance at a bowl game and a chance at finishing strong."

The Bulls had a chance to rally against the Bearcats (6-2, 2-1) but failed to score on two red-zone opportunities in the fourth quarter. USF had a first-and-goal and first-and-10 from the 13, but came away empty.

A 12-yard completion from Matt Grothe to Taurus Johnson gave USF first-and-goal at the 2. However, on first down Matt Huners was penalized five yards for a false start back to the 7.

Consecutive Ben Williams runs netted one yard each, setting up third and goal from the 5. Grothe threw incomplete on third down. His fourth down pass went deep into the left corner, but there wasn't a USF receiver within 15 yards.

Following a Cincinnati punt, two Grothe to Jessie Hester completions gave USF first-and-10 at the 13. Grothe's first down pass was incomplete and a 5-yard pass to Hester set up third-and-5 from the 8. A third down pass to Cedric Hill was incomplete and on fourth down, Grothe threw to Marcus Edwards, who was covered by DeAngelo Smith. It appeared Hester was open in the end zone after his defender fell down.

"We had some good plays on, we just didn't execute those plays," USF running backs coach Carl Franks said.

The Bulls' frustrations have become obvious. Players were yelling at coaches during the game, ESPN's Erin Andrews reported.

"We'll get things fixed," USF senior linebacker Tyrone McKenzie said. "I guarantee this season won't go down the drain."

It pretty much already has. On UC's "blackout" night, the Bearcats officially turned the lights out on the Bulls' Big East title hopes.

"You never thought this would happen," USF senior center Jake Griffin said. "It's exactly like last year, we're in slump."

Grothe, under heavy pressure all night, threw for 174 yards. He was 13-for-31 with a season-high three interceptions. He was sacked twice and has been sacked 11 times in USF's three losses; five times in USF's six wins.

With RBs Mike Ford and Jamar Taylor at home nursing ankle injuries, Williams led the Bulls with 79 yards rushing. Grothe added 54 and Mo Plancher had 47, including USF's only TD on a 1-yard dive in the first quarter.

Carlton Mitchell had 77 receptions on four catches to lead the Bulls.

The defense had its share of problems as well, Tribune correspondent Joe Reedy reports. SS Carlton Williams and LB Kion Wilson each had 11 tackles. DE George Selvie had three tackles and a fumble recovery.

For the sixth consecutive season, USF will finish with at least three losses in conference play.

Cincinnati QB Tony Pike, who was playing with a broken left (non-throwing) arm, scorched the Bulls' secondary for 281 yards (20 of 28, one INT, two TDs). Mardy Gilyard had 98 yards on four receptions.

The Bulls' third league loss guarantees USF will finish with at least three league losses for the sixth consecutive season. The Bulls finished 4-3 in their first three seasons in the conference. In Conference USA, they were 3-5 in 2004 and 5-3 in 2003.

The Bulls also fell to 0-5 when favored by a touchdown or less in Big East road games.

During the fourth quarter, UC's fans did the obligatory "overrated" chant. Don't worry, it will be the last time the Bulls hear that until next season as it's doubtful USF will return to the rankings this season.

MOMPREMIER'S CAREER OVER: USF senior LB Brouce Mompremier's career is over because of his neck injury.

Mompremier initially injured his neck at FIU and returned against Syracuse. However, he reinjured his head at Louisville last week and was not allowed to practice last week.