Florida Bull

I don't know if they would pursue a second team in Florida after hypothetically losing FSU. But, they should. With 12+, they would need two so every member can have access to Florida. And, it would probably retain legitimacy, especially as the Big 12 & SEC would each hypothetically have a presence in FL with stronger teams. So, two would compensate and maintain a Floridian and Southern culture in the ACC. And, a silver lining for sad ACC fans: Tampa makes a more natural rival for Miami than Tallahassee does.

Of course, I hope Notre Dame remains in our conference. But, if they were to leave, I think the ACC would be a better fit for them-for geography, media markets, demographics, and academic profiles. This rumor makes more sense than the idea that Notre Dame plans to completely abandon the Northeast and Florida for the Great Plains.

I like that attitude. Assuming things can work out, it would actually be a bigger risk to let him go. There is probably a genuine reason why Arkansas was rumored to be considering Skip Holtz.

That woman doesn't know what she is talking about. USF is a real school. South Florida is a top 50 research institution, and in the top 10 for US patents among universities. If she actually feels so strongly that those statistics are indicative of a "fake school," she should notify the incoming freshmen with an average gpa of 3.91 of her views about them.

At least theoretically, it's probably better to sign the extension now, than too late. If our season actually ends the way Phil Steele predicts, it would be risky to allow other universities to contact Skip Holtz without established contract incentives to stay with us. Stan Heath is also developing a resume, with our first NCAAT win. If USF makes the NCAA Tournament for the next one or two seasons, people will probably see him differently and more favorably.

Oh, please. When was the last time you had B12, SEC, P12 and B1G teams who were undefeated, uh, NEVER!!!!!! It's a miracle if two teams in the country are undefeated even the podunk schools. If USF goes undefeated, with our type of schedule, we are headed to the tourney. No questions asked. We got to a ranking of no 2 with what 5 wins out of a 12 game schedule. You guys, can be so defeatist. The sky is always falling, we are always the worst team in existence and we'll never get the good recruits. You guys need a zoloft from time to time. gain a little perspective.For 22 years after I graduated, we didn't have a FB team. For the next 7 we were an also ran university. Now we can control our destiny. The new playoff selection will be like MBB, with the exception of throwing in 38 conference champions who couldn't beat dirt. We get a chance to see now, whether we can measure up, put up and if not then we should just shut up.. for reference sake AP top 25 teams undefeated 2011- 0 teams 2010- 2 teams rank No 1 and no 2.(TCU was no 2 from the MWC) 2009- 2 teams ( BSU was ranked no 4, would have been in new playoff format) 2008- 1 team (Utah wound up ranked no 2) 2007- 0 teams 2006- 1 team (BSU wound up ranked no 5. Lousy SOS, only example of undefeated out of top 4 and at this time BSU was a complete unknown) 2005- 1 team (TX ranked no 1) 2004- 3 teams( all Undefeated were in top 4) 2003- 0 teams 2002- 1 team (OSU was no 1) So in the last 10 years if you finished undefeated and played anyone who could make breath on a mirror you would be in the top 4. BSU soon realized after 2006 that they were going to start scheduling tougher OOC games and hence their much better ranking in 2009 despite playing a weaker SOS than we have since joining the BE....... Are you still sure we shouldn't immediately just give up, and start a new league with only the conferences below the Big East?

I believe so, so it wouldn't count. Also, Nebraska and Colorado are no longer in the Big 12. Other factors to consider: the Big 12 has lost teams and nationally recognized prestige. And, they now have closer and more practical bowl options-including the new Champions Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, a probable upgrade to elite status for the Cotton Bowl, and even the 4 team playoff theoretically opening opportunities for the Big 12 compared to the Orange Bowl.

I don't think USF should give up before even trying. Let's not be afraid to advance our program. We should not settle on FCS-type status.

A middle of the pack team from a Great Plains conference-with no Florida (or even southeastern or East Coast, for that matter) members-is the best non-ACC option for the Orange Bowl in (Miami) south Florida? The Mountaineers are an Eastern team, and they travel well no matter where they are playing....Miami is a great destination for a bowl game Texas, Oklahoma, OSU, and Nebraska would all draw well. 1. West Virginia is a nice university, but it is out of the region, not in a significant market (much less an Atlantic coast one). Mountaineers have a solid disapora, but it doesn't mean they are the national brand to convince a major and distant bowl to include a conference alone. A bowl in Miami needs a guaranteed representative recognized as an elite national brand, if not a major market-preferably on the east coast. 2. Do you really expect Oklahoma and/or Texas to finish fifth or sixth in conference on a regular basis? And if they did, they would start to lose their appeal anyways. 3. Oklahoma State is a nice university, but they are very distant, in a small market, and are not widely accepted as a national brand. I actually wouldn't expect them to bring any more fans to Miami than USF and UCF would. 4. Nebraska is no longer in the Big 12, they are now in the Big 10.

A middle of the pack team from a Great Plains conference-with no Florida (or even southeastern or East Coast, for that matter) members-is the best non-ACC option for the Orange Bowl in (Miami) south Florida?

Also on the bright side, even with the SEC supposedly taking the Orange Bowl from us: the SEC with at least one (sometimes two?) teams in a playoff, a representative in the Champions Bowl, hypothetically the Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, possibly Sugar Bowl, Peach Bowl, Outback Bowl, and Gator Bowl, among others, we should be able to get one of their 2nd or 3rd-tier bowl games. A #7-10 SEC school can't necessarily be better than every Big East team and Notre Dame.

Although his football-related skills may be relatively 'raw,' I look forward to his contributions, and feel optimisitc about his potential. The decision to include him is bold, characteristic of bulls who know what they want. USF does not back down from from any challenges.

DB Blake McCLain needs to come to Tampa, with his teammate, Asiantii Woulard. I hope we can get 1 or 2 reliable safeties (preferably including McCLain), VH3, and a few tough linebackers to solidify our defense. I think they can get USF Football to take the next step in its development into a national brand.

And, Boise State would benefit from exposure in the Texas and East Coast markets, along with San Diego.

So you're saying that the scandal at Penn State had no effect on the football team whatsoever, the ouster of their beloved coach notwithstanding? In terms of the scandal "causing the Penn State football team to lose," we can only speculate. There is no actual proof. And even if so, just beating a team "deserving more than 9 wins" is impressive.

I forgot to mention, Penn State's scandal had nothing to do with the talent of the team. I am not aware of any players leaving last year, and this year's class of commits who de-committed do not count.

Over the last several years, the NBE teams have been at least as good on the field. There are less traditional "prestige" schools. That is why we want the system to be based on on the field performance rather than names. If it is based on the field performance, we have a fighting chance. It's easy when you're playing the Rices and UTEPs of the world. Look at SMU, UCF, Temple, and Houston (w/o Keenum) have done against quality opponents. Your answer is there. Listen we're in a MUCH better position than everyone else below us. It's the 5, then us, then the 4. Qqluandlagainst quality opponents UCF beat Georgia in a bowl game last year, and Houston upset Penn State in this year's Ticket City Bowl. That Georgia team finished 6-7, and Penn State wasn't very good and had just been through the worst scandal in college history. Excuses, excuses. Don't be such a Debbie Downer! Georgia was competitive and played a tough SEC schedule. A ranked, 9 win Penn State isn't bad either. Or is the increased competition of the Big 10 conveniently not important anymore? I know our situation is not how we would quite like it. But, I would rather make the best of it than prematurely complain about qualified additions to the AQ club. As things stand now, it will be all right.

Over the last several years, the NBE teams have been at least as good on the field. There are less traditional "prestige" schools. That is why we want the system to be based on on the field performance rather than names. If it is based on the field performance, we have a fighting chance. It's easy when you're playing the Rices and UTEPs of the world. Look at SMU, UCF, Temple, and Houston (w/o Keenum) have done against quality opponents. Your answer is there. Listen we're in a MUCH better position than everyone else below us. It's the 5, then us, then the 4. Qqluandlagainst quality opponents UCF beat Georgia in a bowl game last year, and Houston upset Penn State in this year's Ticket City Bowl.

I'm looking forward to seeing the video at the USF Olympics again this year from Vero Beach. I bet, that's a lot more "fun" for them. LOL I am actually not so sure they didn't have fun. I can only speak for myself; but from experience, I actually enjoy weight training. I suspect they would feel the same way. Anyways, have fun in Vero Beach. Go Bulls! I understand what you are saying. The "Olympics" is meant to be more of a "fun" event at the conclusion of the tough two week football camp. They won't even break a sweat in those events. You are right. They are probably doing other things not as fun as the Olympics or the Strongman competition.

I'm looking forward to seeing the video at the USF Olympics again this year from Vero Beach. I bet, that's a lot more "fun" for them. LOL I am actually not so sure they didn't have fun. I can only speak for myself; but from experience, I actually enjoy weight training. I suspect they would feel the same way. Anyways, have fun in Vero Beach. Go Bulls!

It's great to see team competitions like this. It serves as a great tool for motivation and team cohesion. We also need our football team to be strong, like bulls. Thanks for sharing the video!

In the past, we had to rely on signature wins to be considered a plausible threat to the popular Florida "Big 3." Now, we have a solid collection of wins against FSU, Miami, Notre Dame, and several teams that would be considered "second tier (I.e. Auburn, Clemson, etc.)" national brands. Having already defeated our signature out of conference opponents, I feel like there is less disproportionate pressure to win those games. This is the first year I can say winning the conference is clearly the only core goal. I really hope we beat FSU and Miami, but this feels like the year for taking the next step of winning a conference title.

I know we have proven we can defeat them, and they are probably afraid of losing to us now, as it would be seen as uplifting a competitor. But, a Tampa-Miami matchup could turn into quite a rivalry. It would help keep recruits in south Florida, and eventually revitalize their fanbase. I can understand they may not want us to develop, but it seems like a wasted opportunity to emphasize the area and large markets-which could actually benefit Miami.

The hometown Bucs also underachieved, and struggled in-division against cold-weather opponents (in-conference for USF), before winning a Super Bowl. I think we actually have the talent to win the Big East this year. Hopefully, the USF Bulls can capitalize and take the football program to the next level.