ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said not only does he think the University of South Florida will win the Big East, he believes the Bulls should be “favored” to win the league.

“First of all, in my mind anyway, South Florida should be favored to win the Big East,” Herbstreit said Wednesday. “I think they will win the Big East.”

WEDNESDAY PRACTICE REPORT: Here’s the Wednesday practice report, courtesy of correspondent Gregg Becnel: USF freshmen OL Danous Estenor and LB Chase Geaney received NCAA Clearinghouse approval and returned to practice Wednesday. Both freshmen were among a group of seven that were held out of Tuesday’s workout while awaiting official word.

CBs John Lejiste and George Baker, TE Andreas Shields (a Wharton grad), and LBs Quavon Taylor and LaDre Watkins continue to sit out practice while awaiting approval.

“They’re not going to be out there if they’re not cleared,” Coach Jim Leavitt said. 

JuCo transfer CB Theo Wilson, who is working out academic issues of a different nature, continues to practice.

“He’s not set, ready to play next Saturday, but he can practice,” Leavitt said. 

SCRIMMAGE REPORT: Leavitt was more upbeat after USF’s one-hour scrimmage Wednesday night than he was after Saturday’s scrimmage.

“I thought it was pretty good. We held out a number of guys … and then we got some guys out of there in a hurry,” he said. “There were a lot of different guys that did some good things, but I can’t really tell until I look at the film.”

Among those held out were C Jake Griffin, LG Matt Huners, DE George Selvie and NT Sampson Genus.

Leavitt was pleased with his two freshmen quarterbacks.

“Evan Landi threw a real nice ball at the end here. He threw a beautiful pass,” Leavitt said. “And B.J. [Daniels] looked good. He did some good things. They’re both progressing.”

Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said he was pleased with his unit’s effort.

“I thought the first team had a lot of energy, which we haven’t had a whole lot of so far,” he said. “Overall, I was pleased. We still have some work to do. I just told them we have eight [practice] days left [before the season opener] and we have to take advantage of them.”

Leavitt believes he’s identified the players he can trust during the season.

“We’re pretty close [to having a starting lineup on both sides of the ball],” he said. “But I’m not really concerned about a starting group. Like on defense, I’m thinking more about who are the 15, 16 guys we’re going to play. And on offense, who are those 15, 16 guys. They’re all starters in my mind.”

HENDRICK MISSING: Defensive line coach John Hendrick, who returned this week after suffering a heart attack July 1, was not at the beginning of Wednesday’s morning practice or the night scrimmage.

“He had a little blood pressure rise so we just felt like he should stay in,” Leavitt said. “I’m going to talk to John tonight. If it’s too late then I’ll wait until tomorrow and give him a call and see how he’s doing.”