Banks to Start !

[E.T.]

Bulls Look To End SEC Drought

By BRETT McMURPHY bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: Sep 18, 2004

COLUMBIA, S.C. - In Lou Holtz's 33-year college coaching career at six schools, he has just about seen it all.

Tonight, the 67-year-old Holtz will experience something new - his first game against South Florida.

USF will be the 83rd college team he's faced since his first head coaching job at William & Mary in 1969.

The Bulls (1-0) also hope to accomplish a first against Holtz's South Carolina Gamecocks - their first win against a Southeastern Conference team.

USF is 0-3 against the SEC, including lopsided losses at Arkansas (42-3) and Alabama (40-17) the past two years.

``It's a good opportunity for our program to play an awfully good SEC team and one that plays as well as they do,'' USF coach Jim Leavitt said. ``I am really looking forward to the opportunity to go and see how our team will respond.''

With sophomore Pat Julmiste still hampered by a sprained right knee, senior Ronnie Banks will start at quarterback. Banks, who started eight games last season, was 9-for-17 for 70 yards and an interception in last week's win against Division I- AA Tennessee Tech.

The Gamecocks (1-1) also will go with their backup. Sophomore Syvelle Newton, who caught 22 passes as a wide receiver last season, makes his first career start at quarterback.

Newton saw limited action in South Carolina's first two games, carrying eight times for 2 yards and completing both pass attempts for 16 yards.

Like Alabama did last year with an offensive line averaging 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, the Gamecocks hope to overpower USF with a massive offensive line. Led by senior center John Strickland, a Rimington Award nominee, South Carolina's line averages 6-5 and 310, compared to USF defensive line's 6-2 1/2, 270.

The Gamecocks also hope to benefit from first-year defensive coordinator Rick Minter, who faced the Bulls as Cincinnati's head coach last season.

UC limited USF to 218 yards in regulation, before losing in double overtime.

The Gamecocks must avoid a letdown after last week's crushing 20-16 loss to No. 3 Georgia in which South Carolina blew a 16-0 lead.

Holtz, best known for overly praising his opponents, realizes the upcoming challenge against USF.

``There's a reason South Florida was invited to join the Big East,'' Holtz said. ``They [the Big East] believe they can fill in for the spot vacated by Miami. Jim Leavitt is a good guy and an excellent football coach. They have athletes at every position.''

South Carolina, a 14-point favorite, is expecting more than 80,000 fans tonight, which would be the biggest crowd to witness a USF game.

``We do have some talented players and some guys that have been in some big games,'' Leavitt said. ``It's not like it's the first time we've been in a situation like this. I expect our guys to play hard, and we'll give it everything we've got.''

[E.T.]

USF at South Carolina

Published: Sep 18, 2004

 

KICKOFF: 7 p.m.; Williams-Brice Stadium; Columbia, S.C.

RECORDS: USF 1-0; South Carolina 1-1

RADIO: WTBN, 570 AM; WTWD, 910 AM; www.gousfbulls.com

NEED TO KNOW: USF senior QB Ronnie Banks starts in place of the injured Pat Julmiste (sprained right knee). It will be Banks' first start since Nov. 22 against UAB. After winning three of his first four starts, Banks has lost three of his past four. Julmiste, who is wearing a brace on his knee, should play, if healthy. ... Since Coach Lou Holtz's first season at South Carolina (0-11 in 1999), the Gamecocks are 9-1 at home against nonconference teams. ... USF is No. 1 in the nation in total defense, No. 2 in rushing defense and No. 8 in passing defense. ... USF freshman CB Trae Williams is expected to get his first start. ... The Bulls have lost their past five road openers by an average margin of 34-12, failing to score more than 17 points in any of those contests. ... This is the third consecutive season USF faces a Southeastern Conference team. USF isn't scheduled to play another SEC team again until 2007, when the Bulls visit Auburn. ... USF co-defensive coordinator Wally Burnham returns to Columbia as a coach for the first time since he was the Gamecocks' defensive coordinator from 1994-98.

Brett McMurphy

[BULLO12]

The Gamecocks (1-1) also will go with their backup. Sophomore Syvelle Newton, who caught 22 passes as a wide receiver last season, makes his first career start at quarterback.  

Cool....our BIG DDDDDDDDDDDDDDD will rattle this QB all night long....I smell a win for our Bulls.     No wait that is Newton ****tng his pants.

[bullwark]

Ronnie will have to play a great game-mistake free for the Bulls to win!

[smazza]

no kidding

if we are in game by 2nd quarter i will be surprised

[ChiTownBull]

hopefully he will only be in for a short amount of time.

[namuh-bull]

Don't sell Banks short.  We know he has the ability to play well.  

Let's hope we go to an I or pro set formation and give him some help with the running game, which should give him more time when he does throw.  

[Guest BasketBull.]

A SOUTH FLORIDA VICTORY OVER USC

[ChiTownBull]

A SOUTH FLORIDA VICTORY OVER USC

good call we need all the help we can get!

[smazza]

sell banks short???????????????

he has shown nothing in the games

absolutely nothing