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
Saturday, September 08, 2007
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
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
-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
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
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
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
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
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
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
-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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
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
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
Sunday, September 02, 2007
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
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
Saturday, September 01, 2007
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
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
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
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.
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.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, August 27, 2007
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
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
Thursday, August 23, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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
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
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
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
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
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
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
Monday, August 20, 2007
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
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
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
Monday, April 30, 2007
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.
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 | |
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Who's your man?
Names keep popping up, names keep dropping, so with the Final Four games just days away, cast your vote.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
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
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
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
Saturday, March 10, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
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
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
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
Monday, March 05, 2007
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.”
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.”
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
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
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
Thursday, February 22, 2007
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
— Mike Camunas
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
— Mike Camunas
Sunday, February 11, 2007
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
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
Friday, January 26, 2007
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
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
Thursday, January 18, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Women's preseason Top 25: USF receiving votes
Just caught up with the preseason rankings for women's basketball, and this just in: the USF women's basketball team is receiving four — count them — four votes in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll which was released Tuesday evening.
Other Big East teams in the top 25:
No. 8 Connecticut
No. 11 Rutgers
No. 19 DePaul
While Louisville (33), St. John's (20) and Pittsburgh (16) are receiving votes as well.
It seems not just Big East men's basketball will make splashes this season, but there are a few other teams of note to USF in top 25.
USC, the team USF lost to in its first ever NCAA Tournament game, is ranked 22nd.
Michigan St., which the Bulls face on Dec. 3, is ranked 17th.
LSU, which the Bulls face Jan. 3 and which lost Simone Augustus to the WNBA, is ranked 10th.
Vanderbilt, which USF faces Dec. 7, is ranked 15th.
There are no women's basketball RPI out just yet, but looks like another tough non-conference set up by coach Jose Fernandez and a equally tough conference schedule. If this season proves just as successful as last season (18-22), it could, and should, mean another trip to the NCAA tourney.
— Mike Camunas
Other Big East teams in the top 25:
No. 8 Connecticut
No. 11 Rutgers
No. 19 DePaul
While Louisville (33), St. John's (20) and Pittsburgh (16) are receiving votes as well.
It seems not just Big East men's basketball will make splashes this season, but there are a few other teams of note to USF in top 25.
USC, the team USF lost to in its first ever NCAA Tournament game, is ranked 22nd.
Michigan St., which the Bulls face on Dec. 3, is ranked 17th.
LSU, which the Bulls face Jan. 3 and which lost Simone Augustus to the WNBA, is ranked 10th.
Vanderbilt, which USF faces Dec. 7, is ranked 15th.
There are no women's basketball RPI out just yet, but looks like another tough non-conference set up by coach Jose Fernandez and a equally tough conference schedule. If this season proves just as successful as last season (18-22), it could, and should, mean another trip to the NCAA tourney.
— Mike Camunas
Saturday, September 23, 2006
64 minutes and counting
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Been at the stadium for a few hours now, and I got the pleasure to watch the Bulls arrive by their charter buses. It went without incident, though. No jeering, no hecking, no chucking of beers at the players. Filed in and are now warming up.
Couple of late scratches: Richard Clebert did not travel with the team. He has a terrible groin injury according to SID John Gerdes, and safety Danny Verpaele will not start, looks like Carlton Williams will be taking his place. As for Clerbert, looks like Woody George will get the start just like last week at UCF. Depth chart-wise the Bulls are looking at Chris Robinson and Julian Riley for tackles off the bench. Coach Jim Leavitt said they would be rotating a lot on the line, and tonight looks no different.
To wrap up this quick note, Thed Watson will start at guard today.
That’s it for now. More later, hopefully before halftime.
— Mike Camunas
Couple of late scratches: Richard Clebert did not travel with the team. He has a terrible groin injury according to SID John Gerdes, and safety Danny Verpaele will not start, looks like Carlton Williams will be taking his place. As for Clerbert, looks like Woody George will get the start just like last week at UCF. Depth chart-wise the Bulls are looking at Chris Robinson and Julian Riley for tackles off the bench. Coach Jim Leavitt said they would be rotating a lot on the line, and tonight looks no different.
To wrap up this quick note, Thed Watson will start at guard today.
That’s it for now. More later, hopefully before halftime.
— Mike Camunas
Bulls bring rain with them
KANAS CITY — It’s raining. Well, at least it’s only in Kansas City — the Missouri side that is. I just checked over on Lawrence, Kan., and it’s clear, but chilly. Game time looks to be in the somewhere in the 50’s. Yikes.
Anyways, just a few things.
Kansas is dead. I think these mid Westerns are in bed by 10:30 p.m. at the latest. It was just odd to me. My photog, Josh Corban, Times writer Greg Auman and I all went out to a bar-b-que place last night, and they were shutting down at 9:30 CST. Heck, we didn’t get in until 7 p.m. Just plain odd, in my opinion.
Should be fun tonight to meet Kawika Mitchell at the game. The Kansas City linebacker had mentioned this week, with the Chiefs bye week, that he might attend the game. At the Oracle, I’ve been meaning to do a feature story on him since I took over as Sports Editor. Hasn’t gone over as well as I hoped. Last year, I was going to go down to Miami to get him at a Dolphins game, but Hurricane Wilma changed the game time on me, and I couldn’t make it. I’ll talk to him a the game and get a story in later this week. Now if I could just talk to his former defensive coordinator.
There are two Big East/Big 12 games today. USF and Kansas, and Louisville and Kansas State. K-State should get destroyed by Louisville. I think most feel that’s a given, even with K-State‘s No.14-ranked defense, since they are facing the nation’s best offense. Louisville is too deep a team, even Michael Bush and Brian Brohm-less. USF and Kansas, on the other hand, looks to be a good game. I love this story about the two freshman quarterback, both of whom beat out seniors (if you want to call Pat Julmiste’s “thigh bruise” getting beat out), to get the starting positions. The Bulls’ have the No. 27-ranked defense, and I have been impressed with the way the defensive line — all nine different lineman they have been using — swapping in and out numerous times in the game and still coming up with the big late play, or containing their opponent’s offense. Two big forced fumbles have basically won the games for them the past two weeks.
Okay, enough for now. I expect Thed Watson to play with the loss of Jake Griffin, and I expect the punting game to have a different feel to it. Even though I reported Leavitt was sticking with Delbert Alvarado, I also think he doesn’t have much confidence in either Alvarado, nor Ilia Petrov.
More to come from Lawrence. Oh yeah, at that's central time I'm posting at.
— Mike Camunas
Anyways, just a few things.
Kansas is dead. I think these mid Westerns are in bed by 10:30 p.m. at the latest. It was just odd to me. My photog, Josh Corban, Times writer Greg Auman and I all went out to a bar-b-que place last night, and they were shutting down at 9:30 CST. Heck, we didn’t get in until 7 p.m. Just plain odd, in my opinion.
Should be fun tonight to meet Kawika Mitchell at the game. The Kansas City linebacker had mentioned this week, with the Chiefs bye week, that he might attend the game. At the Oracle, I’ve been meaning to do a feature story on him since I took over as Sports Editor. Hasn’t gone over as well as I hoped. Last year, I was going to go down to Miami to get him at a Dolphins game, but Hurricane Wilma changed the game time on me, and I couldn’t make it. I’ll talk to him a the game and get a story in later this week. Now if I could just talk to his former defensive coordinator.
There are two Big East/Big 12 games today. USF and Kansas, and Louisville and Kansas State. K-State should get destroyed by Louisville. I think most feel that’s a given, even with K-State‘s No.14-ranked defense, since they are facing the nation’s best offense. Louisville is too deep a team, even Michael Bush and Brian Brohm-less. USF and Kansas, on the other hand, looks to be a good game. I love this story about the two freshman quarterback, both of whom beat out seniors (if you want to call Pat Julmiste’s “thigh bruise” getting beat out), to get the starting positions. The Bulls’ have the No. 27-ranked defense, and I have been impressed with the way the defensive line — all nine different lineman they have been using — swapping in and out numerous times in the game and still coming up with the big late play, or containing their opponent’s offense. Two big forced fumbles have basically won the games for them the past two weeks.
Okay, enough for now. I expect Thed Watson to play with the loss of Jake Griffin, and I expect the punting game to have a different feel to it. Even though I reported Leavitt was sticking with Delbert Alvarado, I also think he doesn’t have much confidence in either Alvarado, nor Ilia Petrov.
More to come from Lawrence. Oh yeah, at that's central time I'm posting at.
— Mike Camunas
Saturday, September 09, 2006
So far not so good
TAMPA — Well, for those not subscribing to ESPN 360, it hasn’t really been that pretty at Raymond James stadium. The Bulls have found enough flags on punt returns to last them the entire season, and dug themselves into a 20-7 deficit.
Three on one play. One before, one during and one after a punt return by Ean Randolph. The Webber International transfer had three punt returns, and the only one that wasn’t taken back was a 76-yard scamp for the score.
Strange things. The offense looks a little weak, while the play calling seems very uncreative, even by Rod Smith standards.
Quarterback Matt Grothe is the team’s leading rusher at 41 yards, then add that to his 58 he had last week, that gives him a huge lead above senior running back Walt Smith at 99 yards.
The Bulls botched their first series after halftime, and walk on punter Delbert Alverado had to punt it away, and by the way, Alverado has looked very solid in his replacement of scholarship punter Ilia Petrov.
That’s about it for now. I’ll try to add some left over notes I have after the game. On the other hand, the crowd size — especially in the student section — is quite large for the second week in a row. My prediction, probably about a thousand over last week’s 26 K and change.
— Mike Camunas
Three on one play. One before, one during and one after a punt return by Ean Randolph. The Webber International transfer had three punt returns, and the only one that wasn’t taken back was a 76-yard scamp for the score.
Strange things. The offense looks a little weak, while the play calling seems very uncreative, even by Rod Smith standards.
Quarterback Matt Grothe is the team’s leading rusher at 41 yards, then add that to his 58 he had last week, that gives him a huge lead above senior running back Walt Smith at 99 yards.
The Bulls botched their first series after halftime, and walk on punter Delbert Alverado had to punt it away, and by the way, Alverado has looked very solid in his replacement of scholarship punter Ilia Petrov.
That’s about it for now. I’ll try to add some left over notes I have after the game. On the other hand, the crowd size — especially in the student section — is quite large for the second week in a row. My prediction, probably about a thousand over last week’s 26 K and change.
— Mike Camunas
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Time slots filling up
Two more game times for the football team's schedules were released today, and not shockingly, they are both at 7 p.m. The Oct. 7 game vs. Connecticut and the Nov. 11 game vs. Syracuse were posted on gousfbulls.com, meaning just two games are left without start times: the Oct. 13 game at UNC and Nov. 14 game at Louisville.
All that's next is getting some of those games on TV.
Mike Camunas
All that's next is getting some of those games on TV.
Mike Camunas
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Game day: 5:15 p.m.
TAMPA — Just arrived at Raymond James and it’s still pretty dead, at least inside the stadium. A handful of McNeese players are warming up and the band is quietly filing into their section.
Just a few things. Of course it has been reported that Pat Julmiste will start at quarterback. No shock there. He would have been my choice, but for those watching the game at home on ABC 28, redshirt freshman Matt Grothe should see some playing time.
Should be interesting to see how Grothe does, and who the quarterback’s new favorite receiver turns out to be, especially on the four wide sets with a single back in the back field. That will be Moise Plancher, who was one of the few players to show up at the media conference Tuesday.
Plancher was fun to talk to on the side. I usually like to talk to the players on what it’s like to be a student. Sometimes it’s funny because these players have just as good war stories about the first day of classes, parking and other college clichés.
Turns out Plancher doesn’t own a car. He did at one point, but last year it got towed and he just led the DMV auction it off. Now, he claims, he gets rides from a few players here and there, but walks to most things, including to the athletic facility, on campus.
That’s all I got for now. Sorry its not much, but it is game day, and just walking up through the parking lot to the stadium, I could feel electricity in the air.
There are fans who really enjoy this: Bulls’ games. They are die hard USFers and will do anything for their green and gold. Then there are the fans who just like college football, The raised beer can cheers made me laugh, which then made me realize college football will always be college football.
Just a few things. Of course it has been reported that Pat Julmiste will start at quarterback. No shock there. He would have been my choice, but for those watching the game at home on ABC 28, redshirt freshman Matt Grothe should see some playing time.
Should be interesting to see how Grothe does, and who the quarterback’s new favorite receiver turns out to be, especially on the four wide sets with a single back in the back field. That will be Moise Plancher, who was one of the few players to show up at the media conference Tuesday.
Plancher was fun to talk to on the side. I usually like to talk to the players on what it’s like to be a student. Sometimes it’s funny because these players have just as good war stories about the first day of classes, parking and other college clichés.
Turns out Plancher doesn’t own a car. He did at one point, but last year it got towed and he just led the DMV auction it off. Now, he claims, he gets rides from a few players here and there, but walks to most things, including to the athletic facility, on campus.
That’s all I got for now. Sorry its not much, but it is game day, and just walking up through the parking lot to the stadium, I could feel electricity in the air.
There are fans who really enjoy this: Bulls’ games. They are die hard USFers and will do anything for their green and gold. Then there are the fans who just like college football, The raised beer can cheers made me laugh, which then made me realize college football will always be college football.
Mike Camunas
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Back to work
So it’s been nearly two months exactly since our last post, and I guess I should apologize. But at the same time, this summer was pretty slow, meaning I was busy concerning myself with making sure I graduate before I can apply for an AARP card.
Now with August here and everything heating up faster than the asphalt, it’s back to business, and for those not paying attention to Bullspen.com, it’s only 31 days until the home opener against McNeese State.
All of that means lots of work from us media folk. Media days, the beginning of practices for all fall sports and special sections that preview the seasons for those sports.
Lots of info and news; I’ll try to get as much in as I can. If I don’t, it’s just 28 days until the next issue of the Oracle — as well as the first day of classes.
— So Carlton Hill is gone. His short-lived career at USF (and he has said he will strongly consider coming back to USF in 2007) was basically uneventful — well, at least on the field. From a couple arrests to Facebook controversy to grade problems, Hill probably feels more like a bust than the most highly touted recruit USF has ever landed.
With the USF Football Media Day on Tuesday, the media will probably mob senior quarterback Pat Julmiste or coach Jim Leavitt and ask just who will be the Bulls’ scoring threat. Will Julmiste say it will be him? Probably not, but Julmiste, with redshirt freshman Matt Grothe just a step behind him, will need to get the ball to either wide receivers Amarri Jackson or LSU transfer Amp Hill, or running backs Moise Plancher or Ricky Ponton will have to take the next step to fill the enormous shoes left behind by Andre Hall.
If Hill can keep that surgically repaired knee healthily, he has a good chance of leading the team at least in receiving touchdowns.
— The men’s soccer team, with nearly the exact same roster from the 2005 season that saw them to the second round of the NCAA tournament, was given a preseason ranking of No. 11 in the country.
I like this team. I’ve liked the players since I was the just the men’s soccer beat writer in 2004. Coach George Kiefer has built a team of great talent quietly, and knowing him, he wouldn’t want it any other way.
I talked to SID Paul Dodson about the ranking, which I thought could have been even higher, like No. 8 or 9 — the players, as always, are stoked with the props. But Dodson said Kiefer, as always, is downplaying it.
What will be interesting is when the Big East preseason rankings come out, and if USF is not picked to repeat atop the Red Division, it would be nothing short of an insult.
— And finally, Monday was the USF Football Media Golf Outing, where four-member teams comprised of coaches and local media compete for bragging rights for the coming year. My team consisted of Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Smetana, graduate assistant for defensive ends Mike Simmonds and SID intern Adam Hollen. We shot an 81 — a last-place finish. That’s right: last place. I don’t care. It was enjoyable, and as coach Jim Leavitt said, “If you’re going to cheat, go ahead. I’ve already given myself a five-stroke lead.”
Monday was still a great day to mingle with a bunch of good guys on the USF staff, who play golf just about every time Haley’s comet comes around. Simmonds, the former Buccaneers player and Jefferson coach, was very admirable and nice, as the duo of Mike & Mike were paired up in one cart.
Simmonds, I do believe, is about a foot taller than I am, and of course, he outdrove me many times, though he claims he’s no PGA Tour member. Neither am I. I did, however, get to talk to him about Jefferson senior quarterback Stephen Garcia and just where the highly ranked recruit will be headed next fall.
Many of you know that Garica has already made a visit with his family to USF and its athletic facilities, leaving extremely impressed. Simmonds said he’d been telling Garcia that USF had the means, but as you all know as well, many of the bigger schools are throwing their respective hats at the No. 15-ranked quarterback in the nation, who in the past two seasons has thrown for more than 5,500 yards and 55 touchdowns.
Simmonds mentioned Garcia came out of the Elite 11 camp, where the top 11 quarterbacks are invited to show off their skills, as the No. 3 quarterback. Simmonds said through the camp Garcia made more than 1,000 passes.
Simmonds also doesn’t expect his presence on the team to affect Garcia’s decision.
So Garcia was surprised by what USF had to offer. Not to mention Chris Simms and his father, Phil, really like Leavitt and his program, which could possibly pave the way for brother, Matt, to commit to USF.
Chris has a one-year contract with the Bucs this season, and how Chris’ future pans out has to have the most affect, even though Matt, the star of his New Jersey Prep High School, is only ranked three stars by Rivals.com.
With Hill taking leave, Julmiste out the door after this season, and Grant Gregory and Grothe still unproven, you figure USF has the resources to land one of these guys before this upcoming February.
As you can see, this should be a very eventful fall, meaning many more notes and fact-filled entries. Keep checking as I find myself dead tired watching two-a-day practices in the August heat.
Now with August here and everything heating up faster than the asphalt, it’s back to business, and for those not paying attention to Bullspen.com, it’s only 31 days until the home opener against McNeese State.
All of that means lots of work from us media folk. Media days, the beginning of practices for all fall sports and special sections that preview the seasons for those sports.
Lots of info and news; I’ll try to get as much in as I can. If I don’t, it’s just 28 days until the next issue of the Oracle — as well as the first day of classes.
— So Carlton Hill is gone. His short-lived career at USF (and he has said he will strongly consider coming back to USF in 2007) was basically uneventful — well, at least on the field. From a couple arrests to Facebook controversy to grade problems, Hill probably feels more like a bust than the most highly touted recruit USF has ever landed.
With the USF Football Media Day on Tuesday, the media will probably mob senior quarterback Pat Julmiste or coach Jim Leavitt and ask just who will be the Bulls’ scoring threat. Will Julmiste say it will be him? Probably not, but Julmiste, with redshirt freshman Matt Grothe just a step behind him, will need to get the ball to either wide receivers Amarri Jackson or LSU transfer Amp Hill, or running backs Moise Plancher or Ricky Ponton will have to take the next step to fill the enormous shoes left behind by Andre Hall.
If Hill can keep that surgically repaired knee healthily, he has a good chance of leading the team at least in receiving touchdowns.
— The men’s soccer team, with nearly the exact same roster from the 2005 season that saw them to the second round of the NCAA tournament, was given a preseason ranking of No. 11 in the country.
I like this team. I’ve liked the players since I was the just the men’s soccer beat writer in 2004. Coach George Kiefer has built a team of great talent quietly, and knowing him, he wouldn’t want it any other way.
I talked to SID Paul Dodson about the ranking, which I thought could have been even higher, like No. 8 or 9 — the players, as always, are stoked with the props. But Dodson said Kiefer, as always, is downplaying it.
What will be interesting is when the Big East preseason rankings come out, and if USF is not picked to repeat atop the Red Division, it would be nothing short of an insult.
— And finally, Monday was the USF Football Media Golf Outing, where four-member teams comprised of coaches and local media compete for bragging rights for the coming year. My team consisted of Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Smetana, graduate assistant for defensive ends Mike Simmonds and SID intern Adam Hollen. We shot an 81 — a last-place finish. That’s right: last place. I don’t care. It was enjoyable, and as coach Jim Leavitt said, “If you’re going to cheat, go ahead. I’ve already given myself a five-stroke lead.”
Monday was still a great day to mingle with a bunch of good guys on the USF staff, who play golf just about every time Haley’s comet comes around. Simmonds, the former Buccaneers player and Jefferson coach, was very admirable and nice, as the duo of Mike & Mike were paired up in one cart.
Simmonds, I do believe, is about a foot taller than I am, and of course, he outdrove me many times, though he claims he’s no PGA Tour member. Neither am I. I did, however, get to talk to him about Jefferson senior quarterback Stephen Garcia and just where the highly ranked recruit will be headed next fall.
Many of you know that Garica has already made a visit with his family to USF and its athletic facilities, leaving extremely impressed. Simmonds said he’d been telling Garcia that USF had the means, but as you all know as well, many of the bigger schools are throwing their respective hats at the No. 15-ranked quarterback in the nation, who in the past two seasons has thrown for more than 5,500 yards and 55 touchdowns.
Simmonds mentioned Garcia came out of the Elite 11 camp, where the top 11 quarterbacks are invited to show off their skills, as the No. 3 quarterback. Simmonds said through the camp Garcia made more than 1,000 passes.
Simmonds also doesn’t expect his presence on the team to affect Garcia’s decision.
So Garcia was surprised by what USF had to offer. Not to mention Chris Simms and his father, Phil, really like Leavitt and his program, which could possibly pave the way for brother, Matt, to commit to USF.
Chris has a one-year contract with the Bucs this season, and how Chris’ future pans out has to have the most affect, even though Matt, the star of his New Jersey Prep High School, is only ranked three stars by Rivals.com.
With Hill taking leave, Julmiste out the door after this season, and Grant Gregory and Grothe still unproven, you figure USF has the resources to land one of these guys before this upcoming February.
As you can see, this should be a very eventful fall, meaning many more notes and fact-filled entries. Keep checking as I find myself dead tired watching two-a-day practices in the August heat.
Mike Camunas
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Three USF baseball players drafted
The USF baseball team had its biggest two days of the year today and Tuesday as three of its top players were drafted in the First-Year Player Draft.
Junior pitchers Casey Hudspeth and Chase Lirette were drafted Tuesday, with USF graduate Brian Baisley being picked up today.
Hudspeth, who finished his senior season with a record of 7-7 and struck out 275 batters in three years as a Bull, was drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Astros.
Nelson North, who was Hudspeth’s pitching coach the last three seasons, wasn’t surprised with where Hudspeth was drafted. North said he expected him to go somewhere in the first five rounds.
After striking out 45 batters last season and earning seven saves, Lirette was drafted in the 16th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
While Hudspeth is all but done playing at USF, Lirette’s decision to go pro will likely come down to how much money Toronto offers him.
Baisley, who finished his senior campaign with a .299 batting average, was drafted in the 24th round by a team he followed while growing up — the New York Yankees.
Baisley said he would like to have been drafted higher, but he also said he’s just happy to be given the opportunity.
Despite having to wait a day longer than Hudspeth and Lirette to find out what organization he’ll be playing for, Baisley didn’t sit around worrying about what would happen.
He spent Tuesday night learning how not to play baseball, by going to see the Devil Rays get beaten by the Angels 12-2, and he went to the gym this morning, only to find out right when he got home that the Yankees had picked him up.
“Right when I got back from lifting I turned on the draft,” Baisley said. “And my name was the next one to pop up.”
Baisley said it was seconds later that he received a phone call from a Yankees’ scout telling him the good news.
Junior pitchers Casey Hudspeth and Chase Lirette were drafted Tuesday, with USF graduate Brian Baisley being picked up today.
Hudspeth, who finished his senior season with a record of 7-7 and struck out 275 batters in three years as a Bull, was drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Astros.
Nelson North, who was Hudspeth’s pitching coach the last three seasons, wasn’t surprised with where Hudspeth was drafted. North said he expected him to go somewhere in the first five rounds.
After striking out 45 batters last season and earning seven saves, Lirette was drafted in the 16th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
While Hudspeth is all but done playing at USF, Lirette’s decision to go pro will likely come down to how much money Toronto offers him.
Baisley, who finished his senior campaign with a .299 batting average, was drafted in the 24th round by a team he followed while growing up — the New York Yankees.
Baisley said he would like to have been drafted higher, but he also said he’s just happy to be given the opportunity.
Despite having to wait a day longer than Hudspeth and Lirette to find out what organization he’ll be playing for, Baisley didn’t sit around worrying about what would happen.
He spent Tuesday night learning how not to play baseball, by going to see the Devil Rays get beaten by the Angels 12-2, and he went to the gym this morning, only to find out right when he got home that the Yankees had picked him up.
“Right when I got back from lifting I turned on the draft,” Baisley said. “And my name was the next one to pop up.”
Baisley said it was seconds later that he received a phone call from a Yankees’ scout telling him the good news.
Kevin Smetana
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Cardieri resigns
It was just announced that after two days of talking with Athletic Director Doug Woolard and Barbaba Spark-McGlinchy, baseball coach Eddie Cardieri has decided to resign immediately from the position he has held for 21 years.
Just got off the phone with Cardieri, and he's in a little shock — probably where it hasn't sunk in yet. There'll be more in Thursday's Oracle on his decision and what his plans are now.
Mike Camunas
Just got off the phone with Cardieri, and he's in a little shock — probably where it hasn't sunk in yet. There'll be more in Thursday's Oracle on his decision and what his plans are now.
Mike Camunas
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
A quickie
CLEARWATER — The game is on a 43-minute post game delay from the Cincinnati/Rutgers 13-7 marathon, so here’s a quick side note that’s non-baseball related. Checking out CNNSI.com’s mock NBA Draft following Toronto winning the lottery last night, and the experts have Solomon Jones being picked up 50th overall by the Orlando Magic.
So I ran this by men’s basketball SID Scott Kuykendall, who informs me that Jones has 14 scheduled workouts with NBA teams before the Pre Draft camp at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex next month.
Should be interesting in the coming weeks how Jones performs, but imagine if he could continue to play basketball in the state of Florida? My guess is he would have no problem with that.
So I ran this by men’s basketball SID Scott Kuykendall, who informs me that Jones has 14 scheduled workouts with NBA teams before the Pre Draft camp at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex next month.
Should be interesting in the coming weeks how Jones performs, but imagine if he could continue to play basketball in the state of Florida? My guess is he would have no problem with that.
Mike Camunas
Day 2: St. John's vs. USF
CLEARWATER — A day after a hard-fought 3-1 loss to Notre Dame, USF is less than an hour away from possibly playing its final game of the season. The Bulls will go up against St. John’s, which lost its first game of the Big East Tournament to West Virginia.
The winner of the second-round match up between the eighth-seeded Bulls and the fourth-seeded Red Storm will go on to play the loser of the West Virginia, Notre Dame game, while the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.
If USF fails to advance to a third game, it would be the last game for several Bulls. Coach Eddie Cardieri’s Bulls have three regulars, who are seniors — left fielder Kris Howell, catcher Brian Baisley and designated hitter Matt McHargue. Baisley has the best chance of the three seniors to be drafted in the Majors.
There are also a few other possible exits that may take place once the Bulls’ season ends. There is a good chance that junior pitchers Casey Hudspeth and Chase Lirette may leave school early to enter the draft.
Hudspeth had already been drafted out of high school by the Devil Rays, offered extensive money to sign, but by some strange turn of events, missed the phone call from the front office. Don’t expect him to pass up money a second time.
And then there’s the possibility of Cardieri not returning. The 21-year coach has not received an extension on his contract, which runs out after this season.
But the Bulls will try to avoid thinking about all of the changes that may occur by beating St. John’s today. Sophomore Davis Bilardello will take the mound for USF. Bilardello is 1-7 with a 4.52 ERA. Bilardello suffered a loss on May 14 in a 4-3 loss to St. John’s.
The winner of the second-round match up between the eighth-seeded Bulls and the fourth-seeded Red Storm will go on to play the loser of the West Virginia, Notre Dame game, while the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.
If USF fails to advance to a third game, it would be the last game for several Bulls. Coach Eddie Cardieri’s Bulls have three regulars, who are seniors — left fielder Kris Howell, catcher Brian Baisley and designated hitter Matt McHargue. Baisley has the best chance of the three seniors to be drafted in the Majors.
There are also a few other possible exits that may take place once the Bulls’ season ends. There is a good chance that junior pitchers Casey Hudspeth and Chase Lirette may leave school early to enter the draft.
Hudspeth had already been drafted out of high school by the Devil Rays, offered extensive money to sign, but by some strange turn of events, missed the phone call from the front office. Don’t expect him to pass up money a second time.
And then there’s the possibility of Cardieri not returning. The 21-year coach has not received an extension on his contract, which runs out after this season.
But the Bulls will try to avoid thinking about all of the changes that may occur by beating St. John’s today. Sophomore Davis Bilardello will take the mound for USF. Bilardello is 1-7 with a 4.52 ERA. Bilardello suffered a loss on May 14 in a 4-3 loss to St. John’s.
Kevin Smetana and Mike Camunas
Bulls fall to Notre Dame 3-1
CLEARWATER — The Bulls dropped their first game of the Big East Tournament: a 3-1 loss to Notre Dame, in which a pitching duel formed between Korpi and Hudspeth.
The two combined for 14 stikeouts and gave up only three runs. Defense highlighted the game as well, making coach Eddie Cardieri sorry to see this game end.
“When the score was 2-1,” Cardieri said, “all I could think about was it’s a shame someone has to win this game. I hoped it would be us.
“Tonight you saw two artists at work. Casey and Korpi, they were just artists out there, as well they could pitch out there.”
Josh LeRoy, who went 2-for-3 in the game with the only RBI for USF, said Korpi had a “changeup you couldn’t hit.”
The Bulls couldn’t finish on chances, espeically once Kyle Weiland came in to save the game.
“Weiland has 15 saves," Cardieri said, "so that says enough right there. When they give the game to him, they have a heck of a chance.
“Casey definitely gave a chance to win, and you can’t take anything away from Notre Dame. They’re a great club, and it’s obvious that their starting pitching is very good.”
The Bulls will now face St. John’s on Wednesday, with Davis Billardello ready to make the start. The sophomore has 53 stikeouts and a 4.52 ERA. Cardieri said he wasn’t sure of the starter for the Red Storm, but the lineup will be much the same, except if they face a right-hander, Matt McHargue and Ty Taborelli will make starts.
However, later it was announced that right-hander Rob Delaney would make the start with his 6-3 record, 75 strikeouts and 3.84 ERA.
In the regular season, St. John’s won two of three games over USF, including a 19-0 pounding on May 13.
The Bulls hung with the No. 19 team in the county Tuesday night, one looking to make the NCAA Tournament even without winning the automatic Big East big. Cardieri said he wouldn’t be surprised that this “stacked team” made it to Omaha next month.
Added Hudspeth, “It’s always frustrating, especially hanging in with a team like that and being a big underdog and having a chance to upset them.”
After the press conference, you could tell this game got to Cardieri. He was adamant throughout most of the game, especially on a double-play call at first. He was jawing through most of the arguable pitches, which may surprise some that the 21-year coach has not been tossed from a single game this season.
“It’s just one of those things where there’s no such thing as a moral victory,” Cardieri said. “To me, we played them great; we played them tough. They’re one of the best teams in the country, yet we still had chances to beat them.”
The two combined for 14 stikeouts and gave up only three runs. Defense highlighted the game as well, making coach Eddie Cardieri sorry to see this game end.
“When the score was 2-1,” Cardieri said, “all I could think about was it’s a shame someone has to win this game. I hoped it would be us.
“Tonight you saw two artists at work. Casey and Korpi, they were just artists out there, as well they could pitch out there.”
Josh LeRoy, who went 2-for-3 in the game with the only RBI for USF, said Korpi had a “changeup you couldn’t hit.”
The Bulls couldn’t finish on chances, espeically once Kyle Weiland came in to save the game.
“Weiland has 15 saves," Cardieri said, "so that says enough right there. When they give the game to him, they have a heck of a chance.
“Casey definitely gave a chance to win, and you can’t take anything away from Notre Dame. They’re a great club, and it’s obvious that their starting pitching is very good.”
The Bulls will now face St. John’s on Wednesday, with Davis Billardello ready to make the start. The sophomore has 53 stikeouts and a 4.52 ERA. Cardieri said he wasn’t sure of the starter for the Red Storm, but the lineup will be much the same, except if they face a right-hander, Matt McHargue and Ty Taborelli will make starts.
However, later it was announced that right-hander Rob Delaney would make the start with his 6-3 record, 75 strikeouts and 3.84 ERA.
In the regular season, St. John’s won two of three games over USF, including a 19-0 pounding on May 13.
The Bulls hung with the No. 19 team in the county Tuesday night, one looking to make the NCAA Tournament even without winning the automatic Big East big. Cardieri said he wouldn’t be surprised that this “stacked team” made it to Omaha next month.
Added Hudspeth, “It’s always frustrating, especially hanging in with a team like that and being a big underdog and having a chance to upset them.”
After the press conference, you could tell this game got to Cardieri. He was adamant throughout most of the game, especially on a double-play call at first. He was jawing through most of the arguable pitches, which may surprise some that the 21-year coach has not been tossed from a single game this season.
“It’s just one of those things where there’s no such thing as a moral victory,” Cardieri said. “To me, we played them great; we played them tough. They’re one of the best teams in the country, yet we still had chances to beat them.”
Kevin Smetana and Mike Camunas
Blowing a chance
CLEARWATER — The biggest chance Bulls had to tie or take the lead just blew by them in the top of the eighth. Dexter Butler was up with two men on. He struck out, however, on a 3-2 count to end the inning. The Bulls were having some success against relief pitcher Kyle Weiland, as he gave up three hits, but then pitched himself out of that jam.
Nick Manganaro replaced Hudspeth in the bottom of the eighth. The junior’s line: three strikeouts, six hits, two runs, no walks.
More to come after the game.
Nick Manganaro replaced Hudspeth in the bottom of the eighth. The junior’s line: three strikeouts, six hits, two runs, no walks.
More to come after the game.
Kevin Smetana and Mike Camunas
Top of the seventh
CLEARWATER — Irish are up 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth. A leadoff triple by Jeremy Barnes led to a great play at the plate, as Joey Angelberger came in on a fly ball by Ross Brezovsky, in which Angelberger threw a laser to Brian Baisley to tag Barnes for the third out.
Now, Korpi is out after six innings. His line: 11 strikeouts, four hits, one run, three walks. The sophomore had 11 strikeouts three times this season.
The Bulls leave two men stranded to end the inning.
More later.
Now, Korpi is out after six innings. His line: 11 strikeouts, four hits, one run, three walks. The sophomore had 11 strikeouts three times this season.
The Bulls leave two men stranded to end the inning.
More later.
Mike Camunas
Bottom of the fourth...
CLEARWATER — About a half an hour after its scheduled start, sophomore Jim Cassidy is stepping up to the plate to begin USF’s first-ever Big East Tournament game. For Cassidy, it’s just his 10th start of the season.
The top of the first inning didn’t go so well for the Bulls, as Notre Dame Pitcher Wade Korpi, who has a 2.20 ERA, quickly struck out the first two USF batters and the Bulls’ third-spot hitter grounded out.
Fighting Irish first baseman Craig Cooper is leading off the bottom of the first against USF’s Casey Huspeth. Cooper, who is batting a team-high .432, was recently named the Big East Player of the Year.
So far there’s more activity going on behind the centerfield wall, where a group of kids are throwing a ball around. The game was just delayed for a moment after the kids’ ball ended up on the field. There’s something you don’t usually see at a USF game.
With Notre Dame being so deep on the mound, it doesn’t even have one its top three starting pitchers in the game. In fact, this is just the second time in the Fighting Irish’s 11 years in the Big East Tournament they haven’t started one of their top three pitchers. But you wouldn’t know Korpi isn’t one of Notre Dame’s top starters — he struck out four of his first five opponents tonight. And after sophomore Dexter Butler got the first hit of the game, Korpi answered by striking out sophomore Brandin Daniel to earn his third strikeout of the inning.
After two innings it’s a scoreless game, and each team has a hit. Notre Dame catcher Sean Gaston just hit a line drive over the glove of shortstop Addison Maruszak, but Hudspeth earned his first strikeout one batter later to end the inning.
Korpi is starting to look like Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir and his 11-strikeout performance in Sunday's Rays victory over the Florida Marlins. After five innings pitched, the left-hander already has 10 strikeouts.
Notre Dame is on the scoreboard first, after a successful hit-and-run. Cooper scored from first with the help of a single by second baseman Jeremy Barnes. But after Cooper crossed the plate, Barnes was thrown out trying to make it to second base. Irish 1-0.
The Bulls tied it up though on an RBI double to centerfield by Josh LeRoy, scoring Kris Howell from first.
Just a side note for now: One of USF President Judy Genshaft’s sons caught a foul ball, but not directly. It bounced into the “upper deck” here at BHNF, landed in another fan’s hands who dropped it, only to be picked up by her oldest son and her husband. He’s a little small for his size, but Genshaft Jr. may have a future in a Bulls uniform.
Just kidding.
The top of the first inning didn’t go so well for the Bulls, as Notre Dame Pitcher Wade Korpi, who has a 2.20 ERA, quickly struck out the first two USF batters and the Bulls’ third-spot hitter grounded out.
Fighting Irish first baseman Craig Cooper is leading off the bottom of the first against USF’s Casey Huspeth. Cooper, who is batting a team-high .432, was recently named the Big East Player of the Year.
So far there’s more activity going on behind the centerfield wall, where a group of kids are throwing a ball around. The game was just delayed for a moment after the kids’ ball ended up on the field. There’s something you don’t usually see at a USF game.
With Notre Dame being so deep on the mound, it doesn’t even have one its top three starting pitchers in the game. In fact, this is just the second time in the Fighting Irish’s 11 years in the Big East Tournament they haven’t started one of their top three pitchers. But you wouldn’t know Korpi isn’t one of Notre Dame’s top starters — he struck out four of his first five opponents tonight. And after sophomore Dexter Butler got the first hit of the game, Korpi answered by striking out sophomore Brandin Daniel to earn his third strikeout of the inning.
After two innings it’s a scoreless game, and each team has a hit. Notre Dame catcher Sean Gaston just hit a line drive over the glove of shortstop Addison Maruszak, but Hudspeth earned his first strikeout one batter later to end the inning.
Korpi is starting to look like Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir and his 11-strikeout performance in Sunday's Rays victory over the Florida Marlins. After five innings pitched, the left-hander already has 10 strikeouts.
Notre Dame is on the scoreboard first, after a successful hit-and-run. Cooper scored from first with the help of a single by second baseman Jeremy Barnes. But after Cooper crossed the plate, Barnes was thrown out trying to make it to second base. Irish 1-0.
The Bulls tied it up though on an RBI double to centerfield by Josh LeRoy, scoring Kris Howell from first.
Just a side note for now: One of USF President Judy Genshaft’s sons caught a foul ball, but not directly. It bounced into the “upper deck” here at BHNF, landed in another fan’s hands who dropped it, only to be picked up by her oldest son and her husband. He’s a little small for his size, but Genshaft Jr. may have a future in a Bulls uniform.
Just kidding.
Kevin Smetana and Mike Camunas
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Live blogging from Big East Tournament
CLEARWATER — I arrived here at Bright House Networks Field just in time to see the tail end of the WVU and St. John’s game and warm-ups for the Bulls. The Red Storm is up 5-3 over the Mountaineers following a grand slam, while Louisville pulled a close 9-8 game over Rutgers and Connecticut took care of Cincinnati 6-2.
First and foremost, this stadium is amazing. Forget any other park in Tampa minor league or the other piece of crap in downtown St. Pete. This park is, hands down, built to please the eye and the average fan. Beautifully trimmed and laid out, the seats are the individual, non-bench type that allow the fan to spread out. In the outfield, kids can run and throw balls to each other while waiting to catch dingers that come their way. This place is just simply amazing.
Honestly, now that I think about it, I don’t see how the Big East could have the tournament anywhere else but in Clearwater. Sure, it’s a little overcast today, but on any other day the weather, the nearby beaches and the venue can’t be beat.
All right, moving on. For Saturday’s championship game, Tampa’s, and I guess USF’s as well, very own Hall of Famer Wade Boggs is color analyst for ESPNU. Of course, Wade’s son, Brett, is a freshman for the Bulls, while Wade himself attended every home game at the Red. Makes you wonder if USF makes the championship, can Wade take off his green-and-gold glasses for a few hours? After all, he is a professional, with his hair transplant infomercials.
As the Bulls were on the practice field, I ran into coach Eddie Cardieri — in high spirits, no less — watching a little of the Mountaineers/Red Storm game. Nice little chat we had. He said Casey Hudspeth, making the start, is ready and loose, as the junior is going through warm-ups, with his 7-6, 4.52 ERA and league-leading 103 strikeouts.
Cardieri also called tonight’s matchup “just another game” against a “very well-balanced team.” Anyways, Cardieri also said he thought Notre Dame’s starter, left-hander Wade Korpi, with his 2.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts, is the best pitcher on the staff. Even better than wide reciever/starter Jeff Samardzija, with his 7-2 record, 4.30 ERA and 52 strikeouts. Cardieri said he thinks Korpi has the best location of not just a left-hander, but on the Fighting Irish as well.
Well, that’s it for pregame stuff. There will be some live blogs from myself and Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Smetana throughout the game. Look for coverage in Thurday’s Oracle, including the game story from the Bulls’ second game Wednesday.
One last thought before I go: Can anyone explain to me why the USF baseball game from Bright House Networks Field is not being broadcasted on Catch 47, the official sports channel from Bright House and of USF sports? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
First and foremost, this stadium is amazing. Forget any other park in Tampa minor league or the other piece of crap in downtown St. Pete. This park is, hands down, built to please the eye and the average fan. Beautifully trimmed and laid out, the seats are the individual, non-bench type that allow the fan to spread out. In the outfield, kids can run and throw balls to each other while waiting to catch dingers that come their way. This place is just simply amazing.
Honestly, now that I think about it, I don’t see how the Big East could have the tournament anywhere else but in Clearwater. Sure, it’s a little overcast today, but on any other day the weather, the nearby beaches and the venue can’t be beat.
All right, moving on. For Saturday’s championship game, Tampa’s, and I guess USF’s as well, very own Hall of Famer Wade Boggs is color analyst for ESPNU. Of course, Wade’s son, Brett, is a freshman for the Bulls, while Wade himself attended every home game at the Red. Makes you wonder if USF makes the championship, can Wade take off his green-and-gold glasses for a few hours? After all, he is a professional, with his hair transplant infomercials.
As the Bulls were on the practice field, I ran into coach Eddie Cardieri — in high spirits, no less — watching a little of the Mountaineers/Red Storm game. Nice little chat we had. He said Casey Hudspeth, making the start, is ready and loose, as the junior is going through warm-ups, with his 7-6, 4.52 ERA and league-leading 103 strikeouts.
Cardieri also called tonight’s matchup “just another game” against a “very well-balanced team.” Anyways, Cardieri also said he thought Notre Dame’s starter, left-hander Wade Korpi, with his 2.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts, is the best pitcher on the staff. Even better than wide reciever/starter Jeff Samardzija, with his 7-2 record, 4.30 ERA and 52 strikeouts. Cardieri said he thinks Korpi has the best location of not just a left-hander, but on the Fighting Irish as well.
Well, that’s it for pregame stuff. There will be some live blogs from myself and Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Smetana throughout the game. Look for coverage in Thurday’s Oracle, including the game story from the Bulls’ second game Wednesday.
One last thought before I go: Can anyone explain to me why the USF baseball game from Bright House Networks Field is not being broadcasted on Catch 47, the official sports channel from Bright House and of USF sports? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Mike Camunas
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Baseball headed to Clearwater
More from another diamond, the baseball team won the game it needed to secure the eighth and final spot in the Big East Tournament. I spoke the the two heroes of the 9-4 win over WVU, Josh LeRoy and Jim Cassidy, who combined for two home runs, five hits and five RBI.
As the No. 8 seed, the Bulls face No. 1-seeded Notre Dame on Tuesday at 8 p.m at Bright House Networks Field.
Turns out, if the Bulls had lost, they would have been in anyways as Georgetown, without its senior class, pulled a win over Pittsburgh. Cassidy and LeRoy both spoke of the good feeling the win was and how it felt good to get one for coach Eddie Cardieri, which could very be his last for USF.
Cassidy and LeRoy both said Cardieri, however, never once mentioned any articles or talks of not renewing his contract as motivation for wins this weekend. Cardieri, as well as his two players, said they went against WVU to save their chances for the postseason, not to save the 21-year coach's career.
LeRoy and Cassidy, whose home runs were both the first of their careers, mentioned they did read the articles, but also said the atmosphere on the team the past three to four days has been very quiet and focused.
I spoke with Cardieri when some of the accusations were made public, and while I can't repeat many of the things we spoke about, he was in a very down mood. Now I'm not going to be a Cardieri apologist, defending his every action, but after speaking with him just an hour after the game, he spirits did seem a little higher. It sounds as though some of his optimism might be returning, something he claims he "needs in his life."
I asked Cardieri if he thought the tournament berth had secured his job for next season. While he claimed he didn't know “because it's still up to Doug (Woolard),” he also said Wednesday he doesn't know what it would take to keep his job. Not just one win in the tournament, or a regional berth — he just doesn't know for certain.
“I would like another chance,” Cardieri said. “If you don't want me, fine and dandy. Right now, though, I'm going to do my job, and the rest will be in God's hands.”
As the No. 8 seed, the Bulls face No. 1-seeded Notre Dame on Tuesday at 8 p.m at Bright House Networks Field.
Turns out, if the Bulls had lost, they would have been in anyways as Georgetown, without its senior class, pulled a win over Pittsburgh. Cassidy and LeRoy both spoke of the good feeling the win was and how it felt good to get one for coach Eddie Cardieri, which could very be his last for USF.
Cassidy and LeRoy both said Cardieri, however, never once mentioned any articles or talks of not renewing his contract as motivation for wins this weekend. Cardieri, as well as his two players, said they went against WVU to save their chances for the postseason, not to save the 21-year coach's career.
LeRoy and Cassidy, whose home runs were both the first of their careers, mentioned they did read the articles, but also said the atmosphere on the team the past three to four days has been very quiet and focused.
I spoke with Cardieri when some of the accusations were made public, and while I can't repeat many of the things we spoke about, he was in a very down mood. Now I'm not going to be a Cardieri apologist, defending his every action, but after speaking with him just an hour after the game, he spirits did seem a little higher. It sounds as though some of his optimism might be returning, something he claims he "needs in his life."
I asked Cardieri if he thought the tournament berth had secured his job for next season. While he claimed he didn't know “because it's still up to Doug (Woolard),” he also said Wednesday he doesn't know what it would take to keep his job. Not just one win in the tournament, or a regional berth — he just doesn't know for certain.
“I would like another chance,” Cardieri said. “If you don't want me, fine and dandy. Right now, though, I'm going to do my job, and the rest will be in God's hands.”
Mike Camunas
Notes from Gainesville
GAINESVILLE — The USF softball team is now just one win away from advancing to its first-ever super regional round of the NCAA Tournament.
The No. 25 Bulls opened up the Gainesville Regional of this year’s tournament with a 2-1 upset of No. 22 North Carolina on Friday. The underdog theme continued on Day One when unranked Florida Atlantic was able to knock off the favored University of Florida on its home field.
Both of Friday’s winning teams hit the field Saturday to battle for the opportunity to advance in the double-elimination tournament.
Junior Bree Spence got the start for the Bulls and allowed three hits in 3 1/3 innings before being relieved by freshman Cristi Ecks. Ecks finished the game and earned the win for the Bulls after pitching 3 2/3 hitless innings.
FAU pitcher Jen Musillo made her first back-to-back start of the season, as she pitched every inning for the Owls against USF after defeating Florida. The junior played valiantly against the Bulls, scattering only three hits in six innings but also allowed the only run of the game when senior Christie Chapman reached for an outside curve ball and sent it over the fence to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.
“I thought both Musillo and our pitching staff threw a great game today,” USF coach Ken Eriksen said. “We got kind of fortunate that Christie (Chapman) stayed on a drop outside and sent it the whole way.”
Late in the game it looked like Chapman might have a multi-home run outing, but the shortstop’s deep fly ball dropped too early and was caught by the left fielder at the warning track. In the postgame press conference Chapman insisted it would have been another homer in a different setting.
“I thought it had a chance,” Chapman said. “If we were at home it would have been out. These 200-feet fences are killing me.”
Two-straight one-run games for the Bulls, who are in control of their regional, means they have to lose twice Sunday to not advance to the Super Regional. And if they win at least three after that, they'll be headed to the college World Series.
Essentially, the Bulls could be facing FAU again, which looks to be facing Florida in the late game that started at 5 p.m. If USF happens to make the Super Regionals, it could play the No. 1 team in the land, UCLA.
I'll be there for the game, which has the first pitch set for about noon. Look for more blogs Sunday and game stories in the Oracle on Monday
The No. 25 Bulls opened up the Gainesville Regional of this year’s tournament with a 2-1 upset of No. 22 North Carolina on Friday. The underdog theme continued on Day One when unranked Florida Atlantic was able to knock off the favored University of Florida on its home field.
Both of Friday’s winning teams hit the field Saturday to battle for the opportunity to advance in the double-elimination tournament.
Junior Bree Spence got the start for the Bulls and allowed three hits in 3 1/3 innings before being relieved by freshman Cristi Ecks. Ecks finished the game and earned the win for the Bulls after pitching 3 2/3 hitless innings.
FAU pitcher Jen Musillo made her first back-to-back start of the season, as she pitched every inning for the Owls against USF after defeating Florida. The junior played valiantly against the Bulls, scattering only three hits in six innings but also allowed the only run of the game when senior Christie Chapman reached for an outside curve ball and sent it over the fence to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.
“I thought both Musillo and our pitching staff threw a great game today,” USF coach Ken Eriksen said. “We got kind of fortunate that Christie (Chapman) stayed on a drop outside and sent it the whole way.”
Late in the game it looked like Chapman might have a multi-home run outing, but the shortstop’s deep fly ball dropped too early and was caught by the left fielder at the warning track. In the postgame press conference Chapman insisted it would have been another homer in a different setting.
“I thought it had a chance,” Chapman said. “If we were at home it would have been out. These 200-feet fences are killing me.”
Two-straight one-run games for the Bulls, who are in control of their regional, means they have to lose twice Sunday to not advance to the Super Regional. And if they win at least three after that, they'll be headed to the college World Series.
Essentially, the Bulls could be facing FAU again, which looks to be facing Florida in the late game that started at 5 p.m. If USF happens to make the Super Regionals, it could play the No. 1 team in the land, UCLA.
I'll be there for the game, which has the first pitch set for about noon. Look for more blogs Sunday and game stories in the Oracle on Monday
Eric Moeller
Facing the right team?
Even though USF is playing West Virginia this weekend, it seems more like it is battling against Pittsburgh. With USF's 5-3 loss today and Pittsburgh eking out a 3-2 win in the 10th over Georgetown, the Bulls still need just one win to get into the Big East Tournament. Georgetown is out due to its two straight losses to the Panthers. So if Pittsburgh wins and USF loses, the Panthers head to Clearwater and coach Eddie Cardieri waits for word on his future from Doug Woolard's office.
It is interesting how the Hoyas actually can now be helpful to the Bulls if USF can't help itself to a win Saturday at noon. Just to show you the history, Georgetown was pummeled 14-0 by Pittsburgh on Thursday, as the Hoyas have just 23 wins (same as the Bulls) this season. On top of all that, Georgetown is now riding a six-game losing streak.
It is interesting how the Hoyas actually can now be helpful to the Bulls if USF can't help itself to a win Saturday at noon. Just to show you the history, Georgetown was pummeled 14-0 by Pittsburgh on Thursday, as the Hoyas have just 23 wins (same as the Bulls) this season. On top of all that, Georgetown is now riding a six-game losing streak.
Mike Camunas
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
A familiar face in town
With baseball and softball on home stretches, we’ll be a little light on the news side, but we’ll try our best to get some blogging in, especially once football starts warming up.
But tonight I have one live blog from a different location: Tropicana Field.
And I know what you are thinking: What the heck are you doing there when the USF baseball team’s last home game is tonight?
Well, honestly, I can’t do much with tonight’s game, from when I last checked, the Bulls were already losing in the fourth inning. I’m at the Rays game who are hosting the World Series Champs White Sox. And whenever the Sox come to town, they bring in a familiar face to those who have been following USF baseball about as long as Eddie Cardieri has been coach.
Ross Gload, Sox utility player, did earn himself a World Series ring and was kind enough to take time away from batting practice to talk to me.
He’s actually a pretty nice guy, who, unfortunately, does not see much playing time behind Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye, since he usually plays first base and right field. I was able to ask Gload a burning question concerning the baseball team: What is Cardieri’s future?
Gload took advantage of his chance to sound off on that issue, of course, defending Cardieri. You wouldn’t expect less from a guy who says Cardieri “really went out of the way to help me play college ball, when no one else wanted me to play for them.” Gload also said he would be “disappointed” and “sad” if they let Cardieri go, not too mention it would severe all Gload’s ties to the team.
“I would be completely disappointed if he were let go,” Gload said. “He’s probably helped me out more than anyone else I’ve ever known in baseball. I still talk to him all the time.”
When I asked Gload if he thought it was fair that Cardieri be let go after just one dismal season in the Big East, being the first season in that conference, he pointed out the 1995 season, the Bulls’ last season in the Metro Conference, in which the team barely made the conference tournament. The Bulls turned around and ended up winning the entire tournament, giving them an automatic bid to the NCAA regionals only to loss to UNC and Miami in Coral Gables.
Gload knows how final series of a season can overshadow the disappointment throughout the season, and how team’s start finding wins once they reach the postseason.
“You know towards the end,” Gload said, “teams find a way to get hot and put some wins on the board. This season is the same situation we were in my freshman year. We needed to win that Metro tournament, we did and everything else was forgotten after that. No firings; not worried about extensions and we’re here over 10 years later talking about it again.”
There will be a larger article on Gload in Thursday’s Oracle, and for those interested the Rays are up 2-1 over the Sox in the top of the third.
But tonight I have one live blog from a different location: Tropicana Field.
And I know what you are thinking: What the heck are you doing there when the USF baseball team’s last home game is tonight?
Well, honestly, I can’t do much with tonight’s game, from when I last checked, the Bulls were already losing in the fourth inning. I’m at the Rays game who are hosting the World Series Champs White Sox. And whenever the Sox come to town, they bring in a familiar face to those who have been following USF baseball about as long as Eddie Cardieri has been coach.
Ross Gload, Sox utility player, did earn himself a World Series ring and was kind enough to take time away from batting practice to talk to me.
He’s actually a pretty nice guy, who, unfortunately, does not see much playing time behind Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye, since he usually plays first base and right field. I was able to ask Gload a burning question concerning the baseball team: What is Cardieri’s future?
Gload took advantage of his chance to sound off on that issue, of course, defending Cardieri. You wouldn’t expect less from a guy who says Cardieri “really went out of the way to help me play college ball, when no one else wanted me to play for them.” Gload also said he would be “disappointed” and “sad” if they let Cardieri go, not too mention it would severe all Gload’s ties to the team.
“I would be completely disappointed if he were let go,” Gload said. “He’s probably helped me out more than anyone else I’ve ever known in baseball. I still talk to him all the time.”
When I asked Gload if he thought it was fair that Cardieri be let go after just one dismal season in the Big East, being the first season in that conference, he pointed out the 1995 season, the Bulls’ last season in the Metro Conference, in which the team barely made the conference tournament. The Bulls turned around and ended up winning the entire tournament, giving them an automatic bid to the NCAA regionals only to loss to UNC and Miami in Coral Gables.
Gload knows how final series of a season can overshadow the disappointment throughout the season, and how team’s start finding wins once they reach the postseason.
“You know towards the end,” Gload said, “teams find a way to get hot and put some wins on the board. This season is the same situation we were in my freshman year. We needed to win that Metro tournament, we did and everything else was forgotten after that. No firings; not worried about extensions and we’re here over 10 years later talking about it again.”
There will be a larger article on Gload in Thursday’s Oracle, and for those interested the Rays are up 2-1 over the Sox in the top of the third.
Mike Camunas
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Back in action
Sorry for not posting anything for a while. At the Oracle, we've been busy with countless things and with summer stuff fast approaching -- the Big East Baseball Tournament, softball and its incredible run -- we'll have more posts coming up in the next few days.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
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