“It is not best that we should all think alike; it is a difference of opinion that makes horse races.”

A couple of programming notes: 1) This will probably be the only time in the history of this USF blog that I’ll reference Mark Twain; and 2) Hello, let me introduce myself … I’m Scott Carter, your new University of South Florida beat writer for the Tampa Tribune.

For longtime readers of the Tribune or TBO.com, the name may sound vaguely familiar. This is my second stint at the Trib. In my previous stop, I covered high school sports, the Rays, the Lightning, horse racing, and in my final two years, Florida State.

So you could say I’ve been around the block here before. I’m glad to be back and am looking forward to covering the Bulls and getting to know you, the readers and fans. I hope you’ll stop in and make this blog one of your regular places on the Internet to discuss USF sports. I also hope you’ll learn a little something once in a while and be entertained occasionally.

Now back to that Mr. Twain quote.

We live in the Age of Opinion and yours is always welcome here as long as it’s not obscene. I hear from the bosses that commenting on the blog should get easier in the future, but for now, you have to register. Hopefully you’ll take the time and share your thoughts. Ultimately, I want this to be your blog as much as it is mine.

To kick that off, let’s come up with a new name for this little corner of the World Wide Web (does anyone actually still use that term anymore?).

I’ve got a name in mind, but I’d like to hear from you as well. What’s in it for you?

The first person who replies with the name that is eventually picked will win: 1) a set of 2003-04 NHL media guides that has been in my closet for five years; 2) an old Tampa Tribune T-shirt that used to fit before I went on the Refrigerator Perry diet; or 3) a free lunch up to $25 value on me, at any restaurant of your choice.

I seriously hope you pick choice No. 3, but I promise I can deliver the goods on choices 1 and 2.

So, stop in and say hello soon. Meanwhile, there’s a game tonight against West Virginia. I’ll be blogging live from Raymond James Stadium and providing a full report in Saturday’s Tampa Tribune. Hope you’ll check us out.