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Quick Highlights from USF’s Media Luncheon
Posted Dec 1, 2009 by Scott Carter
Updated Dec 1, 2009 at 05:18 PM
I’m back here at the News Center in lovely downtown Tampa armed with a digital recorder full of material and a couple of stories to write for Wednesday’s Tampa Tribune.
Before I get cranking, here are a few highlights from USF’s weekly media luncheon this afternoon:
* The Bulls expect to face the same challenge that Miami presented in last week’s 31-10 win over the Bulls: a hard-charging offensive line and dangerous running game. “This is obviously the best running game we have faced,’’ USF defensive coordinator Joe Tresey said. The Huskies’ ground game is led by RBs Jordan Todman (1,079 yards, 14 TDs) and Andre Dixon (917 yards, 11 TDs).
* USF coach Jim Leavitt once again discussed the importance of getting more physical on both the offensive and defensive lines, and bigger on the defensive line, especially inside. Look for USF to really recruit some size on the interior defensive line this offseason.
* WR Carlton Mitchell says his sore ankle is much-improved and he expects to finally be back to full-speed on Saturday at UConn. Mitchell missed two games before returning and playing sparingly against Miami.
* The Bulls downplayed the cold-weather angle of Saturday’s game at UConn, but it will likely be a factor.
* Leavitt said improving USF’s return teams next season, most notably the punt return unit, is a major emphasis.
* Finally, Leavitt talked a little about retiring FSU coach Bobby Bowden and what he has meant to college football. I’ll write a blog on this topic later today.
Anyway, that’s a quick update of some hot topics. What’s on your mind?
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Reader Comments
Por (Dan Alatorre) on December 01, 2009 (Suggest removal)
Here’s what’s on my mind (thanks for asking):
HOW are we gonna get bigger and more physical on the O line AND the D line? That;s what our conference IS.
How happy is everybody with Joe Tresey so far? How’s his progress?
How long would it take for Tresey to fully implement the changes he feels that we need?
When we we be able to beat either a Cincy, Rutger or the new Pittsburgh?
Is Leavitt going to consider recruiting for anticipated coaching turnover. You have to plan on some turnover and it seems like we are always caught off guard when somebody leaves - and I don’t WANT anybody to leave, but somebody could get a promotion elsewhere, more money, or just get hit by a bus.
Suggest removalPor (Scott Carter) on December 02, 2009 (Suggest removal)
Dan, some excellent questions. I don’t have the answers to all of them, but Leavitt has talked in-depth about the need to get bigger up front since the Miami loss.
It’s going to come through recruiting on the defensive line…you might look for USF to sign a JUCO player or two for immediate help…as for the guys they have in the program, especially on the offensive line, Leavitt likes the size, but knows they need more experience and more strength…that takes time.
Buy you’re right, to beat Rutgers, UConn and Pitt on a regular basis, you have to have big linemen.
... more
Suggest removalPor (Scott Carter) on December 02, 2009 (Suggest removal)
As for Tresey, good question…that’s something I’ll monitor because I’m sure he has his own visions for the defense that weren’t achievable this year because it’s his first season…
I think what this season has taught USF more than anything else is that taking that final step to join the elite is a difficult one…you have to have everything in place…I do think USF has the most important piece in B.J. Daniels, who I think can become an elite college QB with more seasoning…but he can’t do it by himself and USF needs a better balance between speed and size on both sides of the ball.
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