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.
Monday, April 30, 2007
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
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