Selvie Wants A Sellout

Posted Oct 12, 2009 by Joey Johnston

Updated Oct 12, 2009 at 02:31 PM

University of South Florida defensive end George Selvie said he wants a sellout crowd at Raymond James Stadium for Thursday night’s game between the No. 21-ranked Bulls and No. 8 Cincinnati.

As of Monday afternoon, USF assistant athletic director Chris Freet said ticket sales were in the 53,000 range and the athletic department last week announced a goal of selling more than 60,000 tickets. Capacity at Raymond James Stadium is listed at 65,857.

“I would be disappointed (if it’s not a sellout),’’ Selvie said. “It’s a big game for us. It’s a Thursday night game, no high-school football going on. I think it will be filled.

“We know we have to play our game regardless. We won some big games with the stadium being empty.’‘

The Cincinnati-USF pre-game atmosphere is reminiscent of 2007, when USF defeated the No. 5-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers 21-13 on a Friday night before 67,012 fans at Raymond James Stadium.

“I just remember the crowd going crazy,’’ Selvie said. “All of Tampa Bay was behind us.’‘

USF is trying to generate a similar amount of fan interest with a series of “Breakfast With The Bulls’’ appearances throughout the Tampa Bay area, spots on local radio and television morning shows and a Wednesday on-campus pep rally.

“How can you not be excited about all of this,’’ USF coach Jim Leavitt said. “I hope we do have a sellout. I hope it will be a great crowd. I know it helps, but when the ball is snapped, it’s still up to us. We still have to play.’‘