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