USF coach Jim Leavitt wasn't the only one on campus who took offense to Alabama coach Nick Saban's comments suggesting the Bulls are winning with players that couldn't get into other schools. At least one defensive starter finds it ironic, because Saban offered him a scholarship when he coached at LSU.

"I was a SuperPrep All-American (recruit) coming out of high school. I picked USF because I wanted to pick USF," senior cornerback Mike Jenkins said. "I could have gone to the Floridas, the Florida States, the Alabamas, the LSUs. (Saban) offered me a scholarship (at LSU). I didn't go there. He offered me a full scholarship and I picked USF. So I disagree with that."

Senior center Nick Capogna said Saban's comments are insulting to all USF players, on offense or defense.

"Where's he getting that research off? Did he open up our records?" Capogna said. "It's a shot at me. I don't know if I can play at Florida State, but it says I'm not academically smart enough to play at another school. It's disrespectful. He's entitled to his opinion. I got a good SAT score, had a good GPA in high school. If he wants to look at transcripts, I'll give him mine gladly."

Jenkins said he's noticed more criticism of USF since the Bulls jumped into the national rankings.

"That's just coaches talking," he said. "I don't know if he said these exact words, but (FSU) Coach (Bobby) Bowden said he'd be surprised if we hold onto the No. 6 ranking. That's their opinion. Coach Leavitt's doing a heck of a job right now."

For the record, Bowden said he'd be "amazed."