Bullpride08

No Jersey, I just think we want to agree that let's not run around with blinders on. We were both in the same stadium and we can both agree that some of our younger fans were tacky, and displayed some inappropriate behavior. I walked to the other side of the stadium and was yelled some tactless stuff by a young ECU fan. But you know what I am a big boy, and handled it. I was in line when an older, clearly over the top drunk ECU fan started making crass remarks about our DC's mother that passed away that evening. So what. Most of the ribbing was in good fun. The night before on the trolley some boisterous ECU fans were giving us an earful. They were students but they kept it above board, and were generally pretty good at taking as they were giving. Everyone that complains about fans needs to grow a set of nads. I've never gone on a road trip where I didn't experience the BEST, and the WORST that school has to offer- although as far as class goes few can top Bama, class fans top to bottom. Generally I saw way more good, family orientated, and classy ECU fans then unclassy. That's the key, don't let a small contingent of drunk and rowdy students spoil the event for either side.

Is that why Ricky just walked off the field after the game was over and didn't stay to celebrate with the team? No, he was late for a smoke session.  Guy has a bad attitude.  Dont need guys who are unhappy when they dont get many carries even though we win.  Pure example of selfishness.  If he leaves good riddens, he can be replaced.  Hmmm, this is the kind of stuff that gets me scratching my head. Ricky Ponton has a great attitude which was one of the reasons Leavitt even let him back with the team. Are you now insinuating he's leaving? The kid had his family come in to promise to Leavitt the incident that happened would never occur again. Ever thought the kid was mad he fumbled and didn't feel the need to get his face rubbed further in it. Man, some of you guys have never been on the sidelines of any sport. I can tell you it gets far worse then what some of you are mentioning. I don't see Ponton going anywhere but then again the 2nd half of the season he did not step up his game. If he leaves then so be it but i doubt it since he did so much to get back on the team.

You are a real jerk Shoop, we all put up with your incessant whining about jersey's, players, and logo colors.  You want to crap on PJ....I hope one day you learn to add an ounce of class to your body, if you don't have anything nice to say....

Jeez it's the type of offense we run. Grothe wasn't expected to be the starter this year, and he will add more muscle and size by next year to handle the rigors of running. A running QB has been the basis of USF offense for seven years- SURPRISE.

haha, no guys you missed the initial article that discussed him as the POY for the Suncoast Team. Funny, nah any kid that breaks Tebow's single season yardage and Triggs season td total wasn't going to get left out.

That quote was from weeks ago, very weak of the Tribune to rehash it in a way to insinuate that Leavitt was disappointed with the attendance when he never made such a comment after the game. That was chicken Sh-t and typical of the season we've had with the Tribune who can't for the life of them give 100% credit when it was due. Let's rehash a bit of the tribune's drivel this year, first predicting 6 wins, then beating on the staff and admin about suspensions, then crucifying us about a road loss against #5 UL, and always continually trying to not give credit where it was due. Then after the season more than one article ripping on attendance and bowl ticket sales. Good grief, even after the game they've got to get in one incendiary quip about our bowl attendance. Thanks for the memories Tribune. This season has been a memorable one with you, one I'd like to forget!

Suspending 3 starters for 6 games/half the season. Coach didn't have a choice...That was an Athletic University rule if an athlete FAILED 2 Drug Test, they HAD to be suspended for 50% of the teams games (6 games in football). Leavitt, Woolard, etc...were able though to change the new rule for all drug tests starting in last Sept...and if any USF Football player that fails 2 drug tests now, they will only miss 2 games, instead of 6. Leavitt and Woolard pushed that through?  Cite? Think about it...which USF team got hurt the most from the 50% suspensions from 2 failed drug tests? Football. Then...after those players failed their 2nd drug test...Woolord, Clements, Walz and Sports Medicine decided on their own (as was "published") that the penalty should DROP in Football from 6 game suspension to just 2 game suspension WITHOUT feedback from Leavitt? Ah...ok. Actually you are wrong KL, the policy was changed before those players failed their initial drug test. It was actually changed in the spring so it would more closely resemble the policy used by our conference brethren. The reason those players didn't fall under the new policy was because their failed drug test occurred BEFORE the start of the 06-07 calendar school year which was when the new rule took effect thus their punishment had to be based on the old rule of 50% of the games played. This was the reason they petition because their failed tests occurred during the summer, and the argument was the old rules didn't apply since their test occurred after the last school year concluded. The rules committee didn't agree and stuck with the old punishment. I don't know why we've got to explain it since it was well documented and articulated in the media, however you chose to ignore the facts of the case and draw your own conclusion. I hope this helps before you start trying to rattle off ridiculous accusations. BTW, Leavitt had nothing to do with the change in policy it was completely Woolard's doing (remember this was for all the athletic department not just football). He made the decision after consulting with the Conference Office, and a National Narcotics Organization that helped the NCAA and schools to impliment their policies. They recommended that on a 2nd offense the 50% suspension was to harsh and could deter offenders from seeking help and counseling. Again, this was also articulated in an article written by the St. Pete Times. Sorry, but Woolard and Leavitt didn't 'get together' and try to find ways to skirt the system. Our new policy is one that mirrors that of all our Conference Members and many other 1-A schools.

It's impossible to get an official one with a green face mask and iconic U when that's not what we 'officially' wear right now.  I have an official one straight from the team, a used one, but it has the black. I love it more though because it's autographed by Leavitt and it has the Big East label on it.  It's a beaut, regardless the face mask and iconic U being black (which I like). Got it at a charity auction donated by Jim. Great collectable in my office.

steve-o why don't you let the experts tell him that since you've proven time again your opinions are worthless. Like I said a 6ft corner with 4.3 speed is a hot commodity in the NFL.

What's a record crowd since they sold the game out twice in the past five years? I believe the UL v. BYU about 9 years ago was one of their sellouts, as was UL v. BSU. Are they planning an even more fans then a soldout stadium?

That's true and not true dabull...first this encompasses more than just the game it also includes practices. This isn't a case of guys getting pushed by the other 7 players and these 8 guys are simply the most outstanding of the bunch. No, we really only have around 8 legit high level DI players. They're a very good 8, but not really elite like Duke, and certainly get no support during practice to improve. Second, it's also the make-up that makes a difference on teams that go 7 deep, most probably have 1 legit center, but 4 guys that are 6-8 or bigger, and 4 guys that can play the guard and small forward situation. In USF's situation we only have 2 legit post players, one that really isn't a pure post in Aris, more of a PF/swing, and the 2nd is Gransberry a complete back to the backboard guy. Different players, not interchangeable although they're forced to be, and no back-ups to help. The next line of defense behind those two is 6-6 'do nothing' Richardson- at best a mid-major PF. Third it's the problem that one of the best players is injured- Howard. Right now with only 7 legit D1 players, we're really relegated to one PG, and two walk-ons to fill the gaps who clearly aren't in the freshman's zip code in terms of ability. How does that help a team, you've got a PG bringing it up who can score, dribble penetrate and does nice passing, then suddenly in walks a walk-on who can barely keep the ball away from the defense, needs help from teammates just to execute the offense, and isn't much of a threat to score or make inspiring passes-- it's hard to maintain momentum, and consistency when the level of talent on the court varies by substitution. After seeing what i witnessed last night I do believe a few things. First, once these guys have had a chance to play together more they will improve, Verdejo is smooth in everything he does, Gransberry is going to blow-up all the USF rebounding numbers, he'll probably average this year 12+, Buckley should start settling in to his more desired roll of being an outside shooter, and swing man, and Mattis is starting to get comfortable with being more of a wing then having to come out and front the basket. If Howard comes back we can put away Capko, great kid, not really helping anymore to improve the team he's more of a tredding water solution. Once that happens this will be a solid team, probably good enough for 14 wins maybe, but with no depth one personal foul issue in a game or injury and this team falls back. Last night with only 7 guys, 6 really since Mattis was hurt, and playing a third game in three nights in higher altitude then they're accustom to play they were dog tired, and rightfully so. They ran with UNLV for a half and then some but wilted at the end.

I love the sounds of an outstanding defense. The athletes on that end of the ball could live up to billing. Another year in college is never a bad thing for anyone, however there comes a point when one must get set free. I just don't get the people that question Jenkin's tackling, might want to notify the staff since he's consistently been called their most complete corner. Jenkins has always been easy pickin's for some because he's had some boneheaded moments at USF, but the reality is he's one of the hardest workers at practice (along with Trae Williams), a very self-motivated player who has tremendous athletic ability and makes tackles. He's not the greatest tackler, but often that has to do with the fact he's handling the wide-out who runs the deeper patterns which will take him away from many line plays. He's a great corner, I personally believe Williams has developed into one that's a bit more complete but I still would say if the game is on the line and we've got a pitch and catch situation then I want Mike Jenkins lining up at the line covering that receiver. Sorry but 6ft corners that run 4.3 do not grow on trees, ask Anthony Henry how much it is worth in the NFL.

I've watched all the USF games on the road trip. Gransberry is a man among boys. UNLV had some big athletic post players and he was an unstoppable rebounding force with 17. His defense was good too, however some questionable early calls got him into foul trouble, and with Aris Williams hurt, and the 'do nothing' Richarson backing him up Gransberry had no other choice but to play off. Similarly Verdejo has an amazing first step and is THE most explosive dribble penetrator i've seen as a bull since Atkins. However with limited inside scoring teams were dropping down. He had two amazing assists, both no look passes. Zeus needs to get more comfortable waiting for the game to come to him, but he's a player. Buckley, Mr. Do everything a solid rebounder, and shooter. I think he'll settle in better in his role at #3 scorer. Mattis- got into foul trouble early and never recovered. No that assessment is spot on. Last night against UNLV in the first half our team ran and out-played them. But with Aris Williams out, Capko getting hurt, and Mattis playing injured the team had no legs. Further that there was only one legit PG on the court in the 2nd half, Bozeman, and he was in foul trouble with 4 but had to play the entire 2nd half, he had no legs to shoot in the last 10 minutes and couldn't defend, but the coaches couldn't protect him because they had no bench, unless we wanted Eddie Lovett bringing the ball up the court. Gransberry was a beast, 11 frickin rebounds in the first half alone, but the only guy backing him up was Richardson who did almost nothing in the game but pick-up fouls. So what did we have in the last 12 minutes when the Bulls were only down 44-46? A big man with no legs that was wore out and in foul trouble because he had no help. Why Saaka only got 19 minutes is beyond me but coach ran Buckley and Verdejo ragged... maybe because outside of those two, and Bozeman we have no outside shooter? This team of Gransberry, Verdejo, Mattis, Buckley, and Bozeman is a very strong starting five, sprinkle in Saaka and Williams and that's not a bad 7. But last night that wasn't enough with Williams hurt, Mattis hobbling, so what you then had was 5 against a UNLV team that goes 8-9 deep, and anyone off the bench was either a walk-on, or a glorified walk-on (richardson). You can blame coach for recruiting and not having the depth to compete for 40 minutes. But after three games in three days, with the limited bench we had, and compounding the issue with the injuries it's amazing we fared as well as we did against UNLV for as long as we did. The problem is we're missing two key ingredients, another legit post/big man to spell Gransberry and Williams (Richardson barely counts), and another shooter that can dribble the ball and score (Capko doesn't count he can't do any of those three good) the hope is Howard can be that guy soon. Sadly, this team is one big man away and a shooter/ball handler (might be addressed with Howards return- he dressed for last nights game) from being a pretty decent squad, but once Williams or Gransberry gets injured or in foul trouble that leaves ONE GUY to man the true post and those big boy's get tired. This is a 7, maybe 8 man team when Howard returns. The problem is that's just not enough, one bit of foul trouble, or an injury and this team is handicapped like last night. The players battled but with no help, in foul trouble early and no bench protection they were doomed from the start. Starting five versus starting five though USF compares favorably. And herein lies the problem with CRM, what year can we expect a full roster? As it stands we've only signed one player, with what appears to be a certain transfer from Aaron Holmes. Uh, we still need at least two post guys since Gransberry graduates after next year, and this team is still already short one post player.... As far as players go anyone insulting the first 7-8 are ignorant to the hoops world. As far as the coach goes the fact those first 7-8 is all we have to play with rests squarely on his shoulders.

The powers never wanted C-DOA but Memphis pressure forced the issue. After Houston's embarrassing turnout you can expect the desire to have another BCS conference to face an SEC team will grow. Hopefully a possibility for the BE, maybe replace the Papajohns.

I'd be surprised if Miami has 1000 in Boise.

You've got to put things in perspective comparing bowls from last year to this year. Given the opponent and time of the game if we sell 6,200 that's MORE impressive then selling 6,200 last year. That to me shows a growing strong fan base. I mentioned before but the final two home games were noon games and the last time we did that was in 2004 and the attendance was horrendous. This year it was much more solid closer to 30k on both. To me that showed an improvement in our attendance and fan support two years earlier we could barely get 15k in the stands for each of those noon games. Had those games been played at 7pm I feel confident each would have been over 35k, particularly the homecoming game. The same logic holds true with this bowl, last year was a New Years Eve game, in a nice city, with a nice bowl, and a great opponent and our first bowl so it was a symbolic event and we sent 5000, and sold 6,200. This year in a less inspiring opponent, city, bowl, and an awful date a day before x-mas eve, and we'll probably equal the ticket sales of last year. Baby steps folks there's plenty to be excited about but sometimes you've got to analyze things past the pure numbers.

Joe Jones, Tyson Butler, or Juwan Franklin would be big time snags for USF. Already have some solid ones in the fold in Bellamy and Kelly.

That's not happening. Dixon has family, and a child in the area. He's not as close to Barfield as everyone is alluding. Nebraska thinks they're going to sign everyone. Money says Dixon goes USF and Barfield goes Rutgers or UL.

OK, whatever floats your boat. The guy had better QB stats at Pearl River then Greco, and yet you guys signed Greco. Go figure! At a minimum if UCF was to sign him he would instantly be the best athlete on that team. Hard to ignore a player that could have that type of impact.

Where do some of you come up with this stuff...'little skill' are you crazy?  This kid has led USF in passes defended for two straight years all the while typically covering the oppositions best receiver. As it stands if Jenkins came out there's a chance he would get selected ahead of Nicholas. I agree with the highlighted portion.  Jenkins was not only a sure tackler as a freshman, but he was at times a punishing hitter.  He's got plenty of pass defending skills, definitely. But when did he decide to become a Deion Sanders-like tackler??  And why?? So I hope he stays for his final year.  It would be great for us and for him, I believe. It really would be great for USF one way or the other. If he leaves early that means his draft status is probably 3rd round or less, and maybe an outside shot at a late 1st- no BS that's what 4.3 speed gets you. He goes real early that also is great for USF, have two starting corners that are first day picks in the NFL- Henry and Jenkins. Good story to tell recruits. I'd hate to see him go, but Gilliam is faster. I still don't know where some of you think he's Sanders? Jenkins has had some sticks this year, the pop on Cornish behind the line, or Kinder against Pitt. The real point is 6ft corners that run a 4.3 don't grow on trees.

Huge literally and figuratively. USF beat Bama legitimately for his services. We got a tad lucky since he was born in Tampa and has tons of family still here. If you want a comparision of how good McClain is then look at this link. He's playing in an All-American All-Star game this month in Shrevport, LA. All the East DT's and DE's he's playing with are four star players that have committed to the likes of ND, Bama, and UF like Jay Howard, Ian Williams, and McCollough. http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/1181493.html

Where do some of you come up with this stuff...'little skill' are you crazy? This kid has led USF in passes defended for two straight years all the while typically covering the oppositions best receiver. As it stands if Jenkins came out there's a chance he would get selected ahead of Nicholas.

He had an offer from Bama, USC, USM...tons. The word was Bama was our stiffest competition, but once Shula got fired they fell behind and McClain's massive ties to the Tampa Bay Area won out. Dude was born in Tampa.

There are at least 10 I see on that list that has USF in their top 2-3, not including the three that have already committed to USF, two of which are committed elsewhere. Sorry they haven't consulted with you smazza but we'll be fine.

The thing that is impressive about Gransberry and Verdejo's production isn't just the points, and effort against an inferior opponent. But rather the fact Gransberry scored 24pts in 23 minutes- that's amazingly efficient, and he also took 5 charges- a big guy like him taking 5 charges demonstrates a good knowledge of the game. And Zeus, he scored his 20pts in 25 minutes with 3 assists, and both their shooting percentage was excellent, 8-12 for Gransberry and 8-13 for Verdejo. I don't care who you're playing to be that efficient and demonstrate an ability to do the little things like take charges, steals, and not foul out. That illustrates how talented these two guys could be, it'd be one thing if a guy like Verdejo got 20pts in 35 minutes on something like 9-21 shooting, but to do it efficiently it demonstrates a confident scorer, a person that creates opportunity.