Colleges

South Florida (3-0) at Kansas (2-1), 7

By GREG AUMAN
Published September 23, 2006

This could be the battle of the NCAA's top two freshmen in total offense: USF's Matt Grothe, ranked 11th overall nationally, and Kansas' Kerry Meier, ranked 35th. Grothe passed for 302 yards and three scores in last week's 24-17 win at Central Florida. Meier could miss the game due to an arm injury sustained in last week's double-overtime loss to Toledo. Backup senior Adam Barmann has 13 career starts. USF hopes to get left tackle Thed Watson back after he missed two games with an ankle injury. His return would allow Matt Huners to slide to guard, replacing Jake Griffin, who is out with a broken foot. Redshirt freshman Danny Tolley could also see time at guard. The only other change to the starting lineup should be at free safety, where sophomore Carlton Williams, last year's starter, is expected to make his first start of 2006 in place of Danny Verpaele. Kansas of the Big 12 hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in its past 16 games, and USF has struggled to establish a running game aside from Grothe, who is fourth in the Big East with 213 yards in three games. Former USF linebacker Kawika Mitchell, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, is expected to attend the game.

[Last modified September 23, 2006, 01:40:00]