Spring Rankings

[Mama_Bull]

Here is a running compilation of preseason rankings. It hasn't yet added Phil Steele to its list:

http://www.lsufootball.net/articles/2008-preseason-polls.htm

[Ricky the Bull]

From MoonDogSports.com

http://moondogsports.com/2008/06/04/college-football-pre-season-top-25-2/

22. South Florida Bulls

Returning Starters: Offense – 9, Defense – 7, Kicker, Punter

Early Draft Entrants: None

One of the surprise teams in 2007, the Bulls found out very quickly what is was like being in the forefront of the college football landscape. Upsetting Auburn on the road and defeating West Virginia at home, the Bulls rose to #2 in the nation in 2007. From that lofty perch, things turned ugly for the Bulls and ultimately they fell completely out of the top 25 at one point. South Florida eventually got back into the top 25 – barely, but they were promptly smoked by the Oregon Ducks in the Sun Bowl. The talent is there for the Bulls to merit a top 25 ranking in 2008, especially on defense with future first round draft pick George Selvie anchoring the defensive line. Tyrone McKenzie will lead the LB core, and the secondary will need to replace both corners. Offensively, QB Matt Grothe returns in hopes the Bulls can put together a respectable ground game. Grothe led the Bulls in rushing last season, and that doesn’t bode well for the long term health of a QB. The offensive line returns four starters, and the WR core easily goes five deep. The schedule is manageable, with an early season test against non-conference foe Kansas at home. The Bulls road slate includes West Virginia, which will be seeking revenge for the 2007 loss.

[Ricky the Bull]

You need to move the Bulls up on the Bleacherreport.com entry, as they now have us at #20

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/25632-Spring-Football-2008-Preseason-Top-25

20. South Florida Bulls (9-4, 4-3 in Big East)

Despite rising to the #2 spot in the AP Poll, the Bulls ended the 2007 season on a disappointing note. This year, 16 returning starters (including 10 on offense) and a consistent Matt Grothe should bode well for the Bulls. Defensive end George Selvie (14.5 sacks last year) may hold the title of Best Defensive Player You Haven’t Heard of (yet).

[Guest]

You need to move the Bulls up on the Bleacherreport.com entry, as they now have us at #20

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/25632-Spring-Football-2008-Preseason-Top-25

20. South Florida Bulls (9-4, 4-3 in Big East)

Despite rising to the #2 spot in the AP Poll, the Bulls ended the 2007 season on a disappointing note. This year, 16 returning starters (including 10 on offense) and a consistent Matt Grothe should bode well for the Bulls. Defensive end George Selvie (14.5 sacks last year) may hold the title of Best Defensive Player You Haven’t Heard of (yet).

Those are two DIFFERENT posts on BleacherReport... in fact, just about anyone can write for BR... it's not something I would list as "official"...

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[Rizman]

Our offense was one demensional last year Grothe.  I should have asked Leavitt when I saw him if he was going to focus on balancing out our offensive attack. 

[Mama_Bull]

Another preseason report.

Vegas Insider has USF #20

Player to Watch: running back Mike Ford gained 645 yards last season, but you might not have noticed it as Grothe was the main focus. In 2008, expect Ford to have a larger role in the offense because Leavitt is starting to realize he needs to broaden the attack for his club to be successful. The former five-star recruit from Sarasota, Florida got just over 11 carries per game last season. Expect that number to double this season so Grothe can do more on play action or at least in an option capacity.  

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/story.cfm/story/722026

[Mama_Bull]

Another one to add:

Surefire Scouting has USF #14

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzep20k8/index_files/CollegFootballTop30.htm