USF Stays on the Course

[E.T.]

USF Stays on the Course

By Patrick Zier

The Lakeland Ledger

TAMPA

Although this year's 4-6 record has put a dent in USF's plans to build an upwardly mobile Division 1-A football program, it has not raised any doubts in Jim Leavitt's mind about the decision to move up.

Virtually from the day USF decided to field a team, eight years ago, the goal was a speedy ride through Division 1-AA to the NCAA's upper echelon.

And although a loss to Pittsburgh here Saturday will leave the Bulls with the worst record in school history, Leavitt says USF is on the right road.

"I'd rather be in the situation we're in now than a 1-AA power," the Bulls' coach remarked Tuesday. "We want to be as strong as we can in the Big East."

Conference USA members Cincinnati, Louisville and South Florida will all move to the Big East in 2005 in a continuing shake-up of Division 1-A conferences.

"I think this community is all about going after the biggest and best," Leavitt said, "and why not?"

Most, though, would give the Bulls very little chance against the Panthers on Saturday.

Pitt has rebounded from a slow start to take five of its last six, losing only to Syracuse.

If the Panthers win, they will represent the Big East in the BCS.

Meanwhile, South Florida will be playing for respect.

The game, which begins at 11 a.m., will be nationally televised on ESPN2.

It gives the Bulls a chance to knock off a potential BCS team and a team ranked in the nation's top 25 in both major polls.

And it is a chance to make a statement to future Big East opponents.

"There's a lot of stuff there," Leavitt admitted. "I just hope our guys can win a football game. I hope they go after it. I just want our guys to execute and play football."

This will be the last outing for the USF seniors including tackle Derrick Sarosi, who will be starting his 44th straight game; center Alex Herron, who will be starting his 38th straight and tackle Levi Newton, who will be starting for the 33rd straight time.

Although they and some others will be missed, USF's lineup is dominated by underclassmen including a bevy of freshmen and sophomores which bodes well for the future.

And a win Saturday, or at the very least a strong showing, would go a long way toward smoothing out the dent this season has made in USF's planned progression to the top.

[lotsofbull99]

Victory or death on Saturday!  Jihad Jihad against the Yankee Infidels!!

[E.T.]

USF PRACTICE REPORT  

USF Excited About Challenge

Published: Dec 3, 2004

 

TAMPA - South Florida wrapped up its final practice of the season Thursday as it prepares for Saturday morning's ESPN2 game vs. Big East champion and No. 19-ranked Pittsburgh.

``We're excited. We're going to see the best of the Big East,'' USF coach Jim Leavitt said. ``We know how good Pittsburgh is. They've proven that. We haven't done all the right things that they have this year. We know it's a real challenge. It's on national TV against a BCS team - those are all good things.'' After starting the season 2-2, the Panthers have won five of their past six games.

``They have a big, physical offensive line,'' Leavitt said. ``They're just a very good offensive team.

``On defense, they're big and strong. Their linebackers come downhill and hit very well. The corners and safeties have good size.''

KEEP IT IN CHECK: It's certain Leavitt's focus on Pittsburgh won't waver, but with 20 seniors playing their final game, Leavitt knows the emotional level will be higher than usual.

``You want to make sure the guys don't get caught up in the nostalgia of the event, and just go out and play,'' he said. ``I think the guys will reflect after the game, not before. I haven't thought about the emotion of the event on Saturday at all. I've thought about trying to figure out how we're going to stop Pittsburgh.''

Gregg Becnel

[mutt]

Pitt's Goin' Down !!! Lets Take their down their ranking and bowl chances !!!

GO BULLS !!!

[BULLfreak]

we need the whole Bulls Nation at this weeks game vs PITT

[The_Reaper]

Coach is wondering how to stop Pitt. Ok, let's see. How about kicking them in the nuts, gouging their eyes, scratching their face. OOPS! Wrong team. I was thinking of So. Miss! **** it!  ;D

[smazza]

more like sinking ship

[hightechbull]

If that game was playing for respect, then we should change our mascot to "The Dangerfields"  

( the upmost respect to the late Rodney Dangerfield )

[bulls96go]

we had better make some changes in the offensive coaching staff

[smazza]

20 seniors and we keep hearing how young we are