Who’s the better QB ?

Matt Grothe (redshirt freshman)

After leading the Bulls to their third victory of the season Saturday – all of which were come-from-behind wins – redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Grothe is putting up numbers similar to former USF quarterback Marquel Blackwell, who many people consider to be the school’s best quarterback. Grothe tied Blackwell’s school record of three touchdown passes by a freshman in a game en route to a 24-17 win against the University of Central Florida on Saturday. His numbers against the Golden Knights were good enough for Grothe to be named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week.

Here’s a comparison of Blackwell’s first three games during his redshirt freshman season in 1999 and Grothe’s first three games this season:

Grothe’s First Three Games:First Game:Result: W, 41-10Att-Cmp: 9-13Yards: 171TD: 2INT: 0

First Start:Result: W, 21-20Att-Cmp: 15-28Yards: 174TD: 1INT: 2

Total:Result: 3-0Att-Cmp: 45-72Yards: 647TD: 6INT: 3

Marquel Blackwell owns nearly every passing record in USF history. He has the most passing attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns not only in a game, but also season and career. Blackwell dominated during his four years at USF compiling 9,108 yards and 57 touchdowns as a Bull. After an illustrious collegiate career, Blackwell signed with the New York Jets as a free agent in 2003.

Blackwell’s First Three Games:First Game:Result: L, 41-12Att-Cmp: 6-9Yards: 90TD: 1INT: 0

First Start:Result: W, 21-6Att-Cmp: 16-27Yards: 169TD: 3INT: 0

Total:Result: 2-1Att-Cmp: 30-54Yards: 359TD: 4INT: 1