Posted by  jeff saff, annap/balt on 11/19  at  05:43 PM

If Gregory started it would give usf the edge that they need to beat UCONN.  Teams often rally in such a situation, they will play better and harder.

I like Grothe but usf’s offense is stagnant right now.

I also believe that Blackwell was better overall.  Although Grothe used to have an unbelievable air of confidence that he could brig usf back from any deficit.

Posted by  Nabeel Mulla, Dayton, OH on 11/19  at  08:51 AM

That was a missed opportunity to gain an advantage.

Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 11/19  at  08:44 AM

Nabeel, Leavitt already has announced a starter - he said Grothe would start no matter how much practice he misses. Harold, I don’t think B.J. would play unless Grothe and Gregory were injured and couldn’t play. Leavitt still wants to apply for a medical hardship for B.J. to get him an additional year. Whether, they’re successful or not, who knows.

Posted by  Harold Wheeler, Tampa on 11/19  at  08:34 AM

I’m sure unless he is crippled, Grothe will attempt to play. It just a matter of how productive he can be vs Grant’s abilities. Grant has played pretty decent when he’s been in.
But if Grant has to play and we can’t run the ball, we are doomed, doomed and doomed.
Plus we had better be able to stop Donald Brown. Good luck there.

What are the odds of BJ Daniels getting in or are the really going to try to get his redshirt back? I wouldn’t count on the NCAA for that one.

Posted by  Nabeel Mulla, Dayton, OH on 11/19  at  08:04 AM

On the surface, Grothe being hobbled is not a good sign for the struggling Bulls.  If his ability to scramble is limited he is not a very big threat to opposing defenses.  Gregory is a big question mark if he is to play.  There is one possible small upside to this: UConn will have to try to game plan against both guys and sometimes the uncertainty (and overconfidence if the backup starts) can play against a team.  Hopefully CJL doesn’t announce a starter until game time.

Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 11/18  at  10:43 PM

Don, I checked with some of the team personnel about the new deal with Under Armour and if the new UA shoes were the cause of the large amount of ankle injuries. I was told, no they weren’t. It was just a coincidence. They said certain years there seem to be a rash of injuries - one year it was torn ACLs, this year ankles.

Posted by  Don G, Madeira Beach, FL on 11/18  at  10:33 PM

Brett, I can’t recall ever seeing so many ankle injuries to one team!  What’s going on with the Bulls and what appears to be an epidemic of rolled up ankles?  Geez, does USF even have a RB that isn’t seriously injured?  While I’m pretty tough on both Leavitt & Gregory, it’s pretty hard to coach a team with the kind of injuries we’re seeing.  Have you asked the trainers if anything unusual is going on or if they know reason why so many injuries and why so many are to ankles?

Posted by  Brett McMurphy,  on 11/18  at  05:13 PM

Don, Gregory has a stronger arm than Grothe, but isn’t as elusive as a runner. He obviously doesn’t have the experience as Grothe. You never know what someone will do until you see them in game situations, so who knows.

Posted by  Don G, Madeira Beach on 11/18  at  04:47 PM

Brett, Grothe’s injury is certainly not a good thing - especially when the Bulls need that 7th win to ensure themselves of the St. Pete Bowl.  Much better to win in Tampa for #7 rather than lose and need a win in early Dec in West by God VA. If Grothe doesn’t play, I think Grant Gregory will be just fine. I’ve seen him play a little here and there, and from what I’ve seen, he’s a pretty good athlete and faster than Grothe.  What are your thoughts on Grant Gregory?