DT Grissom likely out for Bearcats

USF coach Jim Leavitt said his team was healthy for Thursday's home showdown against No. 8 Cincinnati, but the Bulls will likely be without DT Cory Grissom.

Grissom injured his left ankle during practice Saturday. He was on the practice field during Sunday's practice, but was wearing an ankle boot and hobbling on crutches.

"We are deep on the defensive line," Leavitt said. "We are just going to be one short on Thursday."

Freshman DE Ryne Giddins was also hobbling during practice and is probably going to be a medical redshirt, Leavitt said Sunday.

Other than that, Leavitt said the No. 23 Bulls (5-0) are in fine shape for Thursday's ESPN game against the Bearcats (5-0). The Bulls have lost three straight to the Bearcats.

"We have depth," Leavitt said. "We are close to being where we want to be and I know our guys will handle everything all right."

Leavitt may be underplaying the injury situation. The Bulls might be deep on the defensive line, but RB Jamar Taylor may also be out Thursday. Starting S Jerrell Young is also questionable for Cincinnati.

Taylor hasn't played all season, but Leavitt seemed confident he Taylor would be ready for the Bearcats. Taylor started two games in 2008, played in 11 and ran for 300 yards. He was expected to be the lead back in the USF offense, but he sprained his knee in fall camp. Mo Plancher leads the USF running backs with 239 yards, but QB B.J. Daniels leads the Bulls in rushing yardage with 291.

Defensive coordinator Joe Tresey said he's confident his defense will be ready for the Bearcats and Heisman candidate QB Tony Pike.

"We are getting better every week and we are close to being at 100 percent," Tresey said. "Our line will be just fine even if we are just one player short."

Tresey was the defensive coordinator for the past two seasons at Cincinnati.

Leavitt said WR Jessie Hester will play despite a nagging hamstring and that junior K Eric Schwartz will continue to kick for the Bulls after taking over for Delbert Alvarado, who will still punt for the Bulls.

"We'll find out a lot about our team on Thursday night," Leavitt said. "The guys we have will be ready and we're looking forward to it. Playing on Thursday is unusual, but our guys will adapt."