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Forum: Talk Bulls
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One of USF’s strengths in recent seasons is that the Bulls have shown an ability to charge out of the gate fast. USF is the only Division I team in the nation to start each of the past three seasons 5-0.
In 2007, the fast start gained USF national notoriety when the Bulls climbed to No. 2 in the polls. In 2008, USF knocked off UCF in overtime and won a thriller against Kansas early in the season. And last season, a historic win at Florida State highlighted the Bulls’ early season success.
To serve as an official countdown to the start of football season here in out little corner of the blogosphere, I’m throwing out the 10 most important questions the Bulls face heading into the season.
USF opens practice Aug. 6. You can check out the blog each morning for the latest question. After I give my take, I’d like to hear what your take is on the question of the day.
With that said, let’s take a look today at Question No. 9: Can the Bulls upset Florida to have chance at another 5-0 start?
First-year coach Skip Holtz sure hopes so. If the Bulls start 5-0 this season, Holtz will likely receive an automatic raise and a lifetime pass to Busch Gardens. That’s because USF’s second game is in The Swamp in the first game in school history against Florida.
While last season’s win at FSU was meaningful, beating the Gators in Gainesville would be the biggest win in school history hands down and might even prompt a sellout at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 25 when USF hosts Western Kentucky – USF’s next game following its trip to Florida.
While the Bulls will be double-digit underdogs at Florida, they should have a strong chance to get off to another quick start with their first five games, in order: vs. Division I-AA Stony Brook, at Florida, and then three consecutive home games against Western Kentucky, Florida Atlantic and Syracuse.
After that, the schedule gets more difficult starting with back-to-back Big East games at West Virginia and Cincinnati.
With a fourth consecutive 5-0 start unlikely with that Florida game looming, a quick start will be important as Holtz tries to place his stamp on the program and mold a young team. However, with four of the first five games at Raymond James Stadium, the Bulls appear in position to kick off Holtz’s first season with more wins than losses.
What’s your take? Do you see any potential losses in USF’s first five games other than at Florida?
Posted by cfer, on 07/30 at 03:31 PM
Dan, Holtz had a knack for the big, surprise win at ECU as well (see WVU, Virginia Tech, etc.)
Posted by Dan Alatorre, on 07/30 at 12:28 PM
USF CAN beat Florida, but they won’t. The annual Surprise Win was Leavitt’s M.O., not Holtz’. It would be nice, but with all the changes at USF (new head coach, etc) I don’t see us being able to get that one done. I’ll be there, though.
Posted by Scott Carter, on 07/29 at 09:41 PM
I’d say you’re right Brian…it will be interesting to see if Holtz can secure a win in a “Big Game.’’ That’s something the Bulls have struggled with…They have several “big wins’’ such as at FSU, at Auburn, etc…but in big games, they have struggled…I look at the Florida game as a big game even though it’s non-conference…there are a handful of teams USF could beat right now at this stage that could change a lot: Florida is one of those schools…Notre Dame is another to start 2011…people remember those wins whether they know anything about USF football or not.
Posted by Brian, on 07/29 at 08:41 PM
Scott, I’ve given this a lot of thought. For USF to beat UF, two things have to happen:
1. UF has to play its worst game in three years; and
2. USF has to play its best game.
I actually like the chances that UF can have an awful game as they have had a lot of turnover and a wierd offseason (Meyer essentially having a breakdown). However, I just can’t see how USF lays down a great game in Skips’s second game in charge.
Prediction: Gators play awful (by their own standards) but win 24-13.
Posted by dave97, on 07/29 at 03:07 PM
It would be awesome if they could beat the Gators but I don’t think their quite there yet. But their day will come. I say they will be 4-1 after the first five and 5-2 after the first seven games. Gooo Bulls!
Posted by cfer, on 07/29 at 09:55 AM
I have to be a realist…I say the Bulls start 4-1 with their only loss against Syracuse, just kidding, as much as I would love to see a Bulls win in Gainsville I just don’t think USF has the horses to go 4 quarters with the Gators. I will be in attendance, though.
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Posted by Frankie46, on 08/01 at 04:23 PM
Write this down now. The Bulls pull off the unthinkable and win 31-24. Fumbles, picks and special teams craziness give the Bulls the break they’ve been looking for. If I’m wrong I’ll never post again!