On Prime Time, USF Might Make a Name

[bullwark]

By PAT ZIER

Ledger Correspondent

USF AT CINCINNATI

WHEN: Tpday, 8 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

TAMPA -- South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt says his team "has been sort of under the radar" when it comes to attracting attention.

That could change a bit tonight when the Bulls play at Cincinnati.

South Florida, 5-2, and Cincinnati, 3-4, meet at 8 p.m. in a game nationally televised on ESPN.

There is no NFL Sunday Night Football, so the game should draw a large television audience.

"Hopefully, there'll be a lot of people watching," freshman quarterback Matt Grothe from Lake Gibson said. "It could be a big win for our program."

Indeed.

With a win over the Bearcats, the Bulls set themselves up for a second half run that could -- but probably won't -- propel them into the national limelight.

After Cincinnati, USF has a week off, meets Syracuse at home and then closes out with three Big East powerhouses, Pittsburgh at home and Louisville and West Virginia on the road.

The fantasy, of course, is that the Bulls somehow win out, finish 10-2 and put themselves in line for a major bowl as Big East champions.

The reality is that they're probably not ready to do that, are likely to lose to Pitt and almost certainly will bow to Louisville and West Virginia.

Louisville is ranked sixth and West Virgina fourth in the AP's Top 25.

Still, this is a team that believes in itself and got a real shot in the arm with the return of running back Ricky Ponton plus receiver Jackie Chambers and defensive end Josh Julmiste.

All had been suspended for six games after violating the school's substance abuse policy.

With Grothe maturing as one of the top freshmen quarterbacks in the country and Ponton adding a legitimate running option to the offense, USF has a chance to improve offensively.

Ponton has more size, speed and quickness than the other running backs and gained 101 yards in his first game back at North Carolina.

He takes some of the pressure off Grothe, who was the team's best runner in addition to being the quarterback.

"At the beginning of the (North Carolina) game, they didn't know who Ricky was," Grothe said. "He opens up a lot of other things for us."

Meanwhile, Grothe got through the North Carolina win with no further damage to his injured foot, and it continues to heal.

"I've done some cutting in practice, and it felt OK," Grothe said. "It's getting better every day. It wasn't sore Sunday (after Saturday's game) and I thought it would be.

"I don't think it's something that will linger."

Leavitt said Grothe continues to improve with each game.

"The more you play, the more you see his decision making get better," Leavitt said. "I think he's doing an awfully good job.

[Matt]

what is with reporters NOT being able to do some simple research on their stories.  we do not play 'Cuse next.  We play Pitt next.  geez....they must put the new writers on the USF beat.

terrible research on just about every article ive seen on USF so far this year.

[Guest]

STAMPEDE:

Sports Editor

(863) 802-7508

annamaria.dellacosta@theledger.com

Colleges Reporter

(863) 802-7569

rick.brown@theledger.com

--

The reporter above is not listed on the Ledger's website... but using the same format, it would be:

pat.zier@theledger.com

UPDATE: The address above for the reporter (Zier) doesn't work.

[The Sheriff]

Wasn't that bad of a mistake... cut the guy a break... he's giving us some love.

[smazza]

what is with reporters NOT being able to do some simple research on their stories.  we do not play 'Cuse next.  We play Pitt next.  geez....they must put the new writers on the USF beat.

terrible research on just about every article ive seen on USF so far this year.

terry standing up for the working man

usf has a great opportunity tonight

[Matt]

my frustration isnt just with this guy.  i am just pointing out that i have read countless errors this season on the bulls.

this is a minor error of the others ive seen but come on....these guys are suposed to be professionals.  

[windbane]

yeah its been golden bulls a lot...thats the most annoying one