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Grothe practices; Landi is third option


University of South Florida QB Matt Grothe, who is still nursing an ankle injury, participated in some individual drills, but back-up Grant Gregory got the bulk of the work during Thursday’s practice.

“He [Grothe] and Grant will be ready to go,” USF coach Jim Leavitt said. “Grant’s really running the offense right now. Matt ran a little bit today. He’ll go [Friday] quite a bit. I just want to wait another day for him, try to get him as strong as we can.”

Thursday was the first day Grothe practiced since suffering a sprained ankle against Rutgers Saturday. Gregory, a senior, has seen only mop-up duty this season, completing 8 of 15 for 90 yards and one TD.

“Grant had a really good practice, he practiced really well,” USF offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said. “The more work he’s gotten, the better he’s looked. He’s gotten a lot of reps this week.”

If Grothe and Gregory both were injured Sunday against UConn and unable to play, Leavitt said freshman Evan Landi would be the Bulls’ next option as USF’s No. 3 quarterback. Leavitt added freshman B.J. Daniels, who played earlier this season but the Bulls are trying to get a medical hardship, probably would not play in any circumstance. 

Also, RT Danous Estenor (knee) and LT Jake Sims (ankle) did not practice.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by  joe cole, miami on 11/22  at  11:49 AM

what they are doing to Grothe (notice his name is the only thing i capitalize), borders on criminal.  if he had real coaches they would figure out how to harness and exploit his myriad of talent.  watching that kid play ball is like getting an adrenaline injection, heart pounding.  btw, for the dozen or so Grothe haters who post on this blog, you people are clinically stupid.  how can you watch what matt can do and not think he is the white michael vick?  besides selvie, he is the only player who CONSISTANTLY comes out ready to play.  problem is…he cant win himself. he needs an offensive line that isn’t embarrassingly offensive, WR’s that can actually catch a ball, and an OC that knows more than 3 plays.


Posted by  Don G,  on 11/21  at  06:48 PM

Brett, thanks for the accurate numbers (8-8). Well, if those numbers hold up, it looks like a 50-50 chance for the Bulls on Sunday. I hope Leavitt only plays Grothe if he can move around and run. If not, with this o-line, it may not be a pretty sight?  Hey, how did the running backs look in practice? If Grothe is limited, then USF needs their ground game.


Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 11/21  at  11:12 AM

Don, the stat concerning USF as a favorite: this week makes 17 consecutive games vs. I-A teams that USF has been favored. USF is only 8-8 in those games.


Posted by  Don G,  on 11/21  at  10:01 AM

I noticed that USF is again favored this weekend - this time by 3 points over UCONN. Well, per what we’ve seen in the past: in last 16 games when USF was favored, they’ve lost (please correct me if I’m wrong), this isn’t a good sign. So, when I saw that line this AM, I suddenly had that bad feeling, once again. Maybe USF can break that bad luck skid this time? Buena suerte, Grant Gregory and Bulls!


Posted by  Don G,  on 11/21  at  09:48 AM

Neil, per earlier post by Brett, B.J. had a wrist injury. I’m not sure what type of injury or how bad, but I’m sure Brett has more info on that.


Posted by  Don G, Madeira Beach, FL on 11/21  at  09:46 AM

Dan, I agree, and have seen this same attitude with Leavitt throughout the season re: injured starters.  He starts them regardless of their limitations and the results were predictable - not good!  Ankle injuries are very rough on maneuverability - I know that personally - no matter how much tape is used. Like you, if Grothe’s injury is bad, then please, CJL, you must start Gregory.  Give Gregory a chance. If he isn’t getting it done, then go to Grothe. Related to ankle injuries, how about that latest injury report: “Also, RT Danous Estenor (knee) and LT Jake Sims (ankle) did not practice.”  Geez, what’s with the ankle injuries on this team!?


Posted by  Neil Marr, Tampa, FL on 11/21  at  08:08 AM

What are the reasons for B.J. Daniels’s medical hardship?


Posted by  Dan, Tampa on 11/21  at  08:03 AM

No point in making a bad ankle worse. It might be good to see Gregory and some backups play this week. UConn is a good team, and it might show us what the future looks like. Also, we may need a shakeup to wake this team up, and Grothe on the sideline might do that. With Gregory at QB and a bunch of our running backs in the game, it would be a slugfest, not a finesse game; and UConn’s good but not the same team they were last year. Good weather, good defense, good running game… we could pull out a win. Instead, Matt will play, will have no elusiveness because of the ankle, and we will lose.


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Scott Carter covers the University of South Florida for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. Prior to covering the Bulls and Coach Jim Leavitt, Carter spent three years in Tallahassee filling his notebook full of Bobby Bowden quotes while covering Florida State. During his career at the Tribune, Carter has also covered the Rays, Lightning, horse racing and prep sports.


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