Colleges

DE Selvie has sack record on the run, in his sights

By GREG AUMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published September 23, 2007

TAMPA - At this rate, George Selvie will own USF's single-season sack record before October.

The sophomore defensive end, who entered Saturday's game with North Carolina leading the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, had another huge game, racking up three sacks and adding 21/2 more tackles for loss.

"I think this was the best defensive effort we've had," said Selvie, who totaled six sacks last year in earning freshman All-America honors. "We had four turnovers, got some stops. We held them to three points until the end of the game. We have to get pressure, and that starts up front."

In three games this season, Selvie has 81/2 sacks and 15 tackles for losses; USF's season records are 10 sacks most recently Terrence Royal in 2005 and 19 TFL (most recently Craig Kobel in 2003).

BACK AGAIN: Kicker Delbert Alvarado, who went 2-for-6 on field goals in USF's overtime win at Auburn, went 3-for-3 against North Carolina, connecting from 32, 23 and 40 yards.

Alvarado said he didn't hear the cheering crowd but was lifted by a poster reading "In Alvarado We Trust."

"It means a lot, having that support," he said. "I never lost confidence in myself. I knew I could do it. Everyone has bad games, so you just have to rebound and see what you can do the next game. That's what shows your character."

DEAFENING, IN A GOOD WAY: Linebacker Brouce Mompremier said he has never heard USF's students louder in the north end zone, especially in forcing a false start when UNC had third and goal on the USF 5.

"That was incredible," he said. "I couldn't hear anything, but that's better for us. When I saw that false start, I said, 'Oh, thank God.' "

STILL PERFECT: Grothe has gone 127 pass attempts without an interception datingto last season, the second-longest stretch in USF history. Marquel Blackwell went 235 passes without a pick during the 2001 season.

SCORING MACHINE: Freshman Mike Ford has five touchdowns in his first three games, which is as many as any USF back or receiver had last season. After 21 carries against Auburn, Ford had a smaller role Saturday, finishing with 13 yards on six catches. Starter Ben Williams played well, totaling 64 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

THIS AND THAT: Redshirt freshman receiver Eddie Alcin, a Chamberlain grad, had his first career catch, a 26-yarder. ... Offensive guard Sampson Genus made his debut, becoming the sixth true freshman to play for the Bulls this season. ... Another true freshman, running back Jamar Taylor, scored his first career touchdown. ... Representatives from the Gator, Independence and Motor City bowls watched Saturday. USF will have reps from all bowls with Big East ties at the West Virginia game.

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@sptimes.com and at (813) 226-3346. Check out his blog at blogs.tampabay.com/usf.

[Last modified September 22, 2007, 22:17:19]