Daniels: It’s just another game

Posted Sep 24, 2009 by Gregg Becnel

Updated Sep 24, 2009 at 06:14 PM

University of South Florida QB B.J. Daniels, a Tallahassee native, is trying to convince himself Saturday’s tilt against No. 18 Florida State is just another game.

“I didn’t expect (to get my first start) this way, but it’s just another game. It doesn’t matter where it’s at,” he said. “I’m going back home playing in front of friends and family; that’s exciting. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do. But the Big East is the most important thing as far as we’re concerned.”

Daniels is saying all the right things now, but knows Saturday he’ll have to fight to keep his nerves in check.

“I guess right now I’m pretty calm and everything like that,” he said, “but I’m pretty sure closer to game time I’ll be anxious.”

NIGHT AND DAY: The trouble with USF opening the season by steamrolling three inferior opponents void of competition is not having an accurate gauge of what kind of team it truly has.

That problem will take care of itself Saturday when the level of competition increases tremendously with FSU.

“Our guys understand the difference, they understand the whole deal,” USF coach Jim Leavitt said. “I don’t think that will have any bearing on it whatsoever. We understand the level that we have to play at. … I believe we will be ready for it.”

NO CHANGE: The captains for the FSU game are the same as last week: injured QB Matt Grothe, RB Mo Plancher, LB Kion Wilson, DE George Selvie and FS Nate Allen. All but Allen have served as captains for all four games.