Miami Herald: Cincinnati-USF winner to move into Big East lead

[USFishin]

Cincinnati-USF winner to move into Big East lead

Posted on Wed, Oct. 14, 2009

By FRED GOODALL

AP Sports Writer

The architect of one of the nation's fastest growing college football programs recognizes a real opportunity when he sees it.

No. 8 Cincinnati vs. No. 21 South Florida fits Jim Leavitt's description and is precisely the kind of challenge that can bring out the best in the coach and his rising USF Bulls.

"How can you not be excited about this? ... Cincinnati is one of the best teams in the country. Recognized by everybody," the only coach in South Florida's 13-season history said. "It's neat to be a part of all of it. We're anxious and excited about playing."

A packed house, national television audience and a chance to prove they deserve to be considered among the top teams in the country has always been a stimulating combination for the Bulls, who've won five straight against opponents ranked in the Top 25 dating to 2006.

What's been much more difficult is building on early-season success once USF (5-0, 1-0) gets into the heart of the Big East schedule.

Beating defending conference champion Cincinnati (5-0, 1-0) on Thursday night not only would bolster USF's title hopes but stem a tide of disappointment that's followed the team's climb in the polls the last two seasons.

Since jumping as high as No. 2 in the country in 2007, the Bulls have gone 6-8 in league games, with none of the losses to opponents ranked in the Top 25 at the time. A three-game conference slide ruined their aspirations two years ago, and they faltered again last October after working their way into the Top 10 in 2008.

"You've got to know that you've got to fight, scratch and bleed at all times regardless where you're ranked," Leavitt said, playing down the significance of where the team's are currently ranked.

"All coaches always say the same thing, and it's really true, it really doesn't matter too much until it all finishes out. It's always nice, it sells tickets, it's something to talk about, but it doesn't really do a whole lot until the end."

One of the most potent offenses in the nation has carried Cincinnati to another strong start, with quarterback Tony Pike and receiver Mardy Gilyard taking up where he left off in helping the Bearcats win 11 games last year.

An injury-depleted defensive secondary is on the mend following a bye week, and Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly spent part of the time off addressing concerns about a time-of-possession imbalance that's kept his high-powered offense on the sideline for most of the past two games.

The Bearcats had the ball for 16 and 19 minutes the last two games, mainly because the offense scores so fast - usually under 3 minutes per drive - and the defense hasn't been able to get off the field on third down.

"We've been talking about this, and the talk has been how do you get more snaps for the offense? Your defense is on the field (too long)," Kelly said.

"Well, maybe the accountability needs to be on the offense. Maybe the offense needs to keep the defense off the field and lessen those snaps. ... Believe me, if every scoring drive was two minutes or less, that would be fine with me. But we also have to be cognizant of the fact that playing 86, 87 snaps on defense is probably not the best thing."

To become more efficient on third down defensively, Kelly suggested the Bearcats may try to be a little more aggressive in some situations. Meanwhile, the offense wants do it's part by avoiding 3-and-outs that were more plentiful the past two games against Fresno State and Miami (Ohio).

An interesting subplot that may or may not affect the Bearcats' ability to correct the imbalance this week is Joe Tresey, the former Cincinnati defensive coordinator holds the same position for South Florida now.

Tresey helped Cincinnati win the Big East last season, but was fired in February by Kelly, who wanted to shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme.

Kelly has been very complimentary in comments about Tresey this week. And, Tresey has played down what it means personally to be going against his former boss and team, saying he's moved on and is focused solely on preparing the Bulls defense for a tough assignment.

Still, there have been indications coaches on both sides, including Kelly, Tresey and Cincinnati passing coordinator Charley Molnar, view Thursday night as more than just another conference matchup.

"The coaches, they're all licking their chops. They can't wait to play coach Tresey down there," said Gilyard, a Florida native who's caught a touchdown pass in seven consecutive games for Cincinnati.

"Coach Molnar, I haven't seen that look in his eyes like he has this week. Coach Kelly as well," the senior receiver added. "They are really, really ready to get us going for this game."

Tresey met with USF's offensive coaches during the Bulls' bye week to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Cincinnati's defensive players, sharing information offensive coordinator Mike Canales hopes will be helpful.

"He's always saying he's not worrying about it, but I think in the back of his mind, (it's) I get a chance at my old team. I think it's a big game for him," Bulls defensive end George Selvie said.

"He gave us some insights on what they do. Some of their calls, stuff like that," Selvie added. "But you know in the end, it's just going to be having to play football. They're going to do what they do and we're going to have to try and stop them."

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[MikeG]

terrible headline-- why not just go with "water is wet"

[BULLfreak]

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