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By Brad Meyer | Published 07/11/2020 | College Football Tampa, FL – It started with the Big Ten’s announcement that member schools will only play a conference schedule this fall. While football is the major revenue driver, this statement applied to other fall sports including men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. The conference stated this is necessary to protect the health, safety and wellness of student-athletes. With most non-conference games being home games for the Big Ten but necessary operating income for the visiting team, is this really about protecting the health, safety and wellness of players? In support of this, I hope the Big Ten and the Pac-12 (that eagerly followed with similar announcement), soon post just how they are going to keep players healthier and safer by only playing conference mates. Especially, when conferences, like the Pac-12 currently have half of their membership located in states currently considered hotbeds for Covid-19. How could Arizona State showing up at Utah and make any sense when Utah might be better off with an in-community game vs BYU? Or even Montana State? In a Covid-19 impacted college football landscape, perhaps the Power Five Commissioners recognize the changing landscape and find that with each game above the mandated and self-enriching conference schedule there is a financial shortfall. Also, with the broad impact of the virus, the College Football Playoff will be making P5 friendly adjustments to selection criteria. And let’s not fail to mention the cost of “payday” games when current social distancing does not allow you to fill a stadium. The Bulls are drooling over a huge financial windfall of $1.9 million for a game that was negotiated to be played in September 5 as a result of Texas altering an earlier agreement. On the other coast FAU had a $1.2 million dollar payday game with Minnesota. Now, it’s likely both are in the hands of attorneys. Some Power Five programs are struggling financially. Minnesota is trying to work itself out of a $10 million coronavirus-caused budgetary shortfall. But if the very wealthy P5s are examining the path to survival, what is it like for USF, FAU and other non P5 schools? Without payday games many schools budgets can be turned upside down, especially as you look beyond the American Athletic and other Group of Five conferences. So is it budget cutting or is it health, safety and wellness? Or does that trio of heartwarming issues provide cover for the Power Five to continue on their path to complete independence and the quest to strip the remaining programs of any funding or relevance? I mean if it’s about health and safety, who would push back? Brad Meyer is site founder of and writer for TheBullsPen.com. He can be contacted at admin@thebullspen.net.

By Brad Meyer | Published 07/17/2020 | USF Football Tampa, FL – Think back to the last time USF entered the season with a solid quarterback and no need for competition in the Spring or Fall sessions. Yep, Quinton Flowers – 2017. It has been that long. Sure, some thought Blake Barnett would carry the mail, but it turned out he could not. Nor did he escape a season without some considering whether his backups could do better. Last season, the Bulls lost a couple of roster staples in Brett Kean (Charlotte) and Chris Oladokun (Samford), leaving the backup work to freshman Jordan McCloud and then sophomore Kirk Rygol (transferred earlier this year to Montana). 2020 opens (hopefully) with McCloud returning in role with competition from two transfers. Cade Fortin joined the Bulls last season from North Carolina. Fortin sat out after the transfer. Joining the Bulls in April was graduate transfer Noah Johnson from Alcorn State. Johnson is immediately eligible. Fortin and McCloud are sophomores, so perhaps we will see annual duels for many seasons, but Johnson will have one go at it. Johnson (6-0, 195), a product of Armwood High School, missed much of his senior year at Alcorn State due to injury. He was magnificent in his junior season, leading the Braves to the SWAC Championship Game while earning SWAC Championship Offensive MVP and SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. Johnson finished 2018 with 2,207 yards, 15 TDs while rushing for 1,080 yards and another 11 TDs. Johnson’s quarterback coach at Alcorn State was current USF Running Backs coach, Pat White (former WVU quarterback). His stats in high school were also impressive. He accounted for more than 70 touchdowns while quarterbacking Armwood to two straight state title appearances (2013-14). Cade Fortin (6-3, 220), was a four-star prospect coming out of North Gwinnet High School. He suffered injuries as a high school senior, but in his junior year compiled 1,841 yards and 16 TDs while rushing for 512 yards and three TDs leading his teams to a state championship. At North Carolina, Fortin saw limited time. He appeared in four games, including two starts as a true freshman. He totaled 388 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown. McCloud (6-0, 190) returns in the starter role, but will face immediate pressure from Johnson as his experience outweighs McCloud’s time in program – especially with the change at Head Coach. McCloud stepped up last year in relief of Blake Barnett, starting ten games. McCloud completed 55.4% of his passes for 1,429 yards and 12 TDs. He also carried the ball 105 times for 283 yards and four TDs. Johnson and McCloud are dual threats. Fortin is more of a pro-style back. The Bulls were able to get on the field July 13. With limited on field coaching time, it remains to be seen who will earn the starting spot. My bet is Johnson will emerge as the starter. Brad Meyer is site founder of and writer for TheBullsPen.com. He can be contacted at admin@thebullspen.net.

By Brad Meyer | Published 08/07/2020 | USF Football It was just a few months ago when ESPN's Phil Steele came out with his ranking of college football schedules (visit thread here). The South Florida Bulls were named as having the second toughest strength of schedule in college football. In a rebuilding year, that may not sound so exciting. But for fans, playing a strong schedule is so much more entertaining than beating up on undermanned teams. Surely it limits your chances for the "undefeated season" and a claim for a "national championship", but we'll leave that phoniness for others to strive for. The Bulls non-conference opponents have slowly walked away from the agreed upon schedule. Starting with Bethune-Cookman in July, the schedule is slowly being unwound. The Wildcats, members of the MEAC, came off the schedule as the conference canceled all fall sports. B-C would have been the Bulls home opener falling a season-opener at Texas. Yes, Texas. The one-game road trip that started as a three game series featuring the new Charlie Strong against his former team, the Longhorns. After a shortening to one game in Austin, it appears the Bulls will not be the selected non-con game on the Longhorns Covid-adjusted schedule, despite GoUSFBulls.com still listing it as happening on September 5. Perhaps there is a glimmer of hope, still. Also on that GoUSFBulls.com schedule is a home game against the Nevada Wolf Pack, on September 19. However, on the official Wolf Pack site, the game at South Florida has been erased. The Mountain West allows its members to play two non-conference opponents in 2020. The Bulls apparently did not make the cut. In recent days, the American Athletic announced its conference football plan. The Bulls will play a conference schedule (hopefully) of eight games while granted the permission to schedule up to four non-conference games. The Bulls still have in-state FAU on the schedule. It was originally to be played in Boca Raton on September 26. As far as it is known, the game is still on. This game has an intrigue factor as the Owls are currently coached by two former USF head coaches Willie Taggart (Head Coach) and Jim Leavitt (Defensive Coordinator) along with other familiar names like Raymond Woodie and Kevin Patrick. With Bethune-Cookman a solid out and Texas and Nevada inching closer to the door each day, what are the Bulls options? Differing opinions on non-conference opponents abound. Some believe we should stay regional and reduce costs. Traveling to a top program likely would not result in the typical pay day game either. So, who to schedule? At this point we're not even sure of how fans will be involved, regarding seating, tailgating, etc. At this point, it really is a "what's best for the team" situation. And what is best for the team is low-cost games. The more the better. As coach Jeff Scott begins his rebuild, the Bulls cannot go without games. Certainly practices can take the team a long way, but competition will help to build the team and shape its camaraderie for next season and beyond. So please, let's let not negatively criticize the new schedule as it comes about. Yes we had the second best schedule in the country - now we just need games. After all, we should all be grateful for a program willing to play and ready to get student-athletes and fans back to some form of normalcy. For a look at potential new opponents, please visit this link. It will take you to the main forum and a current discussion on available teams by date. Brad Meyer is site founder of and writer for TheBullsPen.com. He can be contacted at admin@thebullspen.net.

This fall season (if there is one) Jeff Scott will become the fifth head coach for USF football. So considering that our past coaches can no longer change their performance, here is a quiz about the head coaches in USF football history. The quiz requires a choice of five answers but there have only been four head coaches so I had to be creative on some wrong answers.

By Brad Meyer | Published 07/05/2020 | USF Football Tampa, FL - With just over two months remaining before the first potential 2020 football game for the South Florida Bulls, there is little doubt the game itself may be at risk. The September 5 game, to be played at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium, would be a difficult debut game for Bulls new head coach Jeff Scott. Add to that the erasure of spring football and the Covid-19 impact to fall practice. The Bulls returned to campus, tested and readied for voluntary athletic activities beginning June 10. By June 17, however, two USF players were declared positive for coronavirus. Workouts continued in groups of 10 or less as the program also worked to better sanitize and social distance prior to being put on extended hold. Meanwhile, the state of Texas has witnessed an increase in Covid-19 cases. The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has mandated face covers statewide beginning with the 4th of July weekend. Austin Mayor Steve Adler also banned gatherings over groups greater than 10 participants. Prior to the recent outbreak, the Texas governor had approved an order to allow sports facilities to operate at 25%. That order was followed by a statement that colleges in the Lone Star State should not expect capacity greater than 50%. With the current increase in cases, we may see yet another restatement of expectations before long. The Daily Caller reported local Florida sports personality, Chris Torello, reported that USF informed its donors and season ticket holders to not to book trips to Austin for the the season opener. With a potential reduction in stadium capacity, it appears the visitor allotment may be the first to go. Individually, Bulls fans are finding ways to acquire tickets separately from the USF entourage. Early predictions for the 2020 opener have been unsurprisingly lopsided in favor of the Longhorns. Texas fan site, Longhorns Wire, expects a 45-13 Texas victory. The Bulls have a lot of questions to answer as head coach Jeff Scott transforms the program and its culture. The first question mark starts with the quarterback position where the Bulls return 2019 starter Jordan McCloud, but also adds sophomore Cade Fortin and grad transfer Noah Johnson, formerly of Alcorn State. With increasing Covid-19 cases in the state of Florida, it's difficult to tell when the Bulls might return in numbers to the practice fields, but Scott is preparing for a return in the short term. There will be much yet to do in order to prepare for the season. Brad Meyer is site founder of and writer for TheBullsPen.com. He can be contacted at admin@thebullspen.net.

By Brad Meyer | Published 04/24/2019 | USF Football Tampa, Fl - Today the University of South Florida announced a deal to play a home and home with the Boise State Broncos. The first game of the short series will take place in Tampa, Florida in 2025. The return game to Boise, Idaho will take place in 2027. The 2025 game is on August 30, clearly a season opener for the Bulls. Also that season, the Bulls meet out of conference foes the University of Florida (away) and San Jose State University (home). Boise State has finished ranked in the last two seasons, and boasts a 52-15 record under current coach Bryan Harsin. The Broncos play in the well publicized Abertson's Stadium, featuring the shockingly blue artificial grass surface. Boise State also plays South Florida conference mate Cincinnati in 2025. Brad Meyer is site founder of and writer for TheBullsPen.com. He can be contacted at admin@thebullspen.net.

USF Football Spring Game Apr 18 (Sat) Time TBA The Identity Tampa Bay USF Radio Network (95.3 WDAE/620 AM) & iHeart Radio

By Brad Meyer | Published 08/30/2019 | USF Football Tampa, FL - After a lengthy off season following the six straight losses to end the 2018 season, Bulls fans found reasons to feel optimistic (again) about USF Football. The 2018 season showed some ugly sides that led to the dismissal of both players and coaches. The enigma at the center of the storm, Charlie Strong, did what Charlie does, he "cleaned house". 2019 was supposed to be different. Players are a year older, bigger and more mature. New assistants and a new offense. Players were reported to be closer to each other - and closer to Coach Strong who allegedly began revealing a personality to those around him. #PlayFastScoreFaster was a hashtag everyone wanted to use and observe. A wave of renewed optimism seemed to be sweeping some around Fowler Avenue and in the ether of the internet. But as players left the tunnel for warm ups, one thing remained the same. Little energy. A "sullen look" as they took the field - perhaps imitating Strong's version of a business look - that far off, detached and unemotional presence. A lot looked the same from that point on, save for an old fashioned player/coach confrontation on the sideline. Well, Johnny Ford was held out of the game, coach's decision. The Bulls defense was porous in 2018 and remained so Friday night. Granted, Wisconsin boasts a Heisman and, perhaps, NFL ready running back that simply had his way with the Bulls. He, Jonathan Taylor, left the game early but not before amassing 135 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Badgers grinded out 234 yards on the ground. But the Bulls also gave up a personal record high passing yards to Badger QB Jack Coan who finished with 193 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. This was a quarterback that was dueling for the starting job with a freshman just a week ago. During one stretch in the first half, Coan completed eleven straight pass attempts. The Bulls, on the other hand, struggled to get anything going on offense, finishing the night with just 157 total yards. The Bulls new offense crossed the 50 yard line once the entire evening on their last lifeless, scoreless possession. Early opportunities were erased on dropped balls. When combined with an ineffective rushing game, the Bulls new offense failed to live up to the hype and hopes many had allowed to develop over the spring and fall camps. The Bulls finished the night with 26 rushing yards on 23 attempts. Quarterback Blake Barnett was ineffective, completing only 13 of 30 attempts - again, he didn't have a lot of help. He left the game with 109 yards and two interceptions; and was sacked three times. Afterwards, Charlie Strong lamented "It just shows you, we've got a lot of work (to do). We've still got a season in front of us and we just got to get ready. The thing I told our team just a few minutes ago is, 'You don't point fingers. Now, we've got to go back to work." Let's hope that work starts Saturday morning. Brad Meyer is site founder of and writer for TheBullsPen.com. He can be contacted at admin@thebullspen.net.

College football is back!! WOO HOO!! There are some really interesting games to watch this week. USF Game Wisconsin (-13) @ USF - Fri 08/30 7:00pm on ESPN As we ALL know, USF opens the season this Friday evening on ESPN against #19 Wisconsin. The Badgers are rebuilding an offensive line around future a NFL center to open holes for Heisman candidate RB Taylor. QB Coan, who started five games last season, is the only QB on the depth chart with any experience. The heat and humidity of Florida in August will be a equalizer. The American Games UCLA @ Cincinnati (-2 ½) - Thu 08/29 7:00pm on ESPN [Cincinnati beat UCLA on the road, which sparked a turnaround year under then first-year coach Luke Fickell. Can the Bruins return the favor? Will Fickell see a sophomore slump?] Wagner @ Connecticut (-17 ½) - Thu 08/29 7:00pm on ESPN3 [Wouldn't it be fun if the Huskies went 0-fer?] Florida A&M @ #17 UCF (-45 ½) - Thu 08/29 7:00pm on CBSSN [The Rattlers just aren't a true test of the Knight's abilities, but it will show whether or not Wimbush was the right choice for QB.] FIU @ Tulane (-2) - Thu 08/29 8:00pm on ESPN3 [The Green Wave should get off to a good start, and we will see if "Fritzmagic" will continue the Wave's upward trend.] Tulsa @ #18 Michigan State (-20) - Fri 08/30 7:00pm on FS1 [Golden Hurricane coach Montgomery might be on the hot seat if they cannot improve this season. Tough way to start.] East Carolina @ NC State (-16 ½) - Sat 08/31 12:00 Noon on ACCN [The Pirates face their geographically-closest in-state rival, and this game will be the start of the rebuilding under Mike Houston. (Cue the "Houston we have a problem" jokes.] Ole Miss @ Memphis (-5 ½) - Sat 08/31 12:00 Noon on ABC [The Tigers are a darkhorse candidate to win the AAC West, despite losing a good chunk of their offense.] Bucknell @ Temple (-40 ½) - Sat 08/31 3:00pm on ESPN3 [FCS opponents just aren't the best gauge in game one, especially in-state FCS teams. It will be interesting to see how the Owls handle their new coach. ] Holy Cross @ Navy (-21 ½) - Sat 08/31 3:30pm on CBSSN [One interesting thing to watch, Navy brought in a passing game coordinator to use "run and shoot" aspects as part of the triple option's passing game.] SMU @ Arkansas State (-2 ½) - Sat 08/31 7:00pm on ESPN+ [The Mustangs start their year as road underdogs at a Sun Belt team. Nuff said?] Houston @ #4 Oklahoma (-22) - Sun 09/01 7:30pm on ESPN [One benefit of hiring a B12 coach, he will be familiar with what the Sooners will do. This is most definitely the "Game of the Week" for the American, as clearly a Cougar win would be a significant upset.] USF Non-conference Opponents Wisconsin @ USF (see above) Georgia Tech @ Clemson (-36) - Thu 08/29 at 8:00pm on ACC Network [Tough opening game for a new coach implementing a new offense with players who fit a drastically different system.] Wofford @ South Carolina State - Sat 08/31 at 6:00pm not on TV [The Bulldogs could be a player in the MEAC this season, with a returning QB who joined the 1000-1000 club last season.] #14 Utah (-5 ½) @ Brigham Young - Thu 08/29 at 10:15pm on ESPN [Opening the season with a Holy War is always fun. A Cougar win would be beneficial for USF's strength of schedule, for sure.] Other games of interest Boise State @ Florida State (-5) - Sat 08/31 at 7:00pm on ESPN [Taggart continues to rebuild the Seminoles, and this game will be an interesting check of that progress.] #11 Oregon vs #16 Auburn (-3 ½) at Arlington - Sat 08/31 at 7:30pm on ABC [Can Auburn replace their NFL QB? Compare that to a Hiesman candidate at QB for Oregon.] Of the ranked teams playing this weekend, nearly all of them are favored to win by 3 or even more touchdowns -- #25 Stanford is not quite a TD favorite against Northwestern, #21 Iowa State and #22 Syracuse are just under 3 TD favorites against Northern Iowa and Liberty (SU on the road @ FCS??) respectively. Everyone else is 21+ favorites.

News Article GoUSFBulls.com

06/20/2019 Tampa, Fl - The University of South Florida Football Program announced the official date and time of the 2019 USF Football Fan Fest. It will take place on August 10 at 2 p.m. inside the on campus Yuengling Center. Fan Fest provides USF Football fans of all ages to meet players, take pictures and collect autographs. The 2019 Bulls football team will be in attendance waiting to greet fans. Last year's fan fest was utilized to debut new Adidas USF football uniforms. This year the uniforms were released just before the announcement of the Fan Fest. Also, in previous Fan Fest's there has been a gear sale included in the events. More information to come on this Fan Fest. 2018 Fan Fest Image Gallery Mark your calendars or use the reminder functionality of out calendar here at The Bulls Pen, to manage your Bulls events!

4/24/19 Fort Myers, FL - Alec Wisely returned to the mound after an absolute shelling by The Citadel Bulldogs on Sunday. In that contest, Wisely was chased form the mound in the first inning after giving up six runs (five earned) in 2/3 of an inning. Wisely issued four walks and gave up two hits prior to his removal. His last four game stretch has not been good, giving up 22 earned runs in his last 14.2 innings. Wisely went two innings against Florida Gulf Coast, facing eight batters and yielding two hits but giving up no runs or free passes. Wisely exited after two innings. He was relieved by Pat Doudican who went 1 2/3 before yielding to Dylan Burns. Doudican gave up one earned run, but did so at a time the Bulls were up 4-0. He struggle with control walking two and throwing two wild pitches. Burns, on the other hand, looked like ace-like. Unhittable through four innings, Burns was ultimately relived by Nelson Alvarez after issuing consecutive two out walks in the bottom of the eighth. Alvarez threw a wild pitch, allowing the runners to advance to second and third before striking out Marc Coffers to end the FGCU eighth. He would finish it out for the Bulls adding three strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings of work. The Bulls got a run in both the first and second, before adding 2 additional runs in both the 4th and 5th. Kyle Phillips and Alex Bello led the attack with each picking up two hits. Phillips added two RBI; Bello, one. Jake Sullivan managed to acquire four bases on balls. The Bulls (19-20, 2-10) return home for a weekend series against the Houston Cougars (25-16, 8-7).

04/19/19 Tampa, FL - Ticket news for Bulls fans! While season tickets for the upcoming season have been on sale for some time now, South Florida is now offering two additional ticket packages. Of course, season tickets guarantee you the same seat for seven home games and are a preferred option for a long term Bulls fan, but these packages allow some flexibility a season ticket does not entirely offer. First, who is on the 2019 schedule? 2019 features a Bulls fan's favorite - seven home games. The season starts with a sure to be ranked Wisconsin Badger team to open the season on August 30. The Bulls and Badgers matchup is followed by another non-conference opponent, South Carolina State (9/14) and then an early season in-conference matchup with SMU (9/28). On October 12, the Bulls return home to face P5 independent BYU. The home schedule rounds out with AAC matchups against Temple (11/7), Cincinnati (11/16) and Memphis (11/23). Two home P5 games increases the value of season tickets. And don't forget, getting season tickets at USFBullsTix.com this year guarantees your right to renewal the same seats for future foes, Texas, Nevada, Florida, Louisville and N.C. State. New 2019 packages now available include the Boundless Bulls Pass and the Horns Up Pass. The Boundless Bulls Pass offers fans 10 ticket vouchers redeemable through their mobile phone for any of the Bulls' seven home games, in any combination for just $175, or $17.50 per game. Fans can choose the games that fit their schedule and have the tickets used for each game seated together. Seat vouchers can be redeemed beginning on Aug. 1. For more information or to purchase a Boundless Bulls Pass, use this link or call 1-800-Go-Bulls The Horns Up Pass offers fans the most flexible season ticket option with the combined convenience of delivery to their mobile phone. Fans can choose from a $250 sideline view ticket or a $600 Club Pass ticket for all seven home games. Exact seat locations in the lower bowl will vary from game to game. Fans can link their tickets with friends and be seated together or purchase tickets for guests . Fans can also return upcoming game tickets that they are unable to use for credits on seat upgrades or guest tickets at future games. For more information on the Horns Up Pass, use this link or call 1-800-Go-Bulls. These are some great options for fans to join the stampede in 2019. You now have many options to run with the Bulls. The Bulls will unveil their new offense under first year coach Kerwin Bell, whose hashtag #PlayFastScoreFaster can only attract and excite fans. Blake Barnett returns along with Jordan Cronkrite, Randall St. Felix and Johnny Ford. Make your move and secure your seats today! USFBullsTix.com

Tampa, Fl - It was White vs. Green today in the South Florida Football Spring Game. The annual game in 2019 did not feature split squads, but instead the offense (White) against the Defense (Green) - with some different scoring. The 109 (73-36, White wins) points were earned as following: Offense: TD: 6 pts Extra Point: 1 pt FG: 3 pts Big play (15+ yards): 2 pts 4th down conversion: 1 pt Defense: 3 & out: 3 pts 4th down stop: 1 pt Turnover: 4 pts Safety: 2 pts TD: 7 pts The White squad started off the scrimmage with a one-play (big play) passing touchdown from Blake Barnett to tight end Mitch Wilcox, good for 75 yards eight points in about six seconds. The offense never looked back, establishing a lead on that play and never allowing the defense to surpass them in points. In a game structure that limited contact with the quarterbacks, it should be expected that the offense would have an advantage - and why risk injury at this point, anyway? Regardless, the defense still responded, getting on track with a couple of interceptions in the game. Barnett (8/16/1, 135 yards) wasn't the only quarterback tossing a TD today, redshirt freshman Jordan McCloud added two touchdowns on 17 of 25 passing (one INT). His long went for 36 yards. Octavious Battle, also a redhsirt freshman contributed two TDs himself while completing 8 of 12 passes for 146 yards. His long toss was good for 55 yards. Battle also joined the interception ranks, leaving each QB with one. Johnny Ford led receivers with six catches for 30 yards and a TD. Senior Stanley Clerveaux added five catches for 59 yards while sophomore Randall St.Felix caught three for 54 yards. Trevon Sands led on the ground with a net of 18 yards on four carries. Coach Charlie Strong after the game: SPRING GAME OFFENSIVE STATS (PDF) SPRING GAME DEFENSIVE STATS (PDF)

The Spring Game is a campus homecoming type event in which fans in the Tampa Bay area should be in attendance. Take a look at the day's activities and you'll agree being there beats the couch. But being there is not always possible,and thousands of Bulls fans live outside the Bay Area or state. The IdentityTB is again providing high definition live video of the USF Spring Game. You can join the live stream at TheIdentityTB.com or download the Identity App. Of course, on either, you'll be able to hear long time Bulls announcer Jim Louk call the game along with former Bull Sam Barrington. Be there, or watch it. Either way this is your chance. You are invited to watch the game and join us at TheBullsPen.com for post game - or in game - analysis.

Ahh...it's that time of year where we get our needed dose of USF Football. The Spring Game. Sure, its like an NBA or NFL All-Star game where no one really goes 100%,, but it's intended to be a fun glimpse of where the team is. Fans can pay more attention to routes, timing and camaraderie and leave it the season to see Jon Lejiste-like eardrum ringing hits. A few seasons ago, Spring Games were held at Raymond James Stadium. It was a large venue for a "real" fan event. Now on campus, the Athletic Department can tie so much more into the day including pre and post-game activities to engage fans of all ages. Also, there are a couple of tailgate areas set up for Bulls Club donors and season ticket holders. Just take a look at this tailgate put together for season ticket holders: Season Ticket Holder Spring Game Tailgate Exclusive access to a beer garden with food and other beverages provided! Special appearances from USF coaches and former players from multiple sports! Win prizes and raffle items, including helmets, jerseys, and other apparel! Participate in eight skills testing stations and five display areas that will be part of Fan Pro Day starting at 11 AM on Elm Drive outside Corbett Stadium! Food trucks, photo zones, and a kids zone to make our Spring Game fun for all Bulls fans! Don't miss out on Bulls Football, get your season tickets today at USFBullsTix.com. The Spring Game begins at 1:00 p.m. eastern. Prior to kickoff there is a load of fun waiting for Bulls fans. The Street Fest opens at 11:00 a.m. on Elm Street. Activities include a fans' "Pro-Day" with eight skills testing stations to see if you have what it takes for the gridiron. There will also be photo stations, food trucks and a beer garden (21 and over). In addition to the Pro Day area kids can play in the kids zone, too. There will be a live DJ and of course Rocky will be covering ground out and among the fans. Add to this prize giveaways, the Herd of Thunder and a FOOTBALL GAME and you have all you need for a spring Saturday. When the game kicks off be in your seats and be ready. The Bulls will be debuting a new offense directed by new USF Offensive Coordinator, Kerwin Bell. One of Bell's favorite hashtags is #PlayFastScoreFaster. His designs are to stretch the field and not run when the block is stacked and not throw when the secondary expects it. Talk of his offense is increasing hopes of a powerful Bulls scoring machine. Seeing this new "pro-style" offense, even if against a "spring game defense" will be enough to whet the appetite for the Fall. Get to Corbett Stadium early. The spring game is free, you can expect a big crowd of curious Bulls fans. It's being heard that several former Bulls will be on hand as well. Grab a Spring Prospectus here:

Chicago, Illinois 09/15/2018 The Bulls entered the fourth quarter Saturday down 19-7 to Illinois. The Bulls defense had already begun to take the game back, holding the Illiini to just three points in the second half, coming on a Chase McLaughlin field goal with just under three minutes left in the third quarter. The Bulls’ offense, stymied much of the afternoon by drops, errant passes and penalties, finally found the rhythm in two scoring drives totaling 4:20. Both were called as “Blake Barnett to Darnell Salomon” with the first on a jump ball to the corner of the end zone on a Barnett rollout. The second a “blown coverage” pass down field in which Salomon bobbled the pass in open space but softly and surely pulled it in as he strode across the goal line for the 50 yard score. The two late touchdowns were in stark contrast to the previous three quarters of frustration which saw the Bulls running well, but struggling to score. A penalty negated a potential earlier score. So too, did the Bulls reluctance to kick in a couple of early fourth down situations. Add another penalty and the Bulls are punting instead of kicking for points. Leading the Bulls on the ground was Jordan Cronkrite who totaled 136 yards on 22 touches. It was Cronkrite’s three yard rushing TD (and PAT) that tallied the Bulls only points in the first three quarters. Barnett finished with 411 yards as the Bulls out-gained the Illini 626-380. Barnett added the two touchdowns to Salomon and ran for 17 yards. Barnett’s 411 passing yards were spread to Randall St. Felix (120 yards on 6 receptions), Mitchell Wilcox (109 yards on 8 receptions, career high yards, program high receptions by a tight end) and Darnell Salomon (95 yards on 5 receptions). Wide receiver Tyre McCants added 77 yards on 3 catches, including this incredible effort in a key fourth quarter drive. But it was the defense that turned the tide against Illinois, mush like against Georgia Tech a week ago. In addition to stifling the Illini’s ability to score beyond a field a goal in the second half, many defensive leaders set career highs. Linebacker Nico Sawtelle tallied a career high 13 tackles, Khalid McGee a career high 14 tackles and freshman Nick Roberts got his first start and totaled a career best 7 tackles. Defensive tackle Kevin Kelgler had another key and punishing QB sack late in this one. Kegler totaled 1.5 sacks a new high for the big man. That’s five in a row against “Power 5” opponents and the second in two seasons against the Fighting Illini. The Bulls return home to Raymond James Saturday for the conference opener against East Carolina.

September 15, 2018 The South Florida Bulls (2-0) resume play this weekend at Soldier Field against host Illinois (2-0). The Fighting Illini are off to an unimpressive start in 2018, coming from behind to beat both Kent State and Western Illinois at home. A win today would make the Illini 3-0, the first time since 2011 to reach that mark. During fall practice Lovie Smith remarked to writers that year three is the year to expect big results. Well, this week is the first week of potential big results. The Bulls are coming off a confidence boosting win over Georgia Tech and may still remember the 47-23 beating provided to the Illini in another NFL stadium – Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. USF is also looking to extend its streak of five straight wins over P5 programs. Big question marks exist for Illinois as a number of suspended players and injuries leave the roster depleted. Five suspended players impact the defensive backfield and some offensive positions. Coach Lovie Smith has not been clear on when the suspended players will return. They have been practicing, allegedly, on the practice squad this week. The Illini will feature a strong ground game, averaging 258.5 yards per game, good for 27th in the nation. It’s a balanced attack with running backs Reggie Corbin and Mike Epstein each totaling more than 130 yards through two games. South Florida struggled to stop the Yellowjacket ground game one week ago, surrendering 419 yards on the ground to the Tech triple option. Last season, the Bulls feasted on the return of former Buccaneer coach Lovie Smith and his flimsy Illinois defense. Quinton Flowers threw for four touchdowns and ran for another in the lopsided affair. Blake Barnett, the USF transfer QB, will look to keep his hot hand serving up completions to a stable of gifted receivers. Barnett is averaging more than 250 passing yards per game and an additional 58 on the ground, many of which came last week against an ACC defense. The Bulls are not without injury themselves and are hoping to see their leading rusher, Duran Bell, return as well as fellow running back Jordan Cronkite. A potential trap game for the Bulls coming off the win over Georgia Tech. First game away from Raymond James and with the first American Athletic Conference game at home next week, this game could end up a lot closer than Bulls fans and Illinois writers believe it will be. Still, the Florida Speed and skill players put this one out of reach for Lovie and the Illini, Bulls win 41-20.