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Davis sets USF career receptions record

 
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 11: Andre Davis #7 of the South Florida Bulls runs on a 51-yard touchdown reception in the first half of the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Raymond James Stadium on October 11, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) 514445363
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 11: Andre Davis #7 of the South Florida Bulls runs on a 51-yard touchdown reception in the first half of the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Raymond James Stadium on October 11, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) 514445363
Published Oct. 25, 2014

CINCINNATI — Four autumns after routinely posting video game-like receiving numbers for Jefferson High, Andre Davis proved he had at least one more historic Friday night left in him.

With the Cincinnati skyline as a backdrop, an ESPN2 viewership as an audience, and a critical first down as the stake, Davis became USF's career receptions leader in Friday's opening quarter.

His 8-yard catch on third and 5 in Cincinnati territory, which set up Marvin Kloss' 44-yard field goal, gave Davis 132 career receptions, eclipsing Hugh Smith's 12-year-old mark.

Davis finished with six catches, giving him 136 and counting. When No. 137 will arrives is unclear.

The senior captain was ejected in the fourth quarter for fighting near the Bearcats sideline. In the first half, CB Chris Dunkley was tossed for targeting after hitting Shaq Washington during a pass breakup.

Coach Willie Taggart said he anticipates both could miss the first half of next Saturday's home game against Houston.

"I didn't see the one with (Davis) over there," Taggart said. "All I saw was a bunch of black jerseys on him over there. And then the ref said he threw a punch; we couldn't see from our sideline.

"Dunkley's play, I didn't think it was worthy of ejection, but that's not my call. That's the ref's call and that's what they called.''

Records for Mack, Harris: With 54 yards on 12 carries, TB Marlon Mack established a USF freshman rushing record, eclipsing the 5-year-old mark (772) held by B.J. Daniels. Through eight games, Mack — who had a career-best three catches Friday — has 781 yards and eight TDs.

Meantime, LB Nigel Harris' strip of Bearcats TB Rod Moore early in the third quarter was his fifth of the season, which set a USF single-season record and propelled him to first in the nation in the category. Harris also led USF with 11 tackles.

Injury report: TE Sean Price had to be assisted off the field in the second quarter after Cincinnati S Zach Edwards landed on his left ankle following Price's 15-yard reception. He didn't return, and was spotted with a walking boot afterward. … CB Johnny Ward (ankle) didn't join the team on the trip.

Odds and ends: Freshman Josh Black, a Sickles High alumnus, registered his first career sack in the third quarter. … Jack Harbaugh, Taggart's coach at Western Kentucky, attended Friday's contest. One of Harbaugh's sons, John, brings his Ravens team into Paul Brown Stadium to face the Bengals on Sunday. … Friday's game was the seventh in the teams' 12 meetings to be played on a non-Saturday (four Fridays, two Thursdays, one Sunday).

Audible: "I don't see why not. We're going to play those four games, aren't we? … I'm not sure why anybody would think it's not possible. There's a reason we line up and play." — QB Steven Bench, who replaced starter Mike White, when asked whether the Bulls still can achieve bowl eligibility