Post by rainman on Sept 28, 2007 5:49:35 GMT -5
WVU, USF clash in historic setting
By Mickey Furfari
For the Times West Virginian
TAMPA, Fla.— It’s No. 5 West Virginia against No. 18 South Florida here at 8 p.m. Friday in the most ballyhooed contest of the upset-minded Bulls’ 11-year football history.
A turnout of 65,657 fans — largest ever to see a USF home game — will fill every seat in Raymond James Stadium for this opening Big East showdown between nationally ranked squads.
That’s estimated to generate $1.3 million in ticket sales alone, about twice as much as normal for the host school.
This attractive matchup also is expected to draw millions to their TV sets for the national ESPN2 telecast.
While West Virginia (4-0) is still a seven-point favorite, some so-called experts are picking South Florida (3-0) to repeat last year’s (24-19) upset of then-No. 7 Mountaineers at Morgantown.
“They’ll be excited and our guys will be excited,” WVU coach Rich Rodriguez said. “This is probably a game that could go either way.
“I’m anxious to see if we can keep getting better, defensively, each week. That’s a thing I’ve been pleased with.
“We’ve gotten better not just keeping points down, but fundamentally doing assignments and how we’re taking on blocks and understanding strengths and weaknesses.
“I think that’s where we’ve made a lot of improvement.”
USF coach Jim Leavitt said, “We’re going to play hard. They beat us two years ago, then we beat them last year. We just have to play.
“Am I surprised that we’re getting a sellout crowd? No, I thought the day would come some time. That doesn’t surprise me at all.”
Asked about the challenge WVU presents, Leavitt said:
“Great speed, they run well, they know what they’re doing, they play with confidence. They have a lot of weapons on offense. The defense plays well.”
WVU strong safety Ridwan Malik said, “They’re going to be ready for us. We’re going to be ready for them. They’ve got some good athletes.”
“We’re playing good, but we can play better. Hopefully, we’ll play very well Friday night.”
Fifteen Florida natives on the WVU roster made the trip to Tampa.
Matt Grothe, who quarterbacked last year’s win over WVU, has completed 58 of 96 passes for 652 yards and four touchdowns. He also has rushed for a net 88 yards.
“We know their offense is good, and we know they are going to have long drives once and awhile,” Grothe said. “It is going to be a matter of not getting our heads down and playing good football.
“For them, I am assuming they will come down here looking for revenge. For us, we already know we can beat them, and that gives us confidence.”
Mike Ford, a 6-2, 225-pound freshman, is the Bulls’ leading rusher. He has carried 33 times for 170 yards and four TDs.
Taurus Johnson, the top returning receiver, has caught 13 passes for 150 yards in USF’s three games.
Quarterback Patrick White and All-America tailback Steve Slaton continue to lead WVU’s powerful offense, which ranks second in the nation (525 yards per game).
White has connected on 49 of 69 passes for 617 yards and six scores. He also has rushed 47 times for a net 286 yards and another half dozen TDs.
Slaton is the Big East’s second-leading rusher with 502 yards on 84 attempts and has scored nine times.
Darius Reynaud, senior wideout, is WVU’s top receiver with 22 for 327 yards and four TDs.
Rodriguez, who’s seeking his 100th career coaching victory, said all three starting linebackers are playing their best football.
Reed Williams has 35 tackles, Mortty Ivy 29, and Marc Magro 24. The three have combined for 11 tackles for lost yards, including eight sacks.
Defensive end George Selvie, who scored after recovering a fumble in last year’s victory, has an amazing 14 1/2 tackles for losses among his 20 stops.
Other leaders include Brouce Mcmpremier (28 tackles), Tyron McKenzie (26) and Nate Allen (23).
West Virginia’s next game will be at Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 6, while USF visits Florida Atlantic for a non-conference game the same day.
By Mickey Furfari
For the Times West Virginian
TAMPA, Fla.— It’s No. 5 West Virginia against No. 18 South Florida here at 8 p.m. Friday in the most ballyhooed contest of the upset-minded Bulls’ 11-year football history.
A turnout of 65,657 fans — largest ever to see a USF home game — will fill every seat in Raymond James Stadium for this opening Big East showdown between nationally ranked squads.
That’s estimated to generate $1.3 million in ticket sales alone, about twice as much as normal for the host school.
This attractive matchup also is expected to draw millions to their TV sets for the national ESPN2 telecast.
While West Virginia (4-0) is still a seven-point favorite, some so-called experts are picking South Florida (3-0) to repeat last year’s (24-19) upset of then-No. 7 Mountaineers at Morgantown.
“They’ll be excited and our guys will be excited,” WVU coach Rich Rodriguez said. “This is probably a game that could go either way.
“I’m anxious to see if we can keep getting better, defensively, each week. That’s a thing I’ve been pleased with.
“We’ve gotten better not just keeping points down, but fundamentally doing assignments and how we’re taking on blocks and understanding strengths and weaknesses.
“I think that’s where we’ve made a lot of improvement.”
USF coach Jim Leavitt said, “We’re going to play hard. They beat us two years ago, then we beat them last year. We just have to play.
“Am I surprised that we’re getting a sellout crowd? No, I thought the day would come some time. That doesn’t surprise me at all.”
Asked about the challenge WVU presents, Leavitt said:
“Great speed, they run well, they know what they’re doing, they play with confidence. They have a lot of weapons on offense. The defense plays well.”
WVU strong safety Ridwan Malik said, “They’re going to be ready for us. We’re going to be ready for them. They’ve got some good athletes.”
“We’re playing good, but we can play better. Hopefully, we’ll play very well Friday night.”
Fifteen Florida natives on the WVU roster made the trip to Tampa.
Matt Grothe, who quarterbacked last year’s win over WVU, has completed 58 of 96 passes for 652 yards and four touchdowns. He also has rushed for a net 88 yards.
“We know their offense is good, and we know they are going to have long drives once and awhile,” Grothe said. “It is going to be a matter of not getting our heads down and playing good football.
“For them, I am assuming they will come down here looking for revenge. For us, we already know we can beat them, and that gives us confidence.”
Mike Ford, a 6-2, 225-pound freshman, is the Bulls’ leading rusher. He has carried 33 times for 170 yards and four TDs.
Taurus Johnson, the top returning receiver, has caught 13 passes for 150 yards in USF’s three games.
Quarterback Patrick White and All-America tailback Steve Slaton continue to lead WVU’s powerful offense, which ranks second in the nation (525 yards per game).
White has connected on 49 of 69 passes for 617 yards and six scores. He also has rushed 47 times for a net 286 yards and another half dozen TDs.
Slaton is the Big East’s second-leading rusher with 502 yards on 84 attempts and has scored nine times.
Darius Reynaud, senior wideout, is WVU’s top receiver with 22 for 327 yards and four TDs.
Rodriguez, who’s seeking his 100th career coaching victory, said all three starting linebackers are playing their best football.
Reed Williams has 35 tackles, Mortty Ivy 29, and Marc Magro 24. The three have combined for 11 tackles for lost yards, including eight sacks.
Defensive end George Selvie, who scored after recovering a fumble in last year’s victory, has an amazing 14 1/2 tackles for losses among his 20 stops.
Other leaders include Brouce Mcmpremier (28 tackles), Tyron McKenzie (26) and Nate Allen (23).
West Virginia’s next game will be at Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 6, while USF visits Florida Atlantic for a non-conference game the same day.
