Week 9: South Florida at Connecticut

A week ago, who would’ve thought? South Florida chasing Connecticut in the Big East title race?

Strange, but true.

Following a somewhat surprising 21-17 home win over Louisville, it’s the Huskies who are in the proverbial Big East driver’s seat.

True, Connecticut used a phantom fair catch signal from punter returner Larry Taylor, a call termed a “terrible” mistake by league commissioner Mike Tranghese, for a 74-yard score. But the Huskies still manufactured a rally in the last 11 minutes to post the win.

In the latest BCS rankings, Connecticut made an appearance at No. 23.

“It’s a nice milestone for our program,” said UConn coach Randy Edsall. “It speaks well to the dedication of our players, coaches and staff. But right now our focus is entirely on Saturday’s game against South Florida.”

Good thing. Although this one will be at Rentschler Field, South Florida will be the favorite. Also, Connecticut is beginning a stretch that includes home games against USF and Rutgers, a visit to Cincinnati, a home game against Syracuse and the season finale at West Virginia.

The Huskies, though, have exceeded expectations. After being picked to finish seventh in the Big East in the preseason media poll, they’ve only lost a 17-16 decision at Virginia. They are 4-0 at home this season.

Yes, the UConn schedule opened with games against Duke, Maine, Temple, Pittsburgh and Akron, but the Huskies have allowed just 89 points in their seven games. That’s an average of 12.7 points, third nationally. Only Ohio State (yes, versus its light schedule) and Kansas have allowed fewer points per game.

Against Louisville, linebacker Danny Lansanah, the defense’s leader, capped the game with an interception of Brian Brohm. Freshman linebacker Lawrence Wilson is ranked third in the Big East in tackles (averaging 10.4).

Quarterback Tyler Lorenzen, who has completed 113-of-187 passes for 1,389 yards, leads the Connecticut offense. He’s fifth in the Big East in passing, averaging 198.4 per game.

South Florida’s goal, besides rebounding from the hurtful fall from No. 2 in the BCS, is to better protect its quarterback, Matt Grothe. In USF’s 30-27 loss to Rutgers last week, Grothe was sacked seven times.

“We didn’t protect Matt very well,” said South Florida coach Jim Leavitt. “Some of it was (because of the) offensive line. Matt might have held it too long a few times. A lot of things contributed. Bottom line is we didn’t get the job done.”

Thus, the tumble to No. 10 in this week’s BCS rankings. And this will be the first time this season the Bulls will be playing back-to-back road games.

USF gave up more than 23 points for the first time at Rutgers. Connecticut isn’t as much of an offensive threat, ranked sixth in the Big East in total offense.

But South Florida’s offense isn’t at full strength. Starting right tackle Walter Walker, 6-5, 333 pounds, has been ruled out of action for 2-to-4 weeks with a sprained right knee. Guard Marc Dile has been moved over and Jared Carnes inserted.

Also, wideout Taurus Johnson is out 2-to-3 weeks with a bum right ankle. His replacement, Dontavia Bogan, though, fared well against Rutgers with three catches for 52 yards.

Look for Grothe, defensive end George Selvie and the rest of the Bulls to rebound.

South Florida by 7