Linebacker Brouce Mompremier, hospitalized after a collision with a teammate in Saturday's 17-9 win at FIU, has cleared CT scans and MRI exams on his neck at the hospital but will miss at least two games as a result of his injury, according to a USF release.

Mompremier, a senior in his second season as the team's starting weakside linebacker, is expected to return home today and will undergo additional testing from USF trainers and doctors to learn more about the specifics and severity of his injury. He'll miss USF's games at N.C. State and at home against Pittsburgh, but USF said no other timetable has been set for his return.

With Mompremier out, the Bulls are likely to move sophomore Sabbath Joseph into his starting role. Joseph was listed as the starting strongside linebacker in the first week of preseason but has played in a reserve role. He has eight tackles in four games this season; Mompremier had 10.5.

POLLS: Despite the lackluster win, USF moved up two spots to No. 14 in the USA Today coaches poll, jumping ahead of Auburn and Oregon, who lost this weekend. The Bulls, ranked 12th in last week's Associated Press poll, could lose ground there, as No. 13 Ohio State, No. 14 BYU and No. 16 Penn State all won by convincing margins.

TAKEN AWAY: Biggest difference between last year's defense and this year's? In USF's first four games last season, the Bulls forced 17 turnovers, crucial in upsets of ranked Auburn and West Virginia teams. In their 4-0 start this season, the Bulls have forced just three turnovers -- only three schools in Division I-A football have forced fewer this season.

THIS AND THAT: USF and Connecticut, both 4-0, have as many wins as the other six Big East teams combined -- they're 8-11. ... USF leads the Big East in total offense (450.5 yards per game) and total defense (238.5) but has given up eight sacks, which matches the league high. ... USF's eight penalties Saturday included five false starts, including back-to-back penalties that led to a safety in the closing minutes. ... Matt Grothe leads all Big East quarterbacks in touchdown passes (7) and yards per game (229.0).