Ocala.com - USF fans in a frenzy after upset in Tallahassee

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USF fans in a frenzy after upset in Tallahassee

Are the days of a “Big Three†ruling the landscape of Florida college football over?

University of South Florida Bulls fans are hoping that’s true after Saturday’s 17-7 win over then-No. 18 Florida State in Tallahassee. In one autumn afternoon, the Bulls overcame 13 years of playing fourth or fifth fiddle in the Sunshine State by pushing around the Seminoles instead of getting intimidated by the home fans’ thunderous war chant at Doak Campbell Stadium.

USF teams had beaten higher ranked teams during the program’s 13-year existence.

But knocking off one of the state’s three traditional power programs on their own turf now has hopes at an all-time high for the commuter school from Tampa with a sports legacy that used to include 1980s basketball star Charlie Bradley and — Charlie Bradley.

“When we can start beating these teams that are in the [sEC] and in our state, that’s when the recruiting kicks in,†said Robbie Lindeman, the athletic director at West Port High School and a USF graduate.

The win did not propel the Bulls into the top 25 but, more importantly, it may be the break that has USF competing for elite players in in a state with arguably the most high school football talent in the country.

“Florida State, even in a down year is one of the top programs in the country,†said 1992 USF grad Bill Bellamy, member of the Ocala/Marion County chapter of the USF Alumni Association. “When you play one of the big boys in the state and you win, it’s a big deal for recruiting, at least we hope. We’ll find out next year.â€

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