Leavitt wants MORE ! (Times)

[E.T.]

Leavitt expects much more from returning Bulls

By GREG AUMAN, Times Staff Writer

Published October 16, 2006

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - As much as it helped USF to get three key players back Saturday after a six-game suspension, coach Jim Leavitt expects much more from running back Ricky Ponton, receiver Jackie Chambers and defensive end Josh Julmiste in Sunday's game at Cincinnati.

"I think it'll be real big for those guys, because usually the biggest difference is between your first and second game, that you improve," Leavitt said. "You've got to remember these guys haven't played for six weeks. It's hard to come out in your first game, so I didn't have high expectations for any of them. Hopefully they'll play a lot better."

Their debut wasn't bad, especially Ponton, who had been the team's top returning rusher after playing as Andre Hall's backup last season. Ponton rushed 17 times for a career-best 101 yards and two touchdowns Saturday, and on USF's first scoring drive, he picked up first downs on each of his first three carries.

Julmiste, playing at tackle and end, finished with two tackles, and although he wasn't credited with a sack, he helped freshman Chris Robinson bring down quarterback Cam Sexton for a 17-yard loss in the fourth quarter.

Chambers played mostly on special teams, catching one pass for 6 yards and fielding one punt for a 1-yard return after Amarri Jackson muffed a third-quarter punt, recovered the loose ball, fumbled again and lost it. Chambers was the team's primary punt returner last year, but his 2005 average of 11.6 yards is nowhere near the 19.2 average this season from Ean Randolph, who is nursing a hip injury and did not return kicks Saturday.

RED-ZONE RECOVERY: In USF's first four games, the offense struggled with red-zone efficiency, scoring just eight times in 15 trips inside the 20-yard line. In three games since, the Bulls are 13-for-13, with 11 touchdowns and two field goals.

At the same time, the red-zone defense has taken a step back. In their first four games, the Bulls allowed just two touchdowns out of nine trips inside their 20. In the three games since, opponents have six touchdowns in 11 opportunities. The only time in those three games that an opponent came away scoreless was on a missed field goal.

THIS AND THAT: USF has scored 75 points in its past two wins, the third-best two-game total since the Bulls joined Conference USA in 2003. The only better back-to-back totals came in a combined 86 points against UAB and East Carolina in 2004 and in scoring 76 points against Central Florida and Louisville last season. ... The Bulls are even with their opponents in the first half, scoring 69 points and giving up the same. But in the second half, the Bulls are pulling away, outscoring opponents 52-16 in the third quarter and 67-33 in the fourth. ... Cincinnati's four losses are to teams Pittsburgh, Ohio State, Virginia Tech and Louisville who are a combined 23-3. Their two Division I-A wins are against teams who are a combined 2-10.

Greg Auman can be reached at (813) 226-3346 or at auman@sptimes.com Check out his blog at blogs.tampabay.com/usf

[GetAHobby]

Ricky I thought had a great game, going for over 100yrds and seemed like he was always fighting to get those tough yards...

Cinci looked looked tough against UL, and their losses are to some big time programs. They look a lot better then last year.

[Bull Martin]

Cinci looked looked tough against UL, and their losses are to some big time programs. They look a lot better then last year.

I agree.  Cinci is not a garunteed win.  I'm nervous.

[BULLfreak]

Cinci is not as bad as everyone thinks

[ChiTownBull]

Cinci was young last yr and played some close games down the stretch

we will have to play a lot better up there than we did at unc

have to limit the TO's

cant rely on gimmic plays