USF in 2009? Cue David Bowie: “Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes.”

Posted Sep 2, 2009 by Brett McMurphy

Updated Sep 2, 2009 at 09:19 AM

USF’s theme song for 2009? How about cueing David Bowie: “Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes. Turn and face the strain.”

The Bulls have several changes in place this season hoping to avoid the mid-season collapses that have plagued the Bulls the past two seasons. Here’s part of my story on the front page of Wednesday’s Tampa Tribune, previewing the Bulls.

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TAMPA - Stashed next to the passports in the top right-hand dresser drawer in Joe Tresey’s bedroom, next to rings from the Southern Conference championship and the International, Papajohns.com and Orange bowls, is an important part of Tresey’s past.

And the University of South Florida’s new defensive coordinator hopes it also will become a part of USF’s immediate future: a Big East championship ring.

Tresey, who spent the past two seasons at Cincinnati and won the 2008 Big East title, reached the Holy Grail that USF coach Jim Leavitt and the Bulls so desperately seek.

Tresey has never flashed his size-11 ring around any USF coaches or players. Heck, he has never even worn it. He has had a few players ask him about the experience of winning the Big East title.

“I envy him a lot, because he won the Big East,” wide receiver Carlton Mitchell said. “I want to know what the feeling is.”

So does Leavitt.

So much, in fact, that Leavitt, entering his 13th season as the only coach in program history, has instituted probably the greatest number of changes since he was hired in 1995 as a fresh-faced co-defensive coordinator from Kansas State.

Please click here to read the rest of the story.

You can also access USF’s schedule here.

Picks contest reminder: The Tribune/TBO.com USF picks contest is back for another season. If you haven’t already, you must register on the site to participate in the contest.

There will be at least 10 questions a week and the more weeks you participate the better chance you have to win one of the prizes at the end of the season.

Also, this year’s contest will compile your weekly/yearly stats and other assorted goodies.

Please click here to participate. Once on the page, if not registered, on the left side of the page is where new users can register. The picks deadline is 7 p.m. Saturday. The top three finishers at the end of the season will receive a vacation for two to Italy, a brand new Escalade or anything else we can come up with that’s USF related. But definitely one of the three. We’ll have more info on the prizes soon.

Bulls continue UCF domination: The Bulls handed UCF another beat down in men’s soccer with a 2-1 victory Tuesday night in their season opener. USF improved to 21-3-4 in the series against the Knights (I doubt USF will make the mistake of ending this UCF series).

The 11th-ranked Bulls (1-0-0) visit Florida Gulf Coast Saturday and then host Valparaiso on Tuesday.

Please click here to read more on USF’s victory against UCF.