Monday report

Posted Sep 28, 2009 by Gregg Becnel

Updated Sep 28, 2009 at 09:00 PM

The University of South Florida (4-0) might not recognize Syracuse (2-2) when the Bulls travel to New York for Saturday’s Big East opener.

USF has won the four games between the teams by a combined score of 140-33, but the Orange have a new coach and a new quarterback this season.

Doug Marrone took the coaching reins from Greg Robinson, and former Duke basketball player Greg Paulus is under center, having made a smooth transition from the hardwood to the gridiron.

“They’re really a different team from what they’ve been in the past. I’ve been very impressed watching the film,” Bulls coach Jim Leavitt said. “We all know about their quarterback and the story and, boy, he is that good. … He has all the throws, has great feet, a quick release, and you know he’s a winner.”

Paulus has completed 68 percent of his passes (78 of 114) for 888 yards and six touchdowns.

OCTOBER BLUES: The past two years USF has gone from September contenders to October pretenders. The first step in changing that notion comes Saturday.

“We know if you don’t improve you’re not going to be successful,” Leavitt said. “We have to play better football; we know that. And the last few years we haven’t for different reasons.”

ODDS AND ENDS: Leavitt said all players that were nicked up against FSU practiced Monday and will play Saturday. … DE Jason Pierre-Paul was the Big East’s defensive player of the week and QB B.J. Daniels was named to the weekly Honor Roll. … TE Ben Busbee will wear Keeley Dorsey’s No. 10 jersey this week. … USF was named the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl national team of the week. … Bright House Sports Network will replay ESPNU’s broadcast of the USF-FSU game Tuesday at 8 p.m. and Wednesday at noon.