While Duke guard turned Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus has earned much of the headlines surrounding the Orange's improved play, the return of top receiver Mike Williams has also been a huge boost.

Williams, a 6-foot-2, 211-pound target who caught touchdowns in nine straight games to finish the 2007 season, had to sit out last year due to academic concerns. He's started back where he left off, with team highs of 28 catches for 437 yards and three touchdowns in Syracuse's first four games.

"He's really good," USF defensive coordinator Joe Tresey said. "He covers ground because of his frame. I wouldn't say he's a blazer, but he runs precise routes, he has great ball skills. He knows how to use his body. We're extremely concerned about him."

USF has the No. 5 passing defense in the country, allowing just 130.5 yards per game, and the Bulls are one of three teams in Division I-A that have not given up a passing touchdown this season.

BEEN THERE: Defensive line coach Kevin Patrick knows the feeling of going into the Carrier Dome with an undefeated record and won't be taking Syracuse lightly. As a junior defensive end at Miami in 1992, Patrick saw the Hurricanes nearly lose to Syracuse in the regular-season finale, escaping 16-10 when the Orange was stopped at the 3-yard line as time expired.

"We won," Patrick said. "Going into halftime, we had held them to (minus-1 yard) of total offense. Then they gashed us for 200 (actually 295) after halftime. I know it's going to be a big crowd. When they pack them in there, it's a loud place to play, and our guys respect that."