USFreak

OK, I'll let them do that. Turns out they weren't waiting for my opinion (or anyone on this board's opinion) anyhow. Again, it doesn't matter to me either way what is decided on. I am legitimately curious how the UCF game was received by the students and fraternities. Maybe an Oracle writer or someone will read a thread here and do an article. I've been impressed with the attendance of the students this year. That's big. So many times these boards are about spewing negativity. I actually like when you can look at an attended event and complement a group that has really been downright ghostly in the past. Maybe it means USF has cleared a hurdle or maybe it just means they liked the UCF game. I know you have your one opinion of the game and you'll stick to it. You are close-minded to it and hate UCF and want the 2 for 1 (as would anyone). I think I've read enough to know your stance on the game and UCF. I'm a little more open-minded to it and sorta enjoy reading different opinions on it. Forgive me while I listen to others give theirs. I've enjoyed reading Gary's, Bullheaded, TripleBs, etc. If you don't like the thread....don't read it (plus, I think I can multitask enough to talk about UCF and Louisville...heck, I'll stretch the limits of my multitasking and even talk Miami).

I agree.  Anything above a Top 10 team can get taken down by another competitive team on the right day. Put it in their stadium and you never know.  There is no reason UCF can't become a competitive CUSA team.  It looks far off now, but let's face it -- they are at their worst right now. I've seen enough MAC/MWC/CUSA teams beat teams they never should beat in years gone by.

True, but many of the games have been going on for 3 or 4 years already. Like Louisville this weekend. Will it develop to a rivalry? Will it charge up the students? I don't know, but it seemed like there was more energy potential in last Sat's game to build on. I guess I'm curious if it is just message-board types declaring "we're too good for this to be a rivalry" or do all students and folks associated with the game feel the same way and never want to see it played again.

Yes, but I suppose that is their problem. It would almost be funny if USF approached the media with that deal. "USF extends 2 for 1 offer to UCF". I know it isn't their style, but it would be funny. Think of the headlines. :-)

Is it really more boring than Cincinnati? Politically correct answers not accepted. That game may have bowl implications, but on paper I'd rather see UCF play in Tampa than Cinci. Obviously Cinci is in the same conference, but Cincy has been a 'blah' draw for USF for years. You talk about no shows. The bowl picture may make it well-attended (or even worse this year), but USF folks clearly never get pumped up for that one. It will be interesting to see if UConn and Rutgers have that same effect next year.

Yes, 2 for 1 or 3 for 1.  That goes without saying, though.

I just think there is something different to this one. Clearly some USF fans (alums mainly on these boards) hate UCF. USF has gone to great lengths to avoid the game and the media has picked up on that avoidance. USF is clearly avoiding them to not validate them. That, in itself, shows some recognition of their program and makes them a little different than any other school out there. The media, the fans and even the students have picked up on it as well. Look at all the articles written. In most of them the words, "USF didn't want this game played" shows up in there. Well, USF didn't want it played, but there is some inherent validation and attention played to the UCF program in those lines. I don't know. I think you can predict nobody will show because USF beat them two times in a row, but I just don't know. I heard a lot from folks saying that UCF would only bring like 3000 and that USF students wouldn't care. The thing about dominating a team like that is it creates more anger for the underdog and more opportunity to rub their noses in it for the winner. I think USF students would drive over there just to taunt. Again, my original point is what do the students think about the game? I don't know. I know that the internet community certainly was more charged up about it than any game this year -- as was the media (Tampa/Orlando/Lakeland media).

It will be interesting to see what USF takes over there next year. Everybody predicted no attendance for this one yet it was the biggest on record. I'm apt to doubt the prognosticators. Looking around this board (and the other one) I'm pretty sure everybody on here (and the other one) within driving distance will make the trip. That isn't saying anything for the total, but it will say that if you are a follower you'll put the 90 miles on your car. I imagine a horde of students will feel the same way. 48-50k I think is a realistic bet. The breakdown -- 43,000 desperate Knight fans that love this game. 7,000 Bulls fans. If the Knights actually win a few games between now and then....well, Lord knows. Hope, for them, would pack the house.

Maybe they'll stop harrassing people with footballs long enough to clean it up.

I think there is something to be said for that Gary. Has anybody asked the students what they think?  I'd be curious if they actually enjoyed the game.  They seemed to turn out for it and actually be fired up.  Everybody always complains about the student attendance, but when they show it might be interesting to find out why. After all, these are your future fans that can really bump up the fanbase. You'll get old time alums in the mix, but no substitute for getting fans to care about the product while they are actually there. I'm sure Kosha Irby is doing much of that now, but you look at the student attendance at that game and there are some lessons to be learned.

That is so hilarious. What happened to the donut part?

OK, will do. The address above is still valid? Thanks Terry and great job putting this together.

Hey Brad, we over at USFBullsEYE are wanting to donate $250.00 to help Ronnie and his family. Is the easiest way to do that PayPal or via check to you? I've tried Paypal before and it seems to want like 10% of the total....is there a better way or am I doing something incorrect?

Zonald, hey this is Chris from USFBullsEYE....I don't want to clutter up this board with a response, but I don't want to not respond either. If you get a chance I've put a post on the main board at our site in response.

Got any pictures? :-)

Thanks to those who replied. I appreciate it. I need one or two more -- a student or preferably a person that really classes it up. I've seen a few wine and cheesers out there (although I doubt they are message board readers).....if anybody can shoot me an email you'll be forever immortalized....well, forever is a long time, but you get the picture. usfbullseye@yahoo.com Thanks, Chris

I'm putting together... I have a few, but if you fit the bill and are interested please shoot me an email: usfbullseye@yahoo.com I'm looking for people that really go 'over the top' -- ex. gourmet, Big screen TV, satellite, etc. Thanks guys!

Yes, but for North Texas he's getting the job done.  Just like McNair at Alcorn, just like Detmer at BYU, Ward at FSU.... These guys are great players.  Tough argument because when it comes down to it you are looking at how the player performs against the 11 or 12 teams on the schedule.  You don't necessarily care if he would beat Leon Washington in a footrace, the Battle of the Network Stars obstacle course or a intense game of thumb wrestling. I think the board is trying to say he is a great back.  You are trying to say he'll go low in the draft.  Who knows.  The argument could go on forever.  It is nice to see him getting some major media attention, though.  When is the last time that happened for a Bull? Scott Baio -- Greatest tailback of all time and Battle of Network Stars champion

Why not throw Steve McNair in there? DII Alcorn State. Big Records. The guy is a duffer, hunh. Andre just kept doing his thing until people stopped him. Turns out they didn't stop him. It isn't like the guy got all his yards in garbage time.

I've reread a few of VR's posts and it seems that he wants an asterisk next to the name Andre Hall.* * Played in Conference USA for one year and Big East for one year so even though he has great stats and a is getting a lot of press please don't consider him to be a great player because there are better players on USC, FSU, etc. that play against better competition week in and week out. I'll agree with your premise, but it is sort of tough to knock a college player for being a great college player. The draft, and later the NFL, will sort out what level of 'great' player he was, but in the meantime I'm not sure how you can compare him to the other guys. Is the point of it all his bankability in the eyes of NFL scouts? Heisman dreams? I don't know. I think maybe you end the argument when you say to this point he is the best guy USF has ever had suit up back there. I'm fairly certain if you compared them in standardized drills at a combine or something similar many of the guys would outrank Andre. But I'm not sure what that means at this point in this season. I think the bulk of these guys want Andre to play in the NFL, but right now they want him to run over Big East competition.

Dang Vanilla Rice. I guess what the heck is your point? Andre Hall is not a NFL caliber back? To say he is not up there with the guys mentioned will be settled on the field this year. People said Charlie Ward wasn't big enough to be an NFL QB. Guess what, they were right, but that didn't stop him from tearing it up in the college ranks. The point is that Andre Hall showed some great things last year. He's small(ish), but he time after time found ways to stay on his feet and just get extra yards. You figure the second tackler would get him and then it was the third and fourth. He did these things with no semblence of a passing game. None. 5 yard routes with the ball thrown in the dirt does not aid a running game. The fact that he put up so many yards when every defense knew he was getting the ball makes it more incredible and he actually had the opportunity for more (see 2nd half of Army game). The guy is verstatile, sturdy and really wasn't as quick in 2004 as he will be in 2005 (I have an interesting quote on that you'll see down the line). He tore up the JuCo ranks. I'm not going to argue with you because you seem to have your opinion, but to not call Andre Hall a great back is sort of a smack in the face. You play against the competition you line up against. Playstation matchups are for Playstation. I'm not sure what you can do to take the 1357 away or the 3000+ in JUCO. What else does he have to do? A backflip in the endzone?

Turkey Shizzler remains one of my all time favorite handles.

I still have my one with Chucky. "Best Player in Florida" it reads.

Are they mutually exclusive? Why can't you do both?

Not to split hairs, but when you say "if last year's defense played the to the level expected of them, and like our defenses were playing from 99-03 then we would have definitely won 6 and probably 7 games" I just don't think they had the experience or personnel to have done so.  MLB and the two safety positions were glaring issues, but the D-Line really never got it going either.  That magnified the problems two rows behind. A lot of it can be attributed to injuries, but depth is part of the equation as well.