Griggsy

with 13:30 left in 1st half, USF up 13-12. Just getting started, but thats certainly nicer to see than 20-8 UCONN.

Come on ladies!

$##@$ work

I think my point is being missed entirely.

"Life is not fair". Wow...thank you so much Joe for your eternal words of wisdom.

The core issue is that you have demographic X moving en masse to whatever given area.  In this case, its generally northerners moving to Florida.  Instead of adhering to the "when in Rome" rule of thumb, they impose their "back home" mentality in the local area.

This is fine in reasonable numbers....but the mass migration of northers to Florida isnt really considered "reasonable" in my opinion.

But in this case, you have droves of ND fans who apparently all LOVE the Tampa area...but they show up in numbers to root AGAINST the LOCAL team?

Pro sports...I have no sympathy. Sorry, but if you love your Yankees that much...I mean really, go back to NY.

College sports I an understand more if you have ties to the university.  But still, if you're in that "demographic X", you should be honorable enough not to root against the local team.

Will they do it? Yes. Do they do it? Yes. Is it so terrible that Im gonna pack my bags and leave Tampa to escape it? Of course not. But all I know is BOY DID IT FEEL GOOD TO SING "NAH NAH NAH NAH, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!" to the SOBs!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I have no problem accepting that someone can move from point A to point B and still support their 'original' team ... PARTICULARLY when it comes to college sports (as you have actual ties to the institution that cannot be broken). I wouldnt expect a UCONN grad to move to Tampa and start pulling for USF..

My problem is not that outsiders come in and support their team. There are transplants everwhere.

My problem is that they do it en masse. These types of fans (which I observe to be primarily from up North) come in, gang up, and dominate the local market.  If there are truly THAT many ND grads who love the Tampa area so much...i mean, maybe they should move ND down here?

It's simply unfair to people who support a team in the local market to have to compete with that.

But I mean, really...if you are a graduate of a college thats, what, 2000 miles away and you bring more fans to a basketball game than the local school..you need to start asking yourself some questions.  Is there a freakin conspiracy going on or something? I mean COME ON

While I understand where the sentiment comes from, I have to disagree somewhwat. I get the point about supporting the local team when they are professional. If there is a local football, basketball, or baseball team and you live in the city...it's often your tax dollars which provide for their stadium. That team helps shape the national identity of the city you PRESENTLY live in. Therefore, while I get why you still love your original "home team"...it's kind of self-defeating to not support the team that represents the town you've chosen above all others..to live in and spend your dollars for.

College sports are a whole different ballgame. If you are an alum of a school...that name stays on your diploma wherever you go. If I lived in Louisville, KY and someone told me I couldn't support my Bulls anymore...I'd tell them to stick it. Being the alum of a school gives you a personal stake in the success of your institution. It travels with you because it is more than a place or a logo. Those who are into pro-sports alone have a hard time relating to this kind of loyalty. Although it drives me up a wall to see nothing but Gator and Nole stuff in Manatee county (BULLS country?)...I can't honestly expect their alums to jump ship just because they're in the Bay area now. My personal pet peeve though, are those ppl who never spent one day in a school..and yet are rabid fans. Such as Joe Car Mechanic in Ruskin who bleeds orange and blue because "my grandaddy wanted to be a gator and got me hooked".... But that's another story and I digress...  :

You're right.

Hmm...ok. Now that I left for a few hours and came back and read this, I think I was a little abrasive.

My point in a nutshell is that Im not happy about the fact that groups of people move en masse from (fill in the blank) and then support their "home" teams OVER the local teams.

Someone mentioned moving to Chicago and still supporting USF. If I were to move outside the state as an alum (say, Atlanta)...would I support Georgia Tech over USF? Of course not.

The difference I think is that I dont think USF fans are going to overtake the local market in Atlanta to the point that Ga Tech sports programs will suffer.  If USF played Ga Tech in basketball, you're not going to outnumber THEIR fans.

Not sure how (or if) this is a 'problem' that can really be fixed. But it sure feels good to gripe! Either that, or maybe I can just move into a tent out in the country.

This happens with a lot of sports in Tampa, from baseball to hockey, even the Bucs had their problems back in the mid 90's. Given the state of USF basketball, combined with the Big East it's little surprise that this is going on.

Many Devil Rays divisional games are just a chance for life-long Yankees or Red Sox fans to come out and cheer on the team they grew up watching.

I think it's easier for the transplants to embrace a new team when that team is actually winning.

You speak the truth

>

You're from Georgia and you complain about other transplants living in Tampa.  Wow!

#1 - I work at US Central Command and have a job that requires I live here

#2 - Once I got here, I decided to support the local teams

My complaint is not against those who have to live here (military folks, for instance)...my complaint is against those who A) Choose to live here AND Continue supporting their "home" teams over the local teams.

I just read the post about the Syracuse chant at the bball game. I think this is a major issue that runs deeper than just a basketball game or two.

My wife and I went to Barnacles to catch an away USF game this past season, and you could barely find a TV with it on. They place was loaded with fans of other teams though. (Ohio State is the one i REALLY remember...they were everywhere).

The only thing I can really say about it is RIDICULOUS.  Im sorry, but if are THAT many of you that love your "home" team THAT much, then move the #$%$# back.  No kidding, the market is flooded, primarily with fans of NORTHERN teams.. It makes me so angry think to think of the weak souls that are all like "waaah, im cooold" so they move down here with their freakin Ohio State/Yankees/Red Sox shirts. ARGGH!

Im from Georgia, but I live in Tampa because its one of about 3 places in the entire US where I can do my job. Dont tell me these people moved down because they "had" to.  If you move down here because you like it, then support the local economy.

Not sure why this urks me so much...but I was fighting mad at the USF-ND game.  

Freaking northerners. Go back from whence you came.

I recall last year at this same time. C4 was all the rage.  I remember the feeling of losing hope after the spring game ... thinking we may come out of this last season with a losing record.  I remember the Big East bashing. We were going to be a mediocre team in a mediocre conference.

WTF happened? The early season was looking like same-old same-old. But then within two games we had our prodigy QB ...we ended up 9-4 with the first bowl win in schools history in a VERY tough Big East!!!

And NOW? Now we have an arguably better coaching staff, our Grothe returns, MIKE FORD is coming, and we're looking at a potentially kick @ss recruiting team with an optimal home schedule?

I have never been so excited about college football as I am right now!!!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

From their preseason round ups at http://cfn.scout.com/2/613763.html

26. South Florida   2006 Record: 9-4

Why to get excited: Talk about a program on the verge of exploding, USF has gone from non-existent to a player in a major conference with its first bowl win, a dominant victory over West Virginia, and a nine-win campaign. Only six players are gone off the Papajohns.com Bowl two-deep depth chart with sophomore-to-be QB Matt Grothe a star to build rally around and the defense certain to be among the best in the country.

Why to be grouchy: There might not be many personnel losses, but they're relatively big ones. Starting receivers Ean Randolph and S.J. Green, along with TE Will Bleakley, are gone from the offense, while star linebackers Stephen Nicholas and Pat Green, along with SS Jerramy Burnett, are off the D. USF can't sneak up on anyone anymore; this is now the type of team everyone will bring its A game for.

The number one thing to work on is: Punting and kickoff returns. Sophomore Justin Teachey had a rough year, but the punt coverage team didn't help him out much as the Bulls netted an abysmal 30.03 yards per punt. Taurus Johnson has to give the kickoff return game some more pop after USF averaged just 17.58 yards per try.

Biggest offensive loss: WR Ean Randolph

Biggest defensive loss: LB Stephen Nicholas  

Someone must have already...cause isnt that the same song they use on the theusfbulls.com site?

I did some looking around on Youtube, found this (Sorry if already posted, this is the first id seen it). It's a pre-bowl pump-you-up video

check out gousfbulls.com

Mike Ford will destroy us!

;D

Ha! Just kidding! (sorry lotsofbull for stealing your line) This kind of news makes me so happy I want to punch my mom in the face.

We're rolling up into my home school next fall (Auburn).  Sure, they used to have a Cadillac...but WE'VE got a Ford baby!

Ive got that tingly feeling about next season...

Anyone else having trouble sitting still?

I am...I think I'll get in my car and go buy a bunch of Bulls gear at B Heaven.

touche  

Mike Ford will destroy us!

;D

Ha! Just kidding! (sorry lotsofbull for stealing your line) This kind of news makes me so happy I want to punch my mom in the face.

We're rolling up into my home school next fall (Auburn).  Sure, they used to have a Cadillac...but WE'VE got a Ford baby!

Ive got that tingly feeling about next season...

Anyone else having trouble sitting still?

Those that feel slighted by Bulls Heaven:

gurlybull

chitownbull

bullzfan4life

JoeB

The Sheriff

Mama Bull

andy the bull

ET

alau255

crambone

Mid Atlantic Bull

professabull

mutt

Littledrummerboy

jd77

twillybull

FazaUSF

nobullaboutit

tampaUSFdad

Big Hairy Bull

Griggs

Sympathizers:

Steve Lurkle

aly20xx

WoolyBully

Paisa el Toro

Databull

chicky9914

KB

USFMikeB

Dmince

Grungemeister

haulingbull

bullsayer

r to the izzo

smazza

BBS

Paul Wall

Something funny occured to me as I was reading over the posts ... are these not roughly the same people on either side of the fence when it comes to the OCS debate?  ie people who are outraged over Bulls Heaven actions are GENERALLY the same people who are pro-OCS.  The people who are all "hey, nothing personal -- it's just business" are the ones GENERALLY against an OCS.

By pro-OCS I mean people who want it NOW, by God. By anti OCS I mean all you #$%$# clear thinkers out there who want to do things that make good fiscal sense. (My wife is a financial analyst. I know your type.)

Dont know what im really getting at? Maybe a divergence of mentalities...two general camps of USF fans, "conservatives" and "emotionals" maybe? It's late.

Let the torturous countdown begin  :'(

As much as I hate the Gators, I really think this is much ado about nothing. First of all, it's a special event type of deal. If they regularly started carrying Gator stuff then I might see the point. The place is still primarily a Bucs store and I'd venture a guess that the majority of Bucs fans are Gator fans, so they ARE catering to their primary fan base. I agree with thise that said that it really doesn't matter what kind of a place it is, if it carries Bulls stuff that I like, I'll buy it there... Plus, considering the owner is a USF grad and booster, there's no way I'd boycott it for something as silly as this.

Here's a dose of reality, there is no business in the area, off campus, that can survive catering ONLY to Bulls fans, at this time. I'm not sure why the big gripe about the Bull Ring. I think it's pretty cool to walk in and the first thing you see is a display case full of Bulls stuff. There were posters around playing up themj as the home of the coaches' radio shows and most the waitresses were wearing some type of Bulls shirt... Some people appear to be too sensitive, IMO.

So you think its unreasonable for a USF fan to choose not to support a company that supports USF's competitor?

If Coke is having a hard time making enough $ selling its product, does it sell Pepsi?

Bucs stuff is fine -- not a competitor of USF.   UF stuff is NOT fine.  If this guy is truly an alumnus and a booster, all I can say is 'wow'.

Where's Sheriff?

I only speak for myself.

Out of curiosity, how much did you spend at Bulls Heaven during the past year?

Around $200. A drop in the bucket.

But you know, if its not that much money then i 'reckon they aint got nothing to worry about by selling gators stuff.

ie, they wont miss me as a customer.

I have a very similar complaint against the "Bulls Ring" restaurant on Fowler.  They have bulls stuff on display right when you walk in (in addition to the Bucs stuff, sadly), but other than that you wouldnt be able to tell it had anything to do with USF. It's almost like too many businesses are afraid to really be ALL FOR USF. Thats fine -- I will not be going back to Bulls Heaven OR Bulls Ring. If they want to be 'watered down' supporters, then I will be just that kind of customer too.

My thoughts on the matter - yeah, business is business and (sniff sniff) if they dont sell UF championship stuff their family will starve and they will have to move, etc etc. Let me shed some tears. Heres the other side of business -- dont p!ss off your primary customer base.  If this so-called great USF supporter knew anything about the fanbase, he would know how the diehards would take such a move. The beauty of capitalism: the consumers ultimately decide what they will and will not stand for.  Bulls Heaven must ask themself...have they gained MORE customers by advertising UF stuff or have they LOST more customers by doing so?

How many diehards are you speaking for?

I doubt that the people on this site make up much of their primary customer base.

I would return the question: How many people on this site are you speaking for?

Ultimately I only speak for myself, and I let my wallet do the talking. But.. I dont think its unreasonable to think that diehard USF fans would feel slighted by one of the few 'Bulls' places IN TAMPA (for crying out loud) to 'sell out' to UF. I'll tell ya what -- you keep shopping there.

Supply and demand -- If USF fans accept mediocrity then thats what they'll get. Demand loyal USF businesses and thats what you'll get.

I purchased a Nike replica jersey, two t-shirts, a clock, a spirit calendar, 2 pairs of under armour shorts, and a mug from them.  Genuinely nice folks, but they should have thought through this one i mean COME ON.

I have a very similar complaint against the "Bulls Ring" restaurant on Fowler.  They have bulls stuff on display right when you walk in (in addition to the Bucs stuff, sadly), but other than that you wouldnt be able to tell it had anything to do with USF. It's almost like too many businesses are afraid to really be ALL FOR USF. Thats fine -- I will not be going back to Bulls Heaven OR Bulls Ring. If they want to be 'watered down' supporters, then I will be just that kind of customer too.

My thoughts on the matter - yeah, business is business and (sniff sniff) if they dont sell UF championship stuff their family will starve and they will have to move, etc etc. Let me shed some tears. Heres the other side of business -- dont p!ss off your primary customer base.  If this so-called great USF supporter knew anything about the fanbase, he would know how the diehards would take such a move. The beauty of capitalism: the consumers ultimately decide what they will and will not stand for.  Bulls Heaven must ask themself...have they gained MORE customers by advertising UF stuff or have they LOST more customers by doing so?

Just do what I have done and forget the whole sport of Basketball...

Makes life that much easier.

Sad but true....

I just don't care anymore....

> :'( :-[

Now you know how it feels to be a UCF football fan  

On the "Why Not?" section for WVU, it says ...

"Three of West Virginia's toughest games in 2007 are on the road -- at Rutgers, South Florida and Maryland."

I know it's minor, but I love seeing that there. That's how it starts...people start looking at you as a serious contender and not just a speed bump.  

What a year for the Big East!

4 months ago they were saying take away automatic BCS bid

Now? Arguably #2 conference in the country.

Not just a statement, a HUGE statement...and Im proud that USF could be a part of that.

Next year looking even better