NokiaBull

If we lose to Central Community College, that would be a big blow to us in recruiting.  UCF is a must win, period.

Softball

WTF, even if we have a bad year this up-coming season, Leavitt will still be our coach.  We are moving into a bigger league, give the man some time to recruit before we fire him.  He has done a lot for our program.  Geezzzzzzzzz....

We will become a major program when our fans stop complaining about noon games and just show up whenever we play a home game.

^^Because many of the students I know and those with the Oracle are fans of UF and FSU first and Bulls fans second.  I hear more "we" when talking about FSU and UF than I do for USF.

Win a few games, and we may get picked up for ESPN games later on in the season.  The only problem, ESPN may move them to Friday night.

The last time they did, we got out of there with a 1 point win in double OT if I remember correctly.  Their FG kicker missed an extra point, and some  would say we did not score the TD on the 4th down play...

^^I checked their site, there was no mandate.  Holland is looking to make ECU into a power without being in the BCS.  They are already starting a stadium expansion campaign.  

WTF, I just saw him a few weeks ago.  Said nothing about transfering; although, I knew he was unhappy.

I ran into a USF fan in St. Louis when I went to see the Cards play a few weeks ago.  Saw my USF hat and had a great convo.

Wow, the Citrus Bowl is actually filled for a UCF game???  Must be 80% Bulls fans at that stadium.  Comes out on July 15th.

Making the BE tourney.

I believe their rating is based on the overall group.  We the in-coming talent we have at QB, it is overall better than having one great RB and several average guys.

There are a few SEC Thursday night games.  I remember watching teams like South Carolina, Bama, Miss State, Kentucky, and etc playing on Thursday nights.  Even See-USA has mostly Saturday games on ESPN and CSTV.  Does anyone in the northeast watch college football?  I never understood why Big East football games outside of those featuring Miami, WVU, and VT always did poorly on national TV when compared to other conferences.

It will be fun to see the Bulls play at the Dome or at the Fourm in future seasons.  They will be frosh this upcoming season, but next season and seasons after that, it is going to be a real treat to see how this class pans out.

Just looking over on the Penn State board, that game will more than likely be on ESPN Plus or a local station in PA, so there is a chance at this game being on Gameplan.  Also, I talked to some Canes fans and they stated that our game with them may also be on ESPN Plus/Gameplan; so, we will see.  ESPN has given the Big East a crappy deal as far as football goes.  We can expect more weekday games for the 06 season too.

SEC games are TBA on ESPN due to the fact that CBS has the first pick of key SEC matchups every week.  It normally goes to CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, JP, and ESPN Regional/Comcast South.

There is an outside chance that we will play one game on ESPN or ESPN2, but it depends on how the season goes and if ESPN decides to pick up another Big East game; however, it seems unlikely we will be on national TV this year.

Women's Curling

Women's Mud or Jello Resslin

True, but they did list Lousiville as being a dangerous team from 2000 to 2006.  UofL had one great season, was it a fluke?  I think we can beat the Cards this season.

My FAMU alum friend stated that FAMU is selling this game as a "revenge" game and is using the "mall issue" as motivation.  They really believe that they can beat us and will provide tickets to the black communties in the area to cheer on FAMU, so I would expect many FAMU fans will come out, and it may even be possible that there could be more FAMU fans than our fans if they are doing all of these things.  In some ways, I think that this could be bad for our program, to get communties in our area to cheer against us.  

I saw this on two big east boards, pretty intersting take on our future.

One college football and recruiting expert's take on the top 25 most dangerous programs in college football 2005 – 2011 (based on future potential):

1. Southern Cal – as expected, Pete is building one of the greatest dynasties in college football history. Weakness - None

2. Notre Dame – ok, it is Notre Dame, if the new coaching staff can change things around, the Irish will once again be “America’s team.†Its national TV deal and the possible lost of the Gator Bowl may have sealed its future with a future relationship with the Big East “football schools†if what we have heard are true (Big East split after 2008). Although some have stated that this program would jump to the Big 10 if they have another losing season; the recent BCS deal and their deal with NBC changed everything. Weakness – a few losing seasons, strong academic policies, and the fact that they are Notre Dame may be too much for the new coaching staff. If they [the coaching staff] can get recruits to buy into the program, then the rest of the country should watch out. Moving several OOC games to neutral spots will help out a lot as far as recruiting goes. Many 06 prospects are still up in the air about the Irish.

3. Clemson – they are just a few players away from being the dominate program in the ACC. I know the coaching staff has been through the we love you and we hate you stage, but we must tell all of you loyal Tiger fans that the Tigers are really really close to being the program in the ACC. The fan base is there, the national appeal is there, now it is time to coach and recruit. Big wins over the likes of FSU and Miami were key to recent recruiting. Weakness – the ACC, although it seems as if programs like FSU and Miami have become weaker over the past few seasons, Clemson still must deal with an ever improving Virginia Tech program and up and coming programs of UVA and rival Georgia Tech. It does not help that the ole ball coach is just down the road in Columbia. Many top 06 prospects in South Carolina rank Clemson high on their list.

4. South Carolina – the king is back, but can he win in Columbia? There is no doubt that South Carolina has a great fan base. Lou showed the potential of the Gamecocks in taking them to the Outback bowl. Located in a fast growing city, playing in one of the best college football stadiums in America, and now having one of the greatest college coaches in the history of college football may be enough for the Gamecocks to be singing the praises of the BCS soon. Weakness – the SEC, duh. Can the Gamecocks win the SEC east? Maybe, but it is going to take the ole ball coach’s best efforts, but then again he did win at Duke. Many top 06 prospects in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina are really high on the Gamecocks.

5. East Carolina – a surprise to some, but not a surprise to us. Give this program a BCS slot and they will dominate. The four BCS schools in the state were shaking in their boots during the expansion process. If ECU ever gets into a BCS conference, more than likely the Big East with an outside chance at the SEC, they will be THE program of the VA/NC/eastern SC region. Recruits from Maryland to South Carolina have already repsonded at the chance of playing for ECU if they ever got into the Big East (easier chance at the BCS they say). We are not talking about the Pirates being the next Virginia Tech, but even better. Being in one of the fastest growing areas in the south, a growing university with a strong academic program, and its location to major regional markets such as the Tidewater VA area, Washington, DC, Charlotte, and nearby NC, SC, and VA beaches, and its high TV ratings for national TV games are all positives for ECU. ECU also has some of the best fans in college football and have taken over 35,000 twice to bowl games at the Peach and Liberty Bowls and a great coaching staff. Attending a game in Greenville is similar to being at the likes of UGA, Florida, and any other SEC school outside of Vandy. Being the only true football school in NC, all of the tools are in place and now it is time for the Pirates to produce. Weakness – the past two seasons have been killer for this once upstart program; however, we strongly feel that the Pirates will be bowling by the end of the 2005 season. Maybe even a COY for Skip if the Pirates can get its QB situation straighten out by the start of the season. Many of the top recruits in NC have stated that if ECU played in a BCS conference; they would be the their hands down favorite due to many reasons.

6. Florida – Urban has the most talented team in America, now it is time to win. If the players buy into his system, the Gators will be looking at many appearances in the BCS title game in the future. Weakness – the SEC. Many top national 06 prospects list the Gators at the top of their list.

7. Virginia Tech – a team that came from nowhere and now the kings of the ACC. The Hokies have all the tools to dominate the ACC and the best fans in the ACC outside of Clemson. Getting a ticket to a game in Lane Stadium will continue to be tough and if the coaching staff stays, we are talking about a possible BCS title game appearance within the next few seasons. Weakness - can VT get it done? High profile national TV bowl games have been killer for the Hokies. Can they get over the hump and get it done? Recruiting seems to be solid in 06 with many 06 prospects in VA listing VT as a top candidate on their list.

8. Texas – every year it is OU, so why will the future be different? Weakness – can the Horns get it done? This is the same question we ask year in and year out.

9. Iowa – the upcoming program in the Big 10, made major strides the past few seasons. Those in Iowa love their Hawkeyes. This is the same program that took 45,000 to the Orange Bowl. The coaching staff is solid, and recruiting remains good.

10. Oklahoma – Not much to say about OU, they will be there year in and year out just as long as Bob S remains head coach. A program that owns Texas, come on, they have owned the Big 12 for the most part. Weakness - playing in the Big 12. OU may have a “down season†for 2005, but if you consider winning about 8 games down, then…. Many top national prospects for 06 list OU as a leader on their short list.

11. Arizona – a program that is on its way up, watch out SC. A great coaching staff and improved recruiting will only make the Cats better over the next few seasons. A good fan base and some national appeal helps, but it is going to take a lot of work. Weakness – East Coast Bias in rankings and reporting. Recruiting looks solid in 06.

12. Troy – a program locked between Bama, Auburn, and UAB. With a good fan base and growing university; Troy is bound to become a pretty good college football program. I would not be surprised to see the Trojans move to C-USA if the Big East (which in our opinion, need more teams or one more team) decides to take a team from the C-USA. Weakness – location, location, location. Where is Troy? Some top 06 prospects in Alabama seem lack-luster about the Trojans in comparison to Bama and Auburn.

13. Tennessee – Rocky Top, you’ll always be one of the greatest environments in all of sports. There is not much to say about the Vols accept that they will win a national championship within the next few seasons. Weakness – the killer SEC. Just like Michigan in the Big 10, the Vols must face teams from the best conference in America week in and week out. Many 06 national prospects are listing Tennessee as one of their favorites.

14. Michigan – A program much like Texas, win about 10 games a year, but there always seems to be one game or one team that gets in the way of a perfect season and national title run. Michigan’s great coaching staff will get over the hump, but it is going to take some work and some rebuilding. There is no doubt, Michigan has some of the best fans in college football and always seem to lead in national TV ratings. Weakness – a killer Big 10. Teams like Iowa, Ohio State, Minnesota, and Michigan State will always look to knock Meechican off their block. Michigan leads in the list in recruiting for many 06 prospects in the state and on the national level.

15. Ohio State – One of our most controversial picks, but the Buckeyes (getting past the rumors and allegations) may be one of the most dangerous teams in college football over the next few seasons. Recruiting has picked up and a lot of the dirty laundry has been aired, and now it is time to put up or shut up. With over 100,000 fans showing up and high national TV ratings for games; this program has all the tools to play in the BCS title game every year or so. Weakness – NCAA Investigations. Recruiting looks solid for 06.

16. Boise State – The Broncos have been the best non-BCS program since 2000. This program has everything going for it accept a spot in a BCS conference. If you have ever been to Boise (not counting the Blue turf), you would know how wild and passionate the people in Boise are towards their Broncos. Boise is one of the best road trips to make for a college football game. BSU has dominated the WAC for the most part and have little to prove. The Broncos deserve a shot at the likes of a PAC 10, but that won’t happen. BSU will continue to dominate and gain more attention by the national media. Weakness – no BCS. While in the WAC, Boise State has managed to gain higher TV ratings for games than teams in the Big 12 and PAC 10. BSU will get many good, but not great recruits for 2006.

17. Toledo – maybe the second best program in Ohio behind Ohio State. Put this team in a BCS conference, and you will see how dangerous the Rockets can be. A pretty good fan base, and maybe the best program in the MAC over the past 3 years. The Rockets have a chance to now dominate the MAC and make runs of 12-0, 11-1, and etc With the 5th BCS bowl, it may be possible for this team make it into the BCS, but it will take a killer OOC schedule and total domination of the MAC. Weakness – When you think of the State of Ohio and football, the only thing that comes to the minds of most are the Buckeyes. It would be great to see Toledo match up against Ohio State or a home and home, one at the Horseshoe and the other at the Glass Bowl, but that will never happen. Bowling Green almost pulled the upset against the Buckeyes, and a strong Toledo program will pull the upset if given the chance.

18. Pitt – Yes, we did have Pitt as being one of the most dangerous programs in 2000 since we thought Walt will take this program into the top 25 year in and year out. Well, we were wrong, but Pitt did make its first BCS trip last season in the much weaken Big East. Now with a new coach and the downfall of Penn State, Pitt has all the tools to dominate recruiting in western PA, western Maryland, and parts of WVU, sorry Mountaineers fans. Weakness – lack of traveling fan base. Bringing only a few thousand to your first BCS bowl was piss poor. Pitt like most Big East teams have a history of having a weak traveling cast to bowl games and to major OOC road games. Can Pitt and the new Big East come out of the shadow of teams in the ACC and SEC? The Panthers have their goals set to dominate their region and take top recruits from Penn State, Temple, WVU, Ohio State, Rutgers and Maryland. 2006 prospects in PA seem really excited about the new coaching staff and about Pitt’s chances of winning a BCS title.

19. UTEP – with a star coach and a great fan base, this program is on its way to making regular appearances in the top 25. Everything is big in Texas, and with a solid recruiting hotbed, UTEP has the chance to be the number 3 or 4 program in the state. Playing in the western side of the new Conference USA will chalk up more wins. Although being in the BCS would be a major plus for this program, UTEP has everything in order to bust many BCS bubbles. Weakness – Can the success continue in El Paso? Does UTEP have national appeal? Who cares if they have national appeal, Virginia Tech did not have national appeal until they started to win on a consistent basis. There are so many great prospects in the southwestern US and now even in Mexico, UTEP could be one of the programs to make the new Conference USA BCS worthy. Some of the top 50 2006 prospects in Texas are really buying into this program, putting it up there as favorites with the likes of Texas, A&M, and Tech; so, watch out.

20. South Florida - now another BCS player in the state of Florida, this program has all the makings of being at the top of the Big East and in the top 25 year in and year out. Out of all the BCS teams in the state, USF has the easiest route to make it to a BCS bowl. Weakness - the Bulls lack a good solid fan base in Tampa and more than likely will be the only BCS school in Florida without a national TV game for the upcoming season. The Bulls games with the University of Memphis and Pitt on the ESPN networks last season were the two lowest watched college football games of all of last season on ESPN, Fox, and TBS, weeknight games involving MAC and WAC and the D-1AA playoffs drew more viewers. USF lacks the national appeal; however, winning can change that. With a good leader at the head coaching position and now the Big East, the Bulls should make some noise, but it is going to take a lot of work. Next season will be a make or break year for the Bulls in getting some of the top recruits out of Florida. Although USF moved to the Big East, many 06 prospects in Florida still rank USF behind the likes of UF, FSU, Miami, and programs in the SEC, ACC, and Big 12.

Other dangerous programs that did not make our list:

Georgia, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, LSU, Fresno State, Marshall, FAU, and Southern Miss

2000 Top 20 Dangerous Programs List:

1. Miami

2. Southern Cal

3. Georgia

4. Auburn

5. OU

6. Maryland

7. Cal

8. Boise State

9. Louisville

10. Marshall

11. Virginia Tech

12. Texas A&M

13. Ohio State

14. Pitt

15. Bowling Green

16. Fresno State

17. Southern Miss

18. Minnesota

19. Oregon

20. Texas

I talked with an FAMU alum, and he stated that FAMU will have anywhere between 10,000 to 20,000 for the game depending on weather and etc...  So if we have around 20 to 28,000 bulls fans, we could see a crowd of over 40,000.

1. What was your favorite "Away" Game? (Any sport)

The first football game we played at ECU, a great place to watch football and an great college football atmosphere, tailgating, and a great nightlife, lots of fun...

2. What do you think will be your favorite "AWAY" Game in 2005-06 ?

Miami, we are planning on going... PSU would be number 2

3. Favorite USF Sport ?

Football

4. Favorite sport you would want to play professionall - if able.

Basketball

5. Did you ever coach a sport ?

No, I wish....

Still 4 OOC slots to fill even with 1 D-1A game.