Sunday's practice notes from correspondent Kerry Klecic ...

TAMPA -- USF offensive coordinator Mike Canales said Sunday
that he’s concerned about Rutgers’ ability to pressure offenses — especially in
third-down situations.

The Scarlet Knights, who play host to the Bulls on Thursday, are holding their opponents to 33.3
percent on third downs, good for best in the Big East and 20^th in
the nation.

“They’re a heavy-pressure team and that’s coach (Greg)
Schiano’s deal,” Canales said. “He’s a pressure guy. He wants to bring more
than you can block, and it will force you to leave guys in to protect. We’ll
have to have answers.”

The Bulls are 13 of 42 on third downs in the last three
games, all which were against ranked opponents. For Canales, it’s an area that
he’s looking to improve, and he said it depends on how well USF can move the
ball on first downs Thursday in Piscataway.

“We have to be getting into manageable situations,” he said.
“The best thing to do is to get into third and 3 or third and 4 situations
because it gives a lot of options, with different formations or different looks
we can use.”

Mitchell doubtful:
USF coach Jim Leavitt still didn’t rule out junior wide receiver Carlton
Mitchell, sidelined by a high ankle sprain, but he said Sunday that he’s “probably
doubtful” to play.

Mitchell, USF’s leading receiver with 542 yards, dressed for
the second straight day and jogged off the field wearing cleats for the first
time at practice since injuring his ankle nearly two weeks ago in a win against
West Virginia.

Plancher’s status:
No. 1 back: USF’s philosophy has long been to use a
running-back-by-committee approach, but Canales said Sunday that senior Mo
Plancher is emerging as the Bulls’ go-to guy.

Against the Mountaineers, Plancher had 86 yards on 18
carries, and he leads the running backs with 402 yards this season. Canales
said he’s a well-rounded back.

“In terms of protection, in terms of being able to protect
the quarterback, which is big this week, he’s able to step in there and is able
to do what we need him to do,” he said.