South Florida Underestimated
(October 16, 2001)

"A 1-5 start, or maybe 2-4 with an upset, seems likely." That was what I wrote in a preview of the University of South Florida football season. However, after six games, the Bulls are 3-3.

The season opener at Northern Illinois was said to be a "good measuring stick." It was and USF lost 20-17 on a field goal at the final gun. It was a strong effort against an established Division I-A program, however, there is no column for moral victories in a won-loss record.

That preview article also stated: "A tougher challenge may be going to the new stadium in Pittsburgh and playing the Pitt Panthers." Well, the Bulls posted the biggest victory yet for the young program and one of the upsets of the year. On the road, at Pittsburgh, they won 35-26. You can almost hear Al Michaels, "Do you believe in Miracles?"

The home opener against Southern Utah was moved to this Saturday, due to the terrorist attacks, so the Bulls opened with three straight road games. In what was called a "huge test" against future C-USA rival Memphis, the Bulls were competitive in a 17-9 defeat.

I also said "it would be nice to think about a victory" in a home game against North Texas. It was even nicer when the now heavily favored Bulls won 28-10. "A trip to Salt Lake City to play Utah will be far from a cakewalk." Certainly got that one right, as USF was pounded 52-21 by the Utes. "A home game against Connecticut should have USF favored." They were and won easily 40-21.

For entertainment purposes only, here's a look at how the rest of the season might go. "Southern Utah must go in the win column." No change here, the Bulls should roll. "Liberty should not be too much of a problem." The Flames should flicker at RJS. "Houston will be another difficult test." To coin a phrase used earlier, it would be nice to think about a victory. The Cougars are struggling at 0-5 and it would be great to beat a C-USA team. It was said before, "Western Illinois should be a victory," and no reason now to think otherwise. "A tough Utah State team closes out the schedule." They are not as tough as Utah, actually they are 0-5, but how about using the measuring stick cliche again.

The Bulls are pretty much assured of a winning record and, considering the two toughest games are against schools having off years, they have a chance to win out. Dare we think of an 8-3 record? Let's not get carried away and start thinking bowl game. There just is not the tradition for that, yet.

Back in August, I wrote that "5-6 would actually be nothing to be ashamed of for a young team playing this schedule." To rub my nose in it a little bit more, yes I did write "6-5 might take a miracle." Okay, hit me one more time. I did make mention of the possibility that "4-7 would be worst record in the program's short history."

People may have underestimated the South Florida Bulls, I know I'm guilty. After the big win at Pittsburgh, their days of sneaking up on people are over. Head coach Jim Leavitt was asked after the Pitt game what he thought people across the country would think about the upset. "I hope they say 'There's a team rising out of the city of Tampa that's not bad.'"

I'm convinced.