University of South Florida senior quarterback Matt Grothe will be out for the remainder of the 2009 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in last night's game against Charleston Southern, the school reported on Sunday.

"Obviously, I am disappointed because you never think this could happen to you," said Grothe. "It's a team game and I am still going to be very involved with my teammates and the coaches. I am going to do everything I can to help the Bulls continue to win."

USF head coach Jim Leavitt reiterated his thoughts from after Saturday night's game.

"Matt's a franchise guy and an even better human being," said Leavitt. "We all know that. What he's done in college football is extraordinary. He has been one of the greatest names out there. We all know that and our entire program feels bad for him. Matt is a special, special guy."

Grothe had been the starting quarterback for USF since his redshirt-freshman year in 2006 and had started 41 consecutive games for the Bulls. During that time he became the BIG EAST career leader in total offense with 10,875 yards.

Grothe rushed for 2,206 yards and scored 23 touchdowns over 42 career games. He passed for 8,669 yards and 52 touchdowns, both of which are the second best marks in USF history.

"Injuries are part of the game, but we're still devastated for Matt," said USF offensive coordinator Mike Canales. "It's tough losing a player and leader of Matt's caliber."

The Lakeland native accounted for 46.3 percent of the Bulls total offense this season with 121 rushing yards and 512 yards through the air.

The Bulls backups are redshirt freshmen B.J. Daniels and Evan Landi, and Daniels will step into the starting role, but neither has the experience that Grothe accumulated as the face of the program the last four seasons.

Beyond his statistical accomplishments, Grothe was named the BIG EAST Rookie of the Year in 2006, an honorable mention freshman All-American in 2006 and the magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl MVP in 2008. He was also named the USF offensive playmaker of the year by his coaches and teammates in 2007 and 2008.