USF was mid in the Big East... Hate to say it, but it's true. We were never close to winning the conference & we never made a BCS bowl.
Our best "record years" were under Taggart...In the "lesser" conference. But, the weaker conference (and less money) did HURT. Our competition meant fans didn't show up. Heck, with less money coming in, USF academics AND the local Tampa newspaper constantly question investment into our athletics.
So, the money and better in-conference match ups... makes a huge difference. Even when we were middle of the pack.