Looking for revenge...

In an article published in today’s Oracle, sports editor Brenden Galella makes reference to a post-game celebration by the Rutgers football team in the locker room of Raymond James Stadium after defeating USF 22-20 last season.

The Bulls’ — who were in the locker room right next to one used by visiting Rutgers — could overhear the celebration and were forced to listen to it by the USF coaching staff.

As if that wasn’t enough, ESPN had a camera crew in the Scarlet Knights’ locker room and the Worldwide Leader in Sports broadcasted the celebration on its networks multiple times following the game.

Click here to see the celebration.

- Eric Moeller

Still a rivalry?

The Bulls rebounded from a tough 35-23 win at Florida Atlantic last weekend by handedly defeating Central Florida 64-12 in their first home game as a top ten team.

The game might have been the last meeting in Tampa between the schools, with the Bulls’ rout of the Knights further validating USF’s insistence that the game is not a true rivalry. Today's win makes USF 3-0 all-time against UCF. The last scheduled meeting between the teams — which are located less then 100 miles away from each other — is next year in Orlando.

Quarterback Matt Grothe had his second consecutive 100-yard rushing day, running for 100 yards on 16 carries and scoring two touchdowns. The sophomore also completed 15 of 28 passes for 212 yards and two scores.

When Grothe was taken out in the third quarter with the score 42-12, back up Grant Gregory took over the offense and found success as well. Gregory was 4-of-6 for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Third string quarterback Anthony Severino got involved as well, throwing for a 28-yard touchdown pass on his only completion of the game.

Defensive end George Selvie finished the game with five tackles, one sack and four tackles for a loss. A week after breaking the USF single season sack record, the sophomore took down the school’s record for tackles for a loss in a season. He has 20.5 for the year.

- Eric Moeller

Grothe's second rushing TD makes it 36-10

Quarterback Matt Grothe scored his second touchdown of the day on a 6-yard run on the first drive of the second half.

The run also raised Grothe's rushing total to 100 yards on the day, giving the sophomore his second consecutive — and second career — 100-yard rushing game.

- Eric Moeller

Bulls up 29-10 at half

A late touchdown reception by Bulls' receiver Taurus Johnson gave USF a 19-point lead going into halftime.

Defensive end George Selvie had another record breaking half, tallying one sack, one forced fumble and three tackles for a loss. His season total of 20.5 tackles for a loss is a USF record.

- Eric Moeller

Bulls up 19-7

On the first play of the second quarter, quarterback Matt Grothe rushed for a six-yard touchdown, giving the Bulls a 19-7 lead.

The Bulls’ 12-point lead would likely be greater if it wasn’t for three dropped passes in the end zone by USF in the first quarter.

Defensive end George Selvie increased his USF season sack record to 11, taking down UCF quarterback Kyle Israel during the first quarter with the help of defensive tackle Aaron Harris.

USF also got its first safety of the year and the first since last year’s game against Pittsburgh when UCF running back Kevin Smith lost his footing on a run coming out of the Knights’ end zone.

- Eric

USF pre-game injury and captains reports

It’s 15 minutes until kickoff here at Raymond James Stadium, where the Bulls are set to host the Central Florida Knights.

According to he pre-game injury report, Bulls’ center Nick Capogna and running back Moise Plancher will play today while guard Matt Huners is questionable.

Linebacker Ben Moffitt, receiver Marcus Edwards, center Jake Griffin and defensive back Carlton Williams will be the captains for the Bulls today.

- Eric Moeller

Bulls jump to No. 5 in AP Poll

Despite a sloppy performance against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, USF — helped by another weekend of unexpected upsets — jumped up one spot to No. 5 in the latest AP poll, released Sunday afternoon.

With Stanford's stunning 24-23 upset of then-No. 2 — now-No. 10 — USC and Illinois' Big Ten Conference win against then-No. 5 Wisconsin, the voters decided that USF's undefeated record and a close win against FAU was enough to secure the Bulls a spot in the top five.

The Bulls are tied at No. 5 with Oklahoma in the USA Today/Coach's Poll.

-Eric Moeller

Captains

Ben Moffitt, Marcus Edwards, Jake Griffin and Carlton Williams were the captains for tonight's crucial matchup with West Virginia. The Bulls won the toss and selected to kickoff.

65,000 fans now in their seats and the atmosphere is something USF had yet to see, the student section is a sea of green.

-Brendan Galella

Tonights starting lineups

Two teams open their conference play in what may prove to be the pivotal game of the season for each team.

The No. 18 South Florida Bulls host No. 5 West Virginia in front of a sold out crowd at Raymond James Stadium. Along with the over 65,000 fans in attendance, millions across the country will be watching live on ESPN 2.

Players from both teams have just entered the playing field at 6:15 and the biggest news is quarterback Matt Grothe has decided to changes his hairstyle, opting for the ever popular mohawk.

For those of you without television but for some reason still have the internet, we'll be providing updates throughout the night on the blog.

Here's the starting lineups according to the Bulls pre-game media guide.

West Virginia

Offense

WR- #2 Darius Reynaud
WR- #9 Jock Sanders
LT- #62 Ryan Stanchek
LG- #79 Greg Isdaner
C- #68 Mike Dent
RG- #70 Eric Rodemoyer
RT- #73 Jake Figner
TE- #35 Owen Schmitt (he also plays fullback)
WR- #21 Dorrell Jalloh
WR- #83 Tito Gonzales
QB- # 5 Pat White
SB- #10 Steve Slaton

Defense

DT- #93 Scooter Berry
NT- #96 Keilen Dykes
DE- #92 Johnny Dingle
SLB-#53 Marc Magro
MLB-#47 Reed Williams
WLB-#44 Mortty Ivy
CB- #3 Larry Williams
SS- #41 Eric Wicks
FS- #21 Ryan Mundy
BS- #8 Quinton Andrews
CB- #6 Antonio Lewis

Specialists

PK #40 Pat McAfee
P- #40 Pat McAfee
KO-#40 Pat McAfee
LSN-#46 Adam Hughes
H- #48 Jeremy Kash
KR-#2 Darius Reynaud
KR-#19 Vaughn Rivers
PR-#6 Antonio Lewis

South Florida

WR- #18 Amarri Jackson
WR- #87 Jessie Hester Jr.
LT- #78 Marc Dile
LG- #65 Ryan Schmidt
C- #77 Jake Griffin (Sampson Genus is the back up)
RG- #61 Zach Hermann
RT- #75 Walter Walker
TE- #9 Cedric Hill
WR-#89 Taurus Johnson
WR- #11 Marcus Edwards
QB- #8 Matt Grothe
RB- #30 Benjamin Williams
RB- #20 Aston Samuels

Defense

LE-#90 Jarriett Buie
NT-#76 Richard Clebert
DT-#98 Aaron Harris
RE-#95 George Selvie
LB-#27 Tyrone McKenzie
LB-#59 Ben Moffitt
LB-#53 Brouce Mompremier
CB-#21 Trae Williams
FS-#5 Nate Allen
SS-#32 Carlton Williams
CB-#4 Mike Jenkins
NB-#3 Jerome Murphy

Specialists

K-#25 Delbert Alvarado
KO-#27 Justin Teachey
P-#27 Justin Teachey
LS-#67 Eric Setser
PR-#11 Marcus Edwards
KR-#89 Taurus Johnson
KR-#3 Jerome Murphy
H-#12 Anthony Severino

-Brendan Galella

Worst kicker in Tampa Bay

As a promotion put on by the USF Athletic Department and Allstate, a few media members were invited to Raymond James Stadium to particpate in a field goal kicking contest.

And I quickly established myself as the worst kicker out of the seven participants.

I went 0-4 in the only four legitimate field goal attempts of my life. I'm the first to admit that, but I can also proudly admit I didn't have the worst of the day

But I'm calling garbage on this whole contest because Mike Pepper of 1010 AM easily won the contest. Not surprising since he was a punter/kicker invited to several NFL training camps and was a kicker for the Tampa Bay Storm.

How was this a real competition?

The important part was the event raised $3,000 for the USF general scholarship fund.

Against West Virginia, one student will have a chance to win $1,000 if they hit a 25-yard field goal at halftime. Allstate will donate another $1,000 to USF if the attempt is good.

Whoever is selected can't do any worse than I did.

-Brendan Galella

Upper bowl tickets available for UCF game

USF football's Friday night match-up with No. 5 West Virginia isn't the only upcoming home game getting interest from the Tampa community.

The USF athletics ticket office has announced that only 500 lower bowl tickets remain for the Bulls’ Oct. 13 game against UCF.

To accommodate this increase in demand, the ticket office is now selling seats in the upper bowl of Raymond James Stadium.

"Our ticket office has not had a moment to breath the last few weeks," Senior Associate AD Bill McGillis said in a press release. "Really things have stayed steady as we approached and sold out West Virginia. People were purchasing UCF tickets along with their West Virginia seats and those that missed out this Friday, were scooping up the open tickets for UCF. We only expect the requests to increase as the date approaches."

In addition to single game seats, the ticket office is also offering three-game mini packages for $50 that includes tickets to the UCF game as well as the Bulls’ Nov. 3 match-up against No. 24 Cincinnati and the Nov. 17 game against Louisville.

Customers that take advantage of the $50 mini packages also have the option to keep those same seats for their 2008 season tickets.

To buy ticket to any of USF’s remaining home games, call 1-800-GoBulls or visit Ticket Master

- Eric Moeller

The Greenery to host kickoff party

With all the hype surrounding the West Virginia/South Florida game, the Beef Studs and Greenery Pub begin festivities tonight with the official Pre-Game Party.

Beginning at 10 p.m., fans will receive $5 domestic pitches and $1 bottles, along with 50 cent wing specials.

“We’re basically the USF bar, we’ve been here for 30 years and anyone who has attended USF has been to the Greenery,” owner Robert Vidal said. “We’ve been having a great season and we think this is a great way to kick the game off.”

The excitement of the team has reached beyond the campus area. Tampa mayor Pam Iorio has declared Friday “Green & Gold Day” to show support citywide.

The unprecedented amount of attention bestowed on the team has led to the Sun Trust Building downtown will be illuminated green and gold for the game.

A sold out Raymond James Stadium will have the USF logo at the 50-yard line along with Bulls painted in each end zone.

All of the events for the game will kickoff Thursday at the Greenery.

“There so much green and gold now. To see students camping out for tickets is really great.” Beef Stud historian Christina Page said. “There is a whole lot more support now we’re ranked. I’m excited, this party at the Greenery is a way to get everything started.”

-Brendan Galella

The top USF message board

TheBullsPen.com

Brad Meyers, founder of the popular USF message board TheBullspen.com talks about the excitement surrounding the program as it climbs in national ranking and prepares for the first sellout in school history.

This season, two players have won the Big East Defensive Player of the Week and a real chance of competing for a BCS bowl with a win Friday night.

The website has grown dramatically since its inception in 1999 and Meyers talks with the Oracle before the highest attended football game in USF history.

Oracle: How crazy has the last week been for you?

Brad Meyers: I haven’t seen anything like this, there hasn’t been a sense of euphoria like this before. Not Auburn, not Pittsburgh in ’01, not Louisville in ’05. That was all excitement after a win, this is probably the biggest surge in excitement that I’ve ever seen, except for the inaugural game in 1997.

Oracle: Did you ever think Raymond James would sell out this quickly?

Brad Meyers: If you would have asked me that three months ago, I would have bet against it. I’m very surprised that we sold out Raymond James Stadium. Pleasantly surprised, but I would have never guessed it.

Oracle: Do you have any sense that this excitement will carry over into the other sports on campus?

Brad Meyers: That’s a good question, I think this is the perfect opportunity for it to carry over into some of the major sports, like basketball, if we can be competitive in the Big East there will be some excitement there. Other sports like softball and so forth, I don’t know if it would. Football is just a huge draw in Florida and in other schools it always translates into the other sports further on down the totem poll. I’m hoping the extra 30,000 fans we have on Friday night that win or lose we retain a high percentage of them for the next game (at home against Central Florida on Oct. 13). I was never a football fan, I was a longtime basketball season ticket holder and when football started kicking around in 1995, they called me and asked if I wanted to support the program and I did. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Oracle: Can you talk about how the website has grown since you started in 1999?

Brad Meyers: The reason why I started it because there were what I call “first generation” message boards but they weren’t fan friendly. They were really more discussion groups. We celebrated when we had 600 members, that was a big deal. I had an interview with the (St. Petersburg) Times when we were playing Kentucky in 2000 and I remember looking at their board and seeing they had 1,000 members. I remember thinking if we can get that then we’ve arrived. We had 300 members sign up in September and have 3,200 members now. The page views were 10 times as much as they were two months ago. We’ve been trying to grow as fast as the program. With everyone wanting a piece of the Bulls, we have unprecedented traffic and unprecedented issues and we have to deal with that. It’s pretty crazy.

Oracle: How quickly is the turn around of information for fans on your website?

Brad Meyers: We provide an atmosphere where you can come in and be a go, go, go cheerleader type or be a hardcore football fan. We have guys who can talk about getting traditions started at the games or talk strategy. It’s become a great sounding board and they’ve come up with some good ones for West Virginia. The more we can get on the message board than the more we can have become USF fans.

-Brendan Galella

The latest on the new ticket policy

Here’s the latest information after meeting with Bill McGillis, USF’s Senior Associate Athletic Director Thursday afternoon.

For North Carolina:

Any student to visit the Sun Dome ticket office on Thursday or today will receive a wristband and be able to enter through Raymond James Stadium at any gate Saturday.

Any individual attending the game with a companion ticket will receive an actual ticket, not a wristband, and can enter through any gate with the ticket and sit in the student section in the lower bowl.

Companion tickets will be allowed to enter through any gate on Saturday.

All student seats are on a first come, first serve basis.

The 12,000 student seats isn’t meant to be a cap, it is the allotment for student seating as a group.

McGillis said every student attending the game against North Carolina will be accommodated. Additional seating will be made available with unsold tickets in the lower bowl and possibly opening the upper bowl.

A decision is expected to be made Friday regarding the opening of the upper portion of the stadium. When it is, there will be a notice on USF Oracle Online .

On the first day of the new ticket policy, 3,036 students received tickets. The Sun Dome ticket office will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

Lee Roy Selmon will be introducing the Bulls' offensive and defensive starters for ESPN's broadcast Saturday.

Students without a vehicle may attend the game for free on a Bull Runner shuttle. Buses for Saturday’s game against North Carolina will be picking students up at 10:30 am from the student parking lot on the corner of Willow and Maple Dr.

There will be nine buses and will be on a first come, first serve basis. The buses will be leaving Raymond James Stadium within a half hour after the game’s end.

Each game is going to have a difference color wristband. The athletics department was still deciding what color will be used next game. For Saturday, the band is green and McGillis was considering a neon yellow band for West Virginia on Friday Sept. 28.

free polls

For West Virginia:

McGillis said the number of fans expected is “approaching” 50,000 not including the 12,000 student tickets. The capacity crowd at Raymond James Stadium is 65,675.

The student section in the upper deck will range from sections 302-305 (near entrance A) and 341-344 (near entrance B). Nine sections of the upper deck have been sold out for Friday, but I’m uncertain of which sections.

Students can begin camping out for Mountaineers/Bulls tickets on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Sun Dome parking lot. Cooking will be allowed. The basketball arena will be open for students to use restrooms and security will be patrolling the parking lot at night.

The ticket office will open at 6 a.m. on Monday morning and the plan is to have the line move quickly as six additional ID card scanners will be used to keep the line moving. The goal is to allow plenty of time for students to attend an 8 a.m. class on Monday.

Tickets will be available throughout the week and the Sun Dome office will remain open until 6 p.m. on Monday. For Tuesday-Thursday tickets will be available from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and on Friday from 7 a.m.-noon.

Any questions? Want to share your new ticket experience? Sound of in the comments section and I'll answer or try and find an answer for you.


-Brendan Galella

Mike Jenkins Draft Stock

Senior cornerback Mike Jenkins was one of six featured players listed in the "Risers" category on CNNSI.com

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/09/11/risers/index.html

Do you think Jenkins will be a first round draft pick in 2008?

Men's soccer off to 5-0-0 start

The soccer team tied its best start to a season under coach George Kiefer on Saturday with a 6-1 win over American University improving their record to 5-0-0.

The Bulls fast start can be attributed to the team's speed as their attack has been potent while their defense tight and unforgiving. They've outscored their opponents 15-3 in five games.

Which player has been most valuable to the team thus far is debatable as the Bulls have four candidates putting together numbers worthy of such a title.

Junior forward Jordan Seabrook started his year off with a two goal and one assist performance against Central Florida. In the following four games he has failed to score, but has been the stat sheet with four more assists. His ability to pull away from defenders and create chances around the opposing goal make him one of the Bulls' biggest threats at the forward position.

Senior Simon Schoendorf is a good attacking mid fielder who makes his presence felt wherever he is. He had a hat trick in the Bulls' 6-1 victory against American improving his goal total to four on the season. He has three assists to go with his goals and is a good example of what coach Kiefer means when he says the team puts an emphasis on overall athleticism. He's quick, good on and away from the ball, and provides experience to a Bulls team that is currently playing a number of freshman every night.

Junior mid fielder Kevon Neaves has been on the stat sheet for goals or assists in each of the Bulls' first five games. Against in-state rival Central Florida he had two goals and an assist earning him a Big East honorable mention for the week. For the season he has improved his totals to three goals and four assists. His physical presence is almost as intimidating to opponents as his quick decision making and ball handling abilities. He's also splits the duty of handling set piece opportunities with Schoendorf.

Sophomore goal keeper Diego Restrepo has shown why he earned the starting job for coach Kiefer. He has allowed only three goals all season, and has three shutouts to his name. He earned himself a Big East honorable mention for his back to back shutouts in the team's trip to Storrs, Connecticut to play in the UConn/Adidas classic. He's been a commanding presence in goal thus far and has garnered confidence from both teammates and coaches.

-David Rice

USF organization getting national exposure

The USF Beef Studs -the student group known for painting their bodies green and gold at USF sporting events- are enjoying exposure on a national level.

Check www.SI.com and click on the On Campus tab to read a feature about the Beef Studs experience at the USF/Auburn game.

-Joe Rienzi

Stats through three

USF:

Passing yards- 109
Rushing yards- 102
Total yards- 211

Auburn:

Passing yards- 99
Rushing yards- 129
Total yards- 228

-Brendan Galella

Kicking woes

On third down, Matt Grothe was sacked for a 13-yard loss and Delbert Alvarado missed his second kick of the third quarter, keeping the score at 17-14 Auburn with 1:04 remaining.

Tyrone McKenzie just recovered another fumble from Mario Fannin, giving the Bulls yet another opportunity to either tie or take the lead.

But the drive took a step backwards with a false start, setting up a first-and-15 from the 23.

Grothe has been sacked again, taking USF out of field goal range, third-and-18 from the 31.

Mike Ford took a pass from Grothe back down to the 20, setting up a 37-yard attempt from Alvarado that was blocked. The Bulls special teams have lost three opportunities to either tie or take the lead.

After three, Auburn 17 USF 14

-Brendan Galella

Roberts robs Auburn

Nate Allen poked out the ball from running back Mario Fannin and junior Tyller Roberts recovered at Auburns 21, putting the Bulls in position to tie or regain the lead.

-Brendan Galella

Bulls fail to tie

Delbert Alvarado sent a potential game-tying 37-yard field goal wide right, keeping the Auburn lead at 17-14 with 6:59 remaining in the third quarter.

-Brendan Galella

Auburn collision

Defensive ends Quinton Groves and Antonio Coleman collided when attempting to sack Matt Grothe. Both players were able to leave the field under their own power, but their status for the rest of the game remains unknown.

-Brendan Galella

Bulls regain possession off turnover

Brandon Cox kept the ball on a fourth-and-inches situation, but when he collided with the Bulls' defensive line, the ball popped loose and Nate Allen jumped on it, giving USF its first possession of the second half.

Quentin Groves sack of Matt Grothe was negated due to a five-yard face mask penalty setting up a second-and-four for USF.

-Brendan Galella

First half stats

USF:

Passing yards-63
Rushing yards-106
Total yards-162

Auburn:
Passing yards-79
Rushing yards-107
Total yards-186



-Brendan Galella

Agressive play calling from Auburn

Brandon Cox found Robert Dunn to convert a fourth-and-four from the USF 31-yard line. Tyrone McKenzie's face mask penalty offset a holding penalty on the Tigers, allowing Auburn to continue a drive.

George Selvie jumped offsides, giving the Tigers a first-and-five at the USF 17.

After a few favorable calls to start the game, the Bulls have not received any more help from the officials.

Mario Fannin's 15-yard run set up a first-and-goal at the three yard line with just over a minute remaining in the first half.

Cox found Gabe McKenzie for a three-yard touchdown giving the Tigers their first lead of the game. 29 second left in the first half, Auburn 17 USF 14.

-Brendan Galella

USF offense stalling

The Bulls have been unable to get anything going since Mike Ford's touchdown in the first quarter. The offensive line has struggled giving Matt Grothe adequate time to throw the ball. The loss of center Nick Capogna has proved to be huge as the Bulls squre off against the No. 17 team in the nation.

Did you see the hit that Andrew Ketchel took on Auburn's punt return, 87,000 people started screaming "ohhh" as he was blindsided and the play was even shown again on the big screen at the south end zone.



-Brendan Galella

Nate Allen's second career interception

Brandon Cox over threw his intended receiver and free safety Nate Allen stepped in and picked off the attempt, his second of the season, stopping a crucial drive for Auburn.

-Brendan Galella

Crowd back in it

A 36-yard run by tailback Ben Tate has set up the Tigers at the USF 38. He broke numerous tackles on the play and has given new life to those in attendance at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

A potential interception was dropped by cornerback Ryan Gilliam, setting up a third- and-10 situation but Brandon Cox overthrew Robert Dunn and the Tigers failed to capitalize on the play.

Auburn quickly recovered, as Patrick Tatum sent the ball 36 yards and the Tigers were able to pin USF at its own one yard line.

With USF trapped near the end zone, the crowd has been at its loudest since the opening kickoff.

Three consecutive runs by Jamar Taylor only netted five total yards, and the momentum has definitely shifted back into the favor of Auburn.

Delbert Alvarado's punt was returned to USF's 43.

-Brendan Galella

New Trends

Look for more blitzing from the outside linebackers, Tyrone McKenzie has rushed Brandon Cox twice tonight, but one resulted in a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty.

Chris Robinson was used in this role last season, but his injured ankle has kept him off the field against Elon in the season opener and the sophomore has yet to lineup tonight at Auburn.

Against Elon, the Bulls spent a majority of their time lining up in the nickel defensive package, with Jerome Murphy replacing linebacker Brouce Mompremier. Through the early part of Saturday's game, USF has been sticking with its traditional 4-3 defensive alignment.

Aston Samuels was the third down back on the Bulls last drive

-Brendan Galella

Auburn strikes early in the second

Tailback Carl Stewart took a screen pass from Brandon Cox 29-yards setting up a first and goal at the USF two yard line.

Mario Fannin punched it in and the Tigers now trail 14-10 with 14:15 remaining in the second quarter.

-Brendan Galella

First quarter stats

USF:

Rushing- 94
Passing- 52
Total yards- 146

Auburn:

Rushing- 27
Passing- 33
Total yards-60


-Brendan Galella

Crowd no factor yet

Matt Grothe, on third down with the crowd roaring, found Taurus Johnson for a 23-yard gain. The one handed grab by Johnson may easily be the highlight of the year for USF so far.

Grothe rushed for 27-yards on the next play, setting up Mike Ford's fourth touchdown of the season.

1:56 remaining in the first the Bulls lead 14-3.

-Brendan Galella

Auburn offense gets going

Brandon Cox threw for Auburn's initial first down of the contest, and corner back Tyller Roberts, making his USF debut, was flagged for a 15-yard penalty after the play.

Auburn now has a first down on the USF 47.

A 49-yard field goal by Wes Byrum has sliced the lead down to four, USF leads 7-3 with 4:19 remaining in the first.

-Brendan Galella

Grumblings in the Crowd

Marcus Edwards returned the kick 29-yards and there was a questionable block in the back call, but again someone must be pulling for USF amongst the refs as no call has gone against the Bulls thus far.

-Brendan Galella

Almost Tied

Freshman Mario Fannin almost broke free on the ensuing kickoff, but Ryan Gilliam and Tyrone McKenzie were able to prevent him from the end zone, knocking Fannin out of bounds after a 37-yard return.

McKenzie almost recorded his first sack with the Bulls but forced in incompletion, through two drives, Auburn has yet to convert a first down or a play for more than five yards.

-Brendan Galella

Birthday Wishes

Quarterback Matt Grothe- who's celebrating his 21st birthday today- rushed for a 1-yard score giving USF a 7-0 lead.

The play was reviewed and was not reversed. The Bulls are 3-3 on calls tonight, let's see how long that lasts with 87,000 people disagreeing.

-Brendan Galella

Flags Favoring USF

On third down the Bulls were able to extend its drive when Amarri Jackson drew a pass interference call on corner back Jonathan Wilhite.

Quarterback Matt Grothe ran the option and pitched the ball to Mike Ford, who gained 20 yards on the carry. A flag was thrown but the referees determined there were no infractions on the play, setting up a first and goal at the 1-yard line.

-Brendan Galella

Special Teams Changes

Jerome Murphy returned the opening kick off for the Bulls from the 10 all the way to the USF 36.

After a 19-yard run by Ben Williams, the Bulls were forced to punt.

Kicker Delbert Alvarado attempted his first punt of the season and pinned the Tigers at their 1-yard line.

After forcing Auburn to punt, the Marcus Edwards returned the first punt of the night for USF.

-Brendan Galella

Here are your USF captains tonight

76-Richard Clebert-Sr.
95-George Selvie-So.
11-Marcus Edwards-Jr.
59-Ben Moffitt-Sr.


Auburn's captains

97-Josh Thompson-Sr.
20-Patrick Lee-Sr.
15-Prechae Rodriguez-Sr.

USF will receive

-Brendan Galella

Starting Lineups

No surprises here, but below is the starting lineup announced by Auburn's public address announcer:

Offense:

18-Amarri Jackson-WR
87-Jessie Hester Jr.-WR
78-Mark Dile-LT
65- Ryan Schmidt-LG
77-Jake Griffin-C
61-Zach Hermann-RG
75-Walt Walker-RT
9-Cedric Hill-TE
89-Taurus Johnson-WR
11-Marcus Edwards-WR
8-Matt Grothe-QB
30-Ben Williams-RB
20-Aston Samules-RB

Defense:

90-Jarriett Buie-LE
76-Richard Clebert-NT
98-Aaron Harris-DT
95-George Selvie-RE
27-Tyrone McKenzie-LB
59-Ben Moffitt-LB
53-Brouce Mompremier-LB
21-Trae Williams-CB
32-Carlton Williams-SS
5-Nate Allen-FS
4-Mike Jenkins-CB
3-Jerome Murphy-NB

Special Teams:

27-Justin Teachey-P
25-Delbert Alvarado-K
67-Eric Setser-LS
12-Anthony Severino-H
27-Justin Teachey-Kickoff
18-Amarri Jackson-KR

I don't think television can properly display the noise that 87,000 fans can make. Nearly every seat is full and there is a sea of orange broken up by one section of USF green and white in the north west corner of Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Keep updating this website throughout the contest for updates.

-Brendan Galella

Live blog from Auburn

It's the second game of the season and we're reporting live from Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama where the Bulls are set to take on the Tigers in less than 45 minutes.

The atmosphere in and around the stadium leading up to kickoff has been electric, with Tiger fans of all ages turning out in mass to support their school.

One defining characteristic of college football Saturday at Auburn is the tradional "Tiger Walk", in which Coach Tommy Tuberville and the entire Auburn football team walks down Roosevelt Ave. to the south end of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The tradition was started in 1989 when Auburn's arch-rival Alabama made the trip to Jordan-Hare for the first time. Despite the guard rails that line the path to protect the players, every fan lining the Tiger Walk path get the chance to high five their favorite players as they make their way to the stadium.

Stay tuned for more live updates from Jordan-Hare Stadium.

-Eric Moeller

Volleyball opens season in New York

The volleyball team suffered a loss to start its season but quickly bounced back to win the final two matches during a tournament in New York.

In the first match of the weekend, USF fell to Buffalo 3-2. Each team traded matches until Buffalo came out with a 5-1 lead and eventually took the fifth and deciding game.

“It was a disappointing loss to Buffalo but I think it was just a case of first match jitters,” coach Claire Lessinger said. “We had to go through our growing pains a little bit.”

The Bulls showed some were led by breakout performances from three players. Jarka Havlickova and Alli Arbogast both set a career high in block assists with five. Junior middle blocker Nakia Williams posted a career high in kills with ten along with her team leading eight block assists.

The Bulls got out to a quick and early lead in their second game of the day against Niagara winning 3-0. The Bulls scoring rate inflated from .113 against Buffalo to .304 against the Purple Eagles.

After a slow start against Buffalo, the Bulls offensive play improved as USF out-scored Niagara 90-58 throughout the match and netted 12 more kills that the Purple Eagles.

“It was good to see us bounce back and make some adjustments,” Lessinger said. “We played an exhausting game in Buffalo and really came out to play during game two with eyes wide open and a good focus.”

Williams hit .500 for the game and Marcel Gurgel led the Bulls for the second game in a row with 16 kills and 11 digs for the only double-double of the game.

On Sunday, the Bulls continued their high level of play by defeating Fordham 3-1 to end the tournament with another victory. USF split the first two matches but dominated the third match 30-13 and clinched the series win with a close game four.

USF continued its offensive dominance, hitting .467 to go along with four aces. Stephanie Augustavo led all players with 24 digs and Arbogast set a career high with six blocks.

Gurgel and Kristina Fabris both continued their outstanding play. Gurgel tallied a double-double in each game on the weekend. With her 26 kills on Sunday, she moved herself into eighth place in the USF record books with 1,053. Fabris posted two double-doubles with 49 kills and 36 digs to earn all-tournament honors.

“Kristina and Marcel really stepped up big for us and handled the high pressure situations throughout tournament,” Lessinger said. “I really think that they can be the backbone of this team and lead the other players to more victories.”

-Daniel Falco

Thoughts on USF season opener

The USF Bulls defeated the Elon Phoenix 28-13 in their season opener and - despite failing to ever put the game out of reach for their former Division I-AA opponent - saw a few reasons to be optimistic about the future.

Here's a few positives I think USF can take away from the game...

1. Mike Ford looks like the real deal. With only 7 touches the freshman totaled 84 yards and three touchdowns. The first highlight reel play of his collegiate career came on the first drive of the second half when Ford busted an off-tackle run outside and ran 21 yards down the sideline before diving at the pylon to put the Bulls ahead 14-3.

2. Grothe is still Grothe. The sophomore quarterback set a career high for passing attempts (39) and threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns against the Phoenix and - most importantly - committed zero turnovers.

3. George Selvie is a monster. The sophomore defensive end started the season with a breakout performance that included nine tackles, 4 sacks and a forced fumble, an impressive spread especially considering he had 5.5 sacks all of last season.


Check out The Oracle on news stands Tuesday for more in-depth coverage of the game.

-Eric Moeller

Breakout performances

There's still 4:30 left in the third quarter here at Raymond James, but a couple Bulls players have already had breakout performances against Elon.

I told you earlier about Mike Ford's impressive first half. It didn't take long for him to make an impact in the second half as well. On USF's first visit to the red zone after halftime, Ford busted an off-tackle run outside and sprinted 21 yards down the sideline before diving at the pylon to score his second touchdown of the game.

Sophomore George Selvie is having an outstanding game from the defensive end position. Selvie, who had 5.5 sacks last season, has already sacked Elon quarterback Scott Riddle three times tonight.

While I was writing this blog, receiver Amarri Jackson caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Matt Grothe to give the Bulls a 21-6 lead.

-Eric Moeller

Halftime from the the USF-Elon game

It's halftime here at Raymond James Stadium, with the Bulls leading 7-3 as they head into the locker room.

Here's some of the highlights from the first half for all you dedicated blog readers out there.

Highly touted running back Mike Ford has looked solid so far in his first game as a Bull. The freshman running back lined up twice alongside Benjamin Williams and Jamar Taylor in an interesting three back set, running 12 yards for a first down the on one play and catching a 1-yard touchdown pass from Matt Grothe on another. Ford's touchdown reception was the Bulls' only score of the half.

It appears that receiver Taurus Johnson has picked up right where he left off last season, when he won the USF's Playmaker of the Year award. In the first half of play, the junior had four catches for 45 yards and gained five yards rushing on a reverse play.

Late in the first half, Bulls' safety Nate Allen prevented an Elon scoring opportunity by intercepting a pass from Phoenix quarterback Scott Riddle on the USF 4-yard line.

Keep checking back for more live updates.

-Eric Moeller

Live blog from Bulls' season opener

Football season is finally here and we're reporting live from Raymond James Stadium with less than three minutes remaining before kickoff.

I have a few bits of pre-game news to pass on to you Oracle sports blog readers.

Linebacker Chris Robinson and offensive lineman Sampson Genus were seen on the sideline during pre-game warmups and will not be playing in tonight's game.

Running back Moise Plancher, who was wearing a protective boot during practice last week after suffering an ankle injury, will not play against Elon. However, the running back but was seen on the during warm-ups and was not wearing the protective boot.

The team captains for USF's season opener will be receiver Amarri Jackson, cornerback Trae Williams, center Nick Capogna and linebacker Ben Moffitt.

Stay tuned to the Oracle Sports Blog for more live updates from the USF season opener.

- Eric Moeller

Women's soccer rained out on Friday

The USF women's soccer team will have to wait until Sunday to begin its 2007 season.

The Bulls' game against Stetson was rained out on Friday, and rescheduled for a later date.

USF will open its regular season Sunday at 1 p.m. against Ole Miss. in Oxford, Mississippi.

Players questionable for Saturday

Running back Moise Plancher and offensive lineman Samson Genus were wearing protective boots at Thursday’s practice and may not be able to play in Saturday’s game against Elon.

Both players were expected to contribute heavily to the Bulls’ offensive efforts.

Plancher is coming off a torn ACL, which he suffered in last season’s home opener against McNeese State.

Genus was one of about five freshmen coach Jim Leavitt said “is going to play a lot of football for us this year.”

Check back after practice for a full update.

Baseball player transfers to St. Leo

Last year’s leader in home runs and RBI for the USF baseball team will not be taking the field for the Bulls next season.

Senior first-baseman Brandin Daniel has transferred to St. Leo University and will be playing for coach Ricky Ware when the season starts next spring.

According to USF coach Lelo Prado, Daniel had been contemplating the move for some time and didn’t specify any reasons for wanting a transfer.

“I think he just wanted a fresh start,” Prado said. “He didn’t know if he wanted to come back and we sat down and talked and he decided to move on. If he would have decided to come back he would have had a place on the team.”

A major part of the lineup last season, Daniel started 58 games for the Bulls and led the team in home runs (7) and RBI (45). His .995 fielding percentage last year was the highest of any USF player with at least 40 starts.

While he admits the loss of Daniel is significant, Prado said he understands the senior’s desire for a change and wishes him luck at his new school.

“He’s definitely a big hole in the lineup because he did lead our team in home runs but you have to want to be here,” Prado said. “He wanted to move on and I wish him nothing but the best.”

- Eric Moeller

Men's Soccer shuts out St. Louis

It was a busy night for USF goal keeper Diego Restrepo in the Bulls 2-0 win over Saint Louis as the team collected its second shutout of the preseason.

SLU only managed two shots on goal, but the Billikens' attack was a steady onslaught of blown set piece opportunities and crosses that found the heads of USF defenders.

"It got frustrating cause we were committing fouls close to the box," Restrepo said. "But, that's something that will fix itself with time and experience as the season goes on."

The main focus in the team's practices thus far has been on defense.

"We've been working on defending and the transition to the attack," coach George Kiefer said. "When we won balls we were looking to get behind their defenders and I think our pace gave them problems but we didn't find a good balance for possession and counter attack."

Saint Louis controlled the ball early but were unable to create any opportunities for a shot on goal. In the 24th minute, the Bulls counter attack mounted enough pressure to score a goal when a blown clearance by the SLU goal keeper fell in front of sophomore mid-fielder Jason Devenish who finished it off easily.

Their 1-0 lead seemed in danger at times as Saint Louis, ranked No. 25 in the pre-season poll, continued to dominate possession throughout the first half. The Bulls had trouble getting a sufficient amount of men forward in support of the attack and as result spent a lot of time defending their own half of the field.

It looked like the Bulls were going to carry a slim one goal lead into the half until the 45th minute when they were able to organize their best counter attack effort of the night. Mid-fielder Marshall Schulz delivered a pass to Alejandro Taylor that drew the goal keeper off his line. Taylor successfully controlled the ball and scored easily with the keeper out of position.

The Bulls defense was tested more in the second half as the number of Saint Louis opportunities mounted but never resulted in a goal.

"I think we did what we wanted to do," forward Jordan Seabrook said. "Defense is an area of focus for us. We want adversity in the preseason so we can learn how to get through it together and overcome it during the regular season the way we did today."

Set piece opportunities were abundant for the Saint Louis attack. When the final whistle blew SLU had outnumbered USF 10-2 in corner kicks alone.

"That's where a lot of goals come from in this game," Kiefer said. "It's a concern going forward. You can't give teams like that the amount of corners and dead balls that we gave them tonight."

Kiefer was pleased with the way Restrepo was able to handle the pressure that free kicks and corners can create.

"Diego does a good job of organizing the blocks and pushing guys together," Kiefer said. "They got behind our defenders a few times though, and we want to be able to get out of games without teams getting a good look at the goal."

Despite the lack of possession and tendency to give the opposition chances there were positives other than winning for the Bulls as they head to Virginia this Saturday.

"The first positive is we kept a clean sheet," Kiefer said. "Of course the two goals, and I think we we're seeing our depth. We used a lot of players and we're seeing that some of our subs could be on our first team."

The Bulls depth will get better as they still have another player who has yet to join the team and a few who have been nursing injuries.

"We're missing some key guys that help us move the ball right now," Kiefer said. "I feel encouraged about where we're going when you consider that."

-David Rice

USF sports videos now online

As Online content is becoming a major part of media outlets around the world, we're trying to keep pace here at The Oracle.

We're starting a new program this semester, which will include video interviews for news and sports and highlights of all the big games.

Today we posted three interviews, all sports related:
-Sophomore Nate Allen talking about his transition from QB to DB.
-New women's soccer coach Denise Schilte-Brown talking about what lies ahead as she gets ready for her USF debut.
-Sixth-year men's soccer coach George Kiefer talking about this year's team with 13 new players.

We'll have more videos when school starts next week, including plenty of football coverage.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for things you'd like to see, drop me an email: oraclesmetana@yahoo.com
-Kevin Smetana

Grothe on ESPN.com

Bulls quarterback Matt Grothe graced the homepage of ESPN.com Wednesday along with Rutgers running back Ray Rice, Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm and West Virginia running back Steve Slaton. What's funny is even though Grothe is pictured, Ivan Maisel's story failed to mention the USF quarterback among his Big East Heisman hopefuls saying, "Take the Heisman candidates: tailbacks Steve Slaton of West Virginia and Ray Rice of Rutgers, and quarterbacks Pat White of West Virginia and Brian Brohm of Louisville. Most league offices are careful not to promote one member's players over another."

The caption on the front page lists Grothe as a potential Heisman candidate.

After suffering a hip injury earlier in the week, the USF coaching staff says the sophomore listed as "day-to-day" but would be expected to play if it were a game day.

Keep checking into the Oracle Sports Blog for more information about the Bulls.

-Brendan Galella

Women's soccer team defeats UT 1-0 in season opener

The USF women’s soccer team defeated the University of Tampa 1-0 in its season opener Saturday. Junior Lindsey Brauer scored the game’s only goal in the 48th minute of the Bulls’ exhibition match against the Spartans.

The contest was played in three 30-minute periods. However, because of a 30-minute rain delay, the third period was cut to 10 minutes.

The Bulls got their first scoring chance 20 minutes into the first period on a through ball by Brauer to freshman Alyshia Currey. Currey was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

The Bulls faced a scare with less than four minutes remaining in the first period when sophomore goalie Mallori Lofton-Malachi saved a Tampa shot, but couldn’t control the rebound, which gave Tampa a wide-open shot on the Bulls net. However, midfielder Annalea Crowe blocked the Tampa shot.

Tampa found the back of the net midway through the second period, but the goal was called off because the Tampa player was offsides.

Minutes after sophomore midfielder Kaneile Thomas returned to the game she split two defenders with her pass into the box for Brauer. Brauer took a couple of touches then sent the ball to the far corner of the net.

The game finished with a scoreless 10-minute third period.

Freshmen Pasquale Anderson, Angelique Waller, Ali Shaw and Currey, all made their collegiate debuts in the exhibition game.

“Soccer’s what I like and it just came to me,” said Anderson of her first college game.

Although head coach Denise Schilte-Brown wants the team to improve in all aspects of the game, the first-year head coach was positive after the game.

“I’m happy we won,” said Schilte-Brown. “I think by the end of the game we accomplished the goals that we set out for the game.”

- Jenn Misiewicz

USF Season Predictions

In early June I received an email from the website SportsProjections.com asking for a brief overview of the USF football team and how game-by-game predictions on how they will fare.

Here is a link to the website, but only Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Big 10 have been filled out.

Sports Projections

Here's the what the USF page will look like upon publication:



Contributor: Brendan Galella

Web address: www.usforacle.com

Last Year Record: 9-4 (4-3 Big East)

Last Year Summary: Quarterback Matt Grothe emerged as USF’s primary offensive weapon both through the air and on the ground. USF ranked second in the Big East in total defense, allowing only 298.5 yards per game and 20 touchdowns on the year. The Bulls season culminated with the programs first bowl victory, a 24-7 victory over East Carolina in the PapaJohns.com Bowl.

Returning Starters: 8 offensive, 7 defensive

Players to Watch This Season: QB Matt Grothe, RB Mike Ford, WR Amarri Jackson LB Ben Moffitt, CB Trae Williams CB Mike Jenkins

Offensive Strengths: Quarterback- signal caller Matt Grothe led the Big East with 3,198 yards from scrimmage last season.

Offensive Weaknesses: Wide receiver- remains an issue for the Bulls. Ean Randolph graduated and senior Amp Hill has transferred.

Defensive Strengths: Secondary- cornerback Mike Jenkins has proven to be the shut down corner on the team and fellow corner Trae Williams was tested often last season, and tied for fifth in the country with seven interceptions.

Defensive Weaknesses: Linebacker- After the departure Stephen Nicholas and Patrick St. Louis, Ben Moffitt is the only starter returning. Chris Robinson, Brouce Mompremier and Iowa State transfer Tyrone McKenzie will all try and fill the voids.

2007 Season Summary: The Bulls have alternated wins with Louisville, Rutgers and West Virginia since joining the Big East Conference two seasons ago. USF will likely contend for the conference crown and have a legitimate chance of winning the Big East as they play host to both the Mountaineers and Cardinals. USF has to be cautious of an in-conference let down game, as their loss to Cincinnati last season ruined any aspirations of playing in a BCS Bowl.

Big Games of the Year: Sept. 28 vs. West Virginia, Oct. 18 at Rutgers & Nov. 17 vs. Louisville

2007 Projected Record: 9-3 (5-2 Big East)

2007 Projected Bowl (if applicable): Texas Bowl


Schedule

Sept. 1- Elon (W)

Sept. 8- at Auburn (L)

Sept. 22- North Carolina (W)

Sept. 28- West Virginia (W)

Oct. 6- at Florida Atlantic (W)

Oct. 13- UCF (W)

Oct. 18- at Rutgers (L)

Oct. 27- at Connecticut (W)

Nov. 3- Cincinnati (W)

Nov. 10-at Syracuse (W)

Nov. 17- Louisville (L)

Nov. 24- at Pittsburgh (W)



Big East Conference Standings Projection

1. Louisville
2. West Virginia
3. South Florida
4. Rutgers
5. Cincinnati
6. Pittsburgh
7. Connecticut
8. Syracuse

8/20 football practice update

The USF football team had a small scare Monday afternoon.

As the Bulls' afternoon practice came to a close, sophomore quarterback Matt Grothe could be seen limping off the field with a bag of ice tied around his upper leg. When asked about the injury, offensive coordinator Greg Gregory was quick to dismiss it as not very serious.

"(Grothe's) fine," offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said. "He just needed some ice on his groing. That was nothing."

Gregory confirmed that, despite the injury, Grothe participated in the entire practice Monday and is expected to suit up when the Bulls take the field again Tuesday morning.

-Eric Moeller

Men's soccer cruises past University of Tampa

The soccer team's pre-season got off to an encouraging start with a 2-0 victory over the University of Tampa in the cross town rivalry known as the Rowdies Cup.

The Bulls improved their record to 11-7-2 all-time in the series against the Spartans and were able to get a first look at eight of the 14 new players coach Kiefer brought in this off-season.

"Tonight was good cause we got to play a lot of guys and nobody got injured," Kiefer said. "We've been working on defending for the last three days and we were able to get a shutout, so there are a lot of positives to draw from it."

The match, which was played in three 30 minute periods instead of the traditional 45 minute halves, was a good way for the coaches to measure their team's fitness levels early on.

"We got a long way to go in a lot of areas and fitness is one them," Kiefer said. "In fairness to the players though, we've been going twice a day for the last three days in the 95 degree heat, so I'm sure their legs we're heavy."

That sentiment was echoed by the players after the match.

"My whole body is tired right now," team captain Yohance Marshall said. "Overall though, I think our fitness is pretty good for this point in the season."

In the first period of play the Bulls were able to control the ball better than they would for the rest of the match. In the 20th minute, junior mid-fielder Kevon Neaves struck a line drive from outside the 18 yard box that ricocheted off the post and into the back of the net to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.

USF would strike again before the end of the period after Neaves made a good run weaving in and out of defenders. He passed the ball out wide to a streaking Jordan Seabrook who had assisted him on the first goal. This time, Seabrook launched a cross that found the foot of senior forward Simon Schoendorf for the second Bulls goal.

"We have a lot of offensive minded players," Seabrook said. "We've been working mostly on defense thus far so I'm happy with the way everything flowed tonight."

The second and third periods saw less action as the number of shots on goal diminished along with the time of controlled possession. The Bulls had a lot of set piece opportunities off of free kicks in the second period but were unable to capitalize on anything. The final period was more of the same as both teams struggled to maintain possession of the ball.

"We haven't spent a minute on the attack (in practice) but we were still able to get two good goals which is nice," Kiefer said. "But no doubt about it, the main priority is how we handle and possess the ball and I feel like we didn't take care of the ball well enough tonight."

In the end the Bulls out shot the Spartans 9-1. An encouraging sign as they move forward on the training grounds toward a season of high hopes for USF offensively.

"This was a training session for us," Kiefer said. "We just have to keep working on it. We're back out there tomorrow morning at nine."

-David Rice

Three Bulls in the NFL

Linebacker Stephen Nicholas was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 109th pick in the fourth round. Nicholas becomes the second highest drafted player from South Florida behind Kawika Mitchell, the 47th pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Nicholas is expected to bolster the Falcons defense, which includes linebackers Keith Brooking, Jordan Beck, Demorrio Williams, John Leake and Michael Boley. With an injury to Williams, Nicholas has an opportunity to earn a starting position once training camp begins.

Brooking will be the starting middle linebacker while Nicholas is battling for time at either outside linebacker positions.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed wide receiver Ean Randolph in an attempt to fill the void left by Dante Hall, who was dealt to the St. Louis Rams. Randolph led the Bulls in punt returns with 370 yards and a touchdown and receiving with 49 receptions, 506 yards and four touchdowns.

The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with safety Jeremy Burnett, joining Darren Sharper, Dwight Smith, Greg Blue and Will Hunter at the position. Burnett started 12 games for the Bulls last season and intercepted two passes.

Rookie Impact

	Which rookie will have the biggest impact during the 2007 NFL Season
	Stephen Nicholas
	Ean Randolph
	Jeremy Burnett
poker

Who's your man?

Names keep popping up, names keep dropping, so with the Final Four games just days away, cast your vote.

With the names left for men's basketball coach, who do you most want to fill the position?
	Stan Heath
	Tom Moore
	Steve Lappas
	Pete Gillen
	Mike Jarvis
	Other
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Mike Jarvis hopes to coach USF

Former St. John’s coach and current ESPN analyst Mike
Jarvis submitted an application to USF after Robert
McCullum was fired on March 10.
During a phone interview, Jarvis expressed his
interest in becoming the next men’s basketball coach
at South Florida. Here’s the interview in its
entirety.

Oracle: What kind of qualifications do you think it
will take to come to another Big East school? Do you
feel like a prime candidate for USF?

Mike Jarvis: Every school has different criteria for
selecting a coach. Honestly, the only person who could
answer that would be the athletic director (Doug
Woolard). I’m sure they’re looking for someone who’s a
proven coach and has been successful. I’m not sure
what other things are on their priority list, but
every coach brings something special to the table. It
really depends on what they are looking for at a
particular school.

O: Previously you were mentioned for other coaching
jobs, such as Miami. What draws you to USF?

MJ: I was asked when it opened up, if I would have an
interest and I basically said that I would. You have
to make a decision (about whether that) is something
you have an interest in and … when I was asked that
question, (I said) that I would. Nothing really much
has happened since then but there is not a whole lot I
can say about that position.

O: You had some success with St. John’s, but there was
some controversy. Do you think you’ve moved passed
that? Can (school) officials move past that?

MJ: I really would rather not talk about that or any
specifics at this time. But my record speaks for
itself. I’ve been a teacher and an educator for
30something years and have had incredible success on
and off the court. I have been the president of the
National Association of Basketball Coaches, have
coached the United States of America Basketball
(under-22 men’s team in 1993). I guess it would be
like asking a parent about something their kids did
once in their lifetime. I basically tell folks, ‘Hey
listen, when you me, look at my body of work and you
look at who I am.’ You can talk to anybody you want
and ask them what they think about me personally or
coaching wise. The honest to God truth is I let my
life speak for itself.

O: How badly do you want to get back into coaching?

MJ: I would love to coach again, but it would have to
be at the right place with the right people. If I can
find a special place — and that would be determined
primarily by the people who I am working for and what
their goals and missions were — then I would certainly
enjoy coaching again. But only under those
circumstances.

O: Would coming back to the Big East be one of the
situations you would like to be back in?

MJ: I don’t know. Honestly, it really wouldn’t be
about going back to one particular place or
conference. It’s really about being in a really,
really good and wholesome environment and working with
good people. That’s the main thing.

O: Have you seen the USF campus?

MJ: Yeah, I’ve been there. I did a game there, I did
the Syracuse game (March 14).

O: Did you like what you saw?

MJ: Oh yeah, it was a wonderful place. I mean, Tampa
is a great place. Whoever goes to coach there I’m sure
will be very, very happy living there. I’m sure they
are going to hire a good coach and a good person.
Whoever that is, I hope they do really well.

—Brendan Galella

Connecticut's Tom Moore interest in USF job

During a phone conversation with Connecticut associate head coach Tom Moore, he expressed interest in South Florida’s vacant coaching position.

Here’s the conversation in its entirety.

Oracle: Have you spoke with anyone from South Florida?

Tom Moore: No, not me directly, no. They made some phone calls early in the process to our athletic director. But I haven’t spoken with USF yet.

O: Have you been paying attention to the rumors (at USF)?

TM: Yeah, I heard (Winthrop’s) Gregg Marshall is no longer a candidate and that (John) Pelfrey (of South Alabama) is no longer a candidate. I’m not sure how much truth there is to that.

O: Are you at all interested in USF?

TM: Oh yeah, definitely. Yeah, definitely.

O: Can you talk about the potential of remaining in the Big East?

TM: I think any Big East job is a coveted job because of the history of the league on the national landscape. I think South Florida has great untapped potential because of the region of the country and the recruiting base. All those things make it an attractive job and I’m definitely interested in it.

O: What would it be like to establish a legacy here as opposed to becoming a coach at a place like Connecticut?

TM: Any time you get an opportunity where you get a chance to put your own stamp – it’s a unique challenge. With South Florida being new to the league and not having a Big East identity yet, I think whoever is fortunate enough to get the job has a real neat opportunity to put their own stamp on the program. I mean, in terms of the style of play and hopefully establishing a winning tradition within the league.

O: What is the interest in coming to USF as opposed to some of the previous offers you received?

TM: I think on a broader base it’s more about being a head coach in general. I’ve been blessed to be at a great program learning under a Hall of Fame coach (Jim Calhoun) who has won two national championship and been fortunate to work with so many future NBA players; it’s been an incredible learning experience here. I feel ready to go back to being a head coach. I’ve had opportunities to really look at some outstanding situations. The opportunities and potential at South Florida speak for themselves, actually.

O: Are you ready for a change of scenery down in Florida, maybe?

TM: Yeah, I mean my wife and I are up for anything if it’s a good situation, to be honest with you. I think the neat thing that UConn has afforded me is to meet people from all over the country because of the outstanding reputation of the program. It’s allowed me to build relationships with high school and AAU coaches from all over. We’ve been successful in recruiting from down south. We had Rashand Anderson, who I recruited from Lakeland High School. He helped us win a national championship and was a 1,000-point scorer for us. I think it could be a fit.

O: What impressions did you have from your previous visit to USF (on March 1, 2006)?

TM: We were only down there for a short amount of time. But it was very attractive and in a nice area. The facilities were nice and I think the weather and the climate are going to be attractive to a lot of kids. I think that’s a big part of the intriguing package.

— Brendan Galella

Woolard speaks: McCullum done at USF

The long-awaited decision has been made by Athletic Director Doug Woolard regarding the men’s basketball team, and the result shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise: Robert McCullum is out as the Bulls’ coach.

A fourth consecutive losing season under McCullum wasn’t going to cut it for Woolard, who wanted to see “significant improvement” this season, so McCullum was fired Friday with two years left on his six-year contract.

USF(12-18, 3-16) improved from its miserable 7-22, 1-16 season in Big East play a year ago, but it wasn’t significant enough, and for the second straight year, it wasn’t good enough for the Bulls to make it to the Big East Tournament.
I tried asking Woolard on Friday night a few different ways what it would’ve taken for McCullum to be retained, but he was firm with his answer that it wasn’t about this season only.

“When I stepped back and really reviewed the entire past four seasons, and I realized that our overall record was 40-76, our conference record was 10-54 and we only had one conference regular-season road win in four years, so it became apparent that we needed to be further along than that over a four-year stretch,” Woolard said over the phone. “There really wasn’t any single factor. It was just looking at the whole body of work over four years.”

Woolard spent part of last week at the Big East Tournament in New York City, and now he’s likely to head to some of the NCAA Tournament to try in fill a coaching opening in the toughest basketball conference in the nation.

The only player I could get a hold of Friday night who was willing to go on the record was senior Chris Capko, who appeared in 65 games at guard under McCullum. Capko already has his degree, and his college playing days are over.

But if he was returning to USF next season, he said he would’ve wanted McCullum back as his coach. Capko also said he wasn’t surprised with Woolard’s decision because McCullum told the team earlier in the week “the situation and how it was happening.”

“I’m biased toward coach because he was my coach for four years, but I can’t really say I’m surprised,” Capko said. “I would wish for him to be back, just because he was the guy who brought me here, and I’m all for him — the kind of program he runs, the way he manages us.”

Assistant coach Greg Gary also said he wasn’t surprised at Woolard’s decision, but obviously he was in favor of McCullum returning next season. Just like he said last week, Gary said Friday that if he had a son he would send him to McCullum because of the way he handles players in situations in basketball and in life.

“I feel very, very bad for coach McCullum,” Gary said. “He’s an unbelievable person, and I’m very disappointed for him.”

Go to The Oracle for the full story and to read Assistant Sports Editor Brendan Galella’s column about McCullum’s firing.

-- Kevin Smetana

Spring practice nearing

One thing that's always interesting about covering the baseball games will be the random -- though not really random because they're becoming more frequent -- coach Jim Leavitt sightings.

He loves baseball, as most of the in-depth fans know, and, as it has been said before by many publications: Leavitt was the Big 8 batting champ in 1976 at Mizzou.

Crazy, right? Well, Leavitt said tonight that the football team ran 40s on Monday, and it'll probably shock most of you who the fastest player on the team is.

Want to guess? Who would you think a receiver like Taurus Johnson or defensive backs Mike Jenkins or Trae Williams?

Nope, it's actually receiver Colby Erskin. Yeah, I know, Erskin. Leavitt said he ran a 4.23.

Leavitt said redshirt freshman Carlton Mitchell came in second with a 4.28. Impressive numbers and Leavitt says he really wants to work Mitchell into the offense, and with the departures of Ean Randolph and S.J. Green, Mitchell looks to really move up the ladder and compete for a starting job.

And for those you haven't heard anything about the highly-touted running back Mike Ford in a while, he clocked in a 4.66, which, Leavitt said, impressed everyone since the cousin of senior receiver Amarri Jackson weighs in at 220 pounds.

One thing that Leavitt pointed out was amount of coaching changes that not only USF has had this offseason, but Miami and FSU as well. The Bulls have added four new coaches -- two hires and two grad assistant promotions -- FSU had five including Lawrence Dawsey being hired at the same position for the Seminoles, and the Hurricanes, obviously, outright fired Larry Coker.

Leavitt said he was excited about his new coaching staff and that everyone has been clicking during workouts. More importantly, as we discussed that he takes a daily run around campus, Leavitt, as always, is ready to get back to practice.

Should be an interesting spring.

-- Mike Camunas

Was it smack talk?

Thanks to ChiTownBull on The BullsPen for posting this and bringing to my attention.

A story from the Gainesville Sun pulls a quote from my game story for the USF/UF game on Feb. 27, and references a Maruszak (spelled Maruszack in the Sun) quote that I got following the 10-5 loss.

I asked Maruszak about missing an opportunity to really solidfy the 9-1 start wasn't a fluke and he said he felt the team did. And whether he was just mad after the loss or was geniune — which I feel he was because I haven't talked a USF player that is tired of hearing about Florida's dominace of the state media — the quote probably wasn't necessary smack talk, just how Maruszak felt the game should have played out.

I actually think both Florida and USF are pretty evenly matched in baseball. Neither is a powerhouse this year, but I give USF the edge with experience on its pitching staff, espeically if Friday night start Danny Otero can get out of the current funk he's in.

I'll post the quote for those who missed it:

"We're a better team than that club right there," Maruszak said. "Florida has the big name and everything - we're a much better team than them. When we get them next time in regionals, if they make regionals, if we play them, we're going to beat them. That's a guarantee."

Here's a link to my orginal game story from the 27th:

http://media.www.usforacle.com/media/storage/paper880/news/2007/02/28/Sports/Bulls.Miss.Out-2748248.shtml

And here's a link to the Gainesville Sun story, which I actually think is just a notebook.

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/GATORS16/70306009/-1/sports

Geez, and no byline credit on the quote either. Where's the love from the Sun?

— Mike Camunas

The right baseball story

Inadvertantly, the wrong baseball story ran in Monday's edition of the Oracle.

The situation was brought to my attention this morning, and to correct it, we should have the story posted online at www.usforacle.com by the afternoon.

Here's the story on the blog to read as well.

Sorry to inconvience any of our readers.

— Mike Camunas

Bulls drop two of three to Central Michigan

By Mike Camunas, Sports Editor

Call it six hours and 55 minutes of disappointment.
Actually, it was the whole series with Central Michigan.
The Bulls, coming off a blown-lead loss to Florida on Tuesday, lost two of three games to the Chippewas, including splitting Sunday’s doubleheader.
USF (10-4) lost 18-7, then won 19-9 to Central Michigan (4-5). But following the 9-1 start, one of the best in team history, coach Lelo Prado calls the three games — in which the team gave up 33 runs, committed 10 errors and saw two starting pitchers get rocked for 14 combined earned runs — a “total disappointment.”
“That’s what this whole weekend was,” Prado said. “I mean, I’m proud of them for coming back (in the second game) and scoring 19 runs. Friday night we played terrible … and in the first game today, we battled a little, but our pitching was awful.”
In the first game, the usual Friday night starter Danny Otero (3-2) pitched 6 1/3 innings, but gave up seven earned runs, including a three-run fifth. After starting the season with a 0.41 ERA, the senior transfer from Duke’s ERA has ballooned to 2.70.
Otero got pushed back to a Saturday start, but then became the Game 1 starter when rain forced the Bulls to schedule the doubleheader.
“Otero is supposed to be our stud,” Prado said. “He’s got to pitch better than what he did, because if he doesn’t, then we’re in trouble.”
Junior starter Chris Delaney didn’t fare any better an hour after the 18-7 drubbing by the Chippewas. Delaney (2-0) lasted just two innings — but in the second, the Tampa native gave up seven runs, including a grand slam by Central Michigan designated hitter Scott Szpyrka.
Prado also wasn’t happy with the number of errors committed.
“The errors were awful,” Prado said. “(Shortstop Walter) Diaz has got to get better. (Third baseman Addison) Maruszak has got to get better. We drop fly balls — if they can’t make the plays, we’ll find someone who can.”
The Bulls, as Prado saw it, found few bright spots over the three games against a Chippewa team that lost only 23 of 58 games last season.
First baseman Brandin Daniel continued to swing a hot bat, going 6-for-12 with six RBI and a home run, and centerfielder Joey Angelbeger hit two home runs and went 4-for-10 with six RBI.
“Daniel has been on the ball all year. We expect him to do that for us,” Prado said, adding that Angelberger “still has to wake up out there. … A junior needs to play smarter to play at this level.”
Added Angelberger, “Yeah, this (series) was a big letdown. … A lot can happen in baseball. You’re going to make errors, but we let them snowball. One will run into another and into another. We just have to move past them.”
Daniel, who is batting a team-high .420 with more than 45 plate appearances, agreed the team will make errors from time to time, but has to concentrate more to stop the errors from recurring each inning.
“I really can’t say what (the errors are from),” Daniel said. “You get a bad hop, you misread the ball — stuff happens.”
Prado wasn’t happy with the errors Sunday, but he was even less pleased with his players, and he has said before if the job doesn’t get done, then he’ll find someone else who can do it.
“We won’t be satisfied with winning one out of three games,” Prado said. “We won’t accept it, or we’ll get new baseball players.”

Packed house for the Bulls

Over here at the Red, and there in the three years I've been covering the baseball team, I haven't seen the stands so full. This comes close to the last time Florida showed up to the Red -- in 2005, the same year they made it to the Final of the World Series, only to lose to Texas.

We''ll, this is what coach Lelo Prado told me he wanted, for well, every game, but so far the attendance at the games has nearly quadrupled. Even on the a hot or cold Sunday game there is more than 200 people.

Can't say I'm shocked since many are bigger fans of Prado than of the Bulls, but they've got to start somewhere.

As for an update, top of the second no score with true freshman Matt Quevedo on the mound. Left-fieder Petrie hit the ball to the warning track but Ty Taborelli made the easy catch.

More later after the game, which has a big media presence tonight. All three papers are here, the Alligator, UF's student paper is here and the radio for both teams, however, no TV. That's this weekend on Catch 47.

-- Mike Camunas

What would you do in Doug Woolard's shoes?

Last night, the men's basketball team was eliminated from the Big East tournament. The highest the Bulls can finish the season now is 13th place, but only if they win out their three remaining games.

So, with that being said, if you were athletic director Doug Woolard, what would you do?

Fire McCullum or retain him for next season?

Take our poll, post your comments or send us an email at oraclesports@yahoo.com

If you were athletic director Doug Woolard, what would you do with coach Robert McCullum?
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— Mike Camunas

Finally, baseball is here

How about a quick blog, huh?

Coming at you from the baseball game Sunday, making it the opening weekend for the new look Bulls.

Coach Lelo Prado is taking over a following 21 years of former coach Eddie Cardieri, and a very disappointing 2006 season.

Anyways, lots and lots of changes, some which were in my article in the Oracle’s baseball preview. Here’s the link for you. Prado's principles

Definitely the major change is taking the time to fix up Red McEwen Field. More paint, new fences, a drinking patio — all in the form, as Prado tells me, to make the experience of a Bulls game more enjoyable.

But not only that he’s looking to get even more people to show up to the games, and he’s already succeeded by at least getting plenty of hometown support.

The attendance numbers from Friday night’s home opener were over a 1,000. Last season that took about 10 games to achieve.

The new uniforms look good as well. Very professional, though I haven’t been able to see just which company is producing them for USF. Anways, this was a quick blog, and the game is winding down here at the Red. Bulls are up 11-3 in the bottom of the seventh. They have outscored the High Point Panthers 30-5 so far, and with a man on third and only one out, there is a mercy run in place — 10 run rule after seven innings, so the Bulls look to be in cruise control at the moment.

More to come this season.

— Mike Camunas

Dorsey memorial

Plenty of somber feelings at Keely Dorsey's on-campus memorial at The Corral today. Dorsey, the 19-year-old running back who collapsed and died Jan. 17, will be laid to rest Saturday in Tallahassee at 1 p.m.

A few people spoke, most notably coach Jim Leavitt, defensive coordinator Wally Burnham and running backs coach Carl Franks. His father, Claude Terrell, also spoke, but out of all them, the most emotional was Burnham.

Burnham, probably the most known defensive coordinator in the state of Florida, was the USF coach that recruited Dorsey out of Lincoln High School in Tallahassee.

Burnham spoke about how they weren't even looking at Dorsey — didn't even know who he was until Burnham made a stop by Lincoln and Dorsey's coach showed him game tape of Dorsey.

The story goes they all fell in love with Dorsey, and that Dorsey, still a senior in high school, basically wanted to start at USF the day they offered him a chance to join the team.

Franks talked about how dedicated Dorsey was at his position, and how much he helped other players at other positions, such as the receivers.

It was a nice way to help people who can't go to Tallahassee on Saturday find a little closure. Surely the results of his autospy will do a little of that, but those are still a few weeks away.

The Corral had, in my opinion, more than 800 people in attendance, including every team from athletics and many people who made the trip down from Tallahassee.

I'll leave with one last thought, and it's the one senior linebacker Pat St. Louis put out there.

St. Louis said he never spent much time with Dorsey, that they just ran in different circles on the football team. He admitted that bothered him a little, but he still cared for him as a brother as the team has been referring to him. But he said to the crowd that think about the ones you love, tell them you love them, that way they know and will feel better that they know about that love.

It was touching. Especially when he demanded the whole football team rise from their seats. He told them to embrace each other, to tell each player how they felt, that way everyone knew.

I almost did the same thing.

— Mike Camunas

Dorsey updates

Yeah, I know, it's been some time since we've posted on here, but we'll try to get as much info that becomes available throughout the day on the death of freshman running back Keeley Dorsey.

First off, coach Jim Leavitt, who along with team chaplain David Lane flew to Tallahassee this morning to meet with Dorsey's family, has canceled the team's annual banquet Saturday as well as canceling all on-campus visits from potential recruits.

Secondly, Leavitt and Vice President of Student Affairs Jennifer Meningall are scheduled for a press conference at 4 today in front of the John and Grace Allen Adminstration Building.

I talked to Leavitt last night around 8 p.m. before he headed into a team meeting. Obviously, he sounded very distraught, but declined to add to his original statement he gave Wednesday night, which can be found in today's story on Dorsey at the Oracle's homepage (www.usforacle.com).

I'll have a few more details once I can talk to some more players, some of whom I reached last night, but were so emotional upset that they asked to wait to today to be interviewed on the record.

— Mike Camunas