Leavitt wants focus on decreasing turnovers

[Guest HowieP1]

USF: Leavitt wants focus on decreasing turnovers

TAMPA - That old coaches saying about the need to hold onto the football could be key for USF as it prepares to face Southern Miss on Saturday.

The Golden Eagles, who have road wins over Nebraska and Tulane, lead the nation in turnover margin per game at plus-3.5. The Bulls are tied with Washington for 101st at minus-1.33.

"I don't know what they do, but I know it's an important stat," coach Jim Leavitt said. "I can tell you that two years ago, we led the nation in turnover margin and we were 9-2."

In two games, Southern Miss has recovered three fumbles and intercepted five passes while turning it over once. In three games, the Bulls have recovered one fumble and intercepted one pass but turned it over six times.

COMING AROUND: Pat Julmiste jogged off the practice field Tuesday with a spring in his step and a air of confidence. Julmiste, who will start Saturday's game, completed 22 of 33 passes for 324 yards and no interceptions against Texas Christian.

"I don't think he's ever had a command of the offense quite like he had the other night," Leavitt said.

Julmiste said he feels more comfortable but wouldn't call it a swagger yet.

"We just have momentum and confidence," Julmiste said. "We know what we are capable of doing now. It's just doing it every week." THOMAS SIMONETTI, Times correspondent

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/09/29/Sports/Miami_QB_remains_conf.shtml

[Apis Bull]

COMING AROUND: Pat Julmiste jogged off the practice field Tuesday with a spring in his step and a air of confidence. Julmiste, who will start Saturday's game, completed 22 of 33 passes for 324 yards and no interceptions against Texas Christian.

"I don't think he's ever had a command of the offense quite like he had the other night," Leavitt said.

Julmiste said he feels more comfortable but wouldn't call it a swagger yet.

"We just have momentum and confidence," Julmiste said. "We know what we are capable of doing now. It's just doing it every week."

That's good to hear.  Confidence in a QB is almost as important as talent.

[DENVERBULL]

How about the penalties coach?  I believe we lead the nation in that department.

[Ricky the Bull]

Exactly.  Penalties kept numerous drives going for TCU on Saturday.  Fortunately, we were able to make our 3rd and 4th down conversions the old-fashioned way and ended up scoring more points.

[S p e n c e]

Agreed.  And the big thing about the penalties is it has ALWAYS been that way, at least for the last 3 seasons or so.