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By SHARON GINN, JABARI RITCHIE and JAMAL THALJI
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 14, 2000
TAMPA -- As South Florida opened its final week of practice for the season, coach Jim Leavitt still was smarting from the 45-9 loss to Middle Tennessee State, the worst in school history.
"We were embarrassed and humiliated," he said. "We decided not even to look at the film, just come out and practice. Obviously, I haven't been disciplined enough with these guys. We decided to get back to basic football."
Leavitt moved practice up from Monday night to the afternoon and worked exclusively on fundamentals. Quarterback Marquel Blackwell, whose injured right knee remains swollen, sat out as freshman Kevin Patullo took most of the snaps. Blackwell was injured Saturday against MTSU.
Though Leavitt said Blackwell's status is uncertain, the coach didn't believe an MRI exam would be necessary. Leavitt said Patullo would start against Austin Peay on Saturday if Blackwell is unable to play.
OTHER INJURIES: Senior defensive end Shawn Hay, who has appeared in all of the Bulls' 43 games, may not make his last one. Hay made his ankle injury worse by playing at MTSU. "He's doubtful, I think," Leavitt said. "But Shawn can surprise people."
Also doubtful are Otis Dixon (knee) and reserve defensive lineman John Brown (ankle). Defensive back Glenn Davis and receiver Charlie Jackson sustained mild concussions Saturday but are fine. Offensive lineman Mike Snellgrove played sparingly with a sore neck and is day to day.
DELAY OF GAMEDAY: Kicker Bill Gramatica's appearance on ESPN's College GameDay, which was supposed to be last week, apparently has been rescheduled for Saturday.
Inner ear problem plagues fullback
CORAL GABLES -- Fullback Will McPartland may not see action until Miami's bowl game. The senior has been dealing with an inner ear bone problem that leaves him disoriented and nauseated after being hit.
"He mentioned the possibility of the last game or maybe the bowl game," coach Butch Davis said of McPartland. "But right now, you almost have to prepare like he won't."
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida A&M coach Billy Joe said the off-week came at a perfect time for the Rattlers (8-2, 6-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), who play Bethune-Cookman (9-1, 6-1) on Saturday at the Florida Classic in Orlando. The game will decide the MEAC champion and which team makes the Division I-AA playoffs.
"We have everybody back," Joe said. "Everybody's healthy and ready to play, and that will be the first time that has happened since the first game of the year."
Injuries to key players hurt the Rattlers in consecutive losses to Grambling and North Carolina A&T early in the season. Joe also said the team struggled defensively in its 50-49 win over Southern two weeks ago because many players were playing with minor injuries.
Joe is pleased with the way the team is preparing for Saturday's game, which will decide whether the Rattlers add to their streak of four playoff seasons in a row.
"They're not too excited about this game, but they're not underplaying it," he said. "With these types of games, you have to have a mental and emotional equilibrium."
DAYTONA BEACH -- Bethune-Cookman quarterback Pa'tell Troutman is expected to start in Saturday's Florida Classic against Florida A&M, but a final decision will not be made until Thursday.
Troutman has been out since mid-October, when he sustained a separated left shoulder. Troutman started taking snaps in practice last week, and if Troutman gets through Thursday's practice, the final start of the season will be his.
Former Tampa Catholic quarterback Allen Suber has started and led the Wildcats to consecutive victories, including Saturday's 35-0 road win against Howard.