USF loss will be harder to shake with bye week

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TAMPA — As much as USF needs its upcoming bye week to heal lingering injuries, it also means the No. 10 Bulls have to go two weeks without a chance to truly put a 26-21 loss to unranked Pittsburgh behind them.

"Unfortunately we have a bye week, so it's going to be on our minds a little longer, but we're looking forward to coming back, practicing hard and going back at it," said linebacker Kion Wilson, who recovered two fumbles in Thursday's home loss.

A year ago, when the Bulls took their first loss on a Thursday night at Rutgers, the disappointment snowballed into a three-game losing streak that cost them a shot at a Big East title. That experience might help the Bulls avoid a repeat performance when they return Oct. 18 at home against Syracuse.

"Remembering what happened last year is definitely the key," senior safety Carlton Williams said.

"The Big East race … there's no telling what could happen, so from here on out, we have to play South Florida ball. (Thursday,) we didn't play the way we normally play."

The Bulls (5-1, 0-1 Big East) have struggled in three of their five games against I-A opponents, barely beating Central Florida and Florida International and losing to Pittsburgh. The offense has yet to establish an identity despite returning nearly intact from last season, and the defense has struggled with tackling and blown coverages, especially in the fourth quarter.

"You have to forget it, have to move on," defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said of the loss. "It's like when you win one, you don't get to celebrate very long, so we can't beat ourselves up too long. We go back to work and work on fundamentals for a week, then get ready for the next game."

By the time Syracuse comes to town, the Bulls could have defensive end George Selvie and tackle Terrell McClain healthy — they've played only sparingly in the past two games — as well as linebacker Brouce Mompremier, who has missed two games recovering from a traumatic neck injury.

Coach Jim Leavitt said his team has to keep perspective and remember that it still controls much of its Big East destiny.

"I'm not going to go to the grave right now," Leavitt said. "We're 5-1, we didn't play real well (Thursday) and we've got to figure out a way to play better. That's what it is."

Comments on this article

by Scott	Oct 7, 2008 5:46 PM
Leavitt is a good coach period! However, Gregory and Franks aren't impressing me. Ford should be an every down back with Taylor giving him breathers. Gregory's play calling is horrible and he needs to commit to establishing the run. WITH FORD!!!!!

by Chris	Oct 7, 2008 3:41 PM
Sure he's had a few great upsets..but USF isn't sneaking up on anyone anymore. He is clearly getting out coached by teams with inferior talent. He should move upstairs while the fire is still hot at USF, and hire a national caliber coach!

by Chris	Oct 7, 2008 3:31 PM
I'm not saying he wasn't great for the program as a builder..probably ranks right up there with Howard Schnellenberger when he was at Miami. But being a great administrator doesn't make you a great coach.

by Chris	Oct 7, 2008 3:25 PM
Those who Leavitt is a great coach...i ask you..who exactly is that "coaches" the horrendous special teams?? Leavitt. Who is responsible for the hiring and firing of position coaches and co-ordinators who fail to do their jobs?? Leavitt!!

by CM	Oct 7, 2008 1:59 PM
If anyone can't see that Greg Gregory is the main problem, they're blind. After turnovers you simply can't have 3 and outs. Pathetic play calling. Oh yeah.. has anyone realized Mike Ford is a dominant runner?! Might just be a good idea use him more!!

by Jerry	Oct 6, 2008 2:08 PM
Leavitt is not the problem. Maybe the OC, Gregory...maybe that porous secondary...but not Leavitt. I have see the passion in this guy, and trust me, there is no one that you want in that position more than a guy like Leavitt! He isn't running away.

by Christian	Oct 6, 2008 2:07 PM
Chris and Mike, You should both stop the negative comments you are absolutely wrong about your comments about our coach.He is is the only reason USF is this good. Have you forgotten that USF did not have a team 11 years ago? It was one loss move on.

by Ric	Oct 6, 2008 2:06 PM
How nmany top ten recruiting classes have we had? Do we get the top recruits from Florida? The answer to these questions are none and no. The players and coaches have done a great job to get us where we are. They are playing as well as they can.

by Mike P.	Oct 6, 2008 2:02 PM
Mike, you should appreciate the coach who built your program. You should also get a grip on reality, Butch Davis is not leaving North Carolina to coach South Florida. What planet are you on?

by Jerry	Oct 6, 2008 1:54 PM
Sure wish we had some defensive backs. Over the first 6 games we have shown great weakness (no long-ball cover) and now teams like Pitt are picking on Tyler Roberts as the weak link.

by Jerry	Oct 6, 2008 1:53 PM
Sure wish we had some defensive backs. Over the first 6 games we have shown great weakness (no long-ball cover) and now teams like Pitt are picking on Tyler Roberts as the weak link.

by BullDoug	Oct 6, 2008 1:25 PM
yea Chris, Leavit's resume it so thin. Wha...didnt he reach 100 wins faster than any other coach or was it 2nd quickest? Gimme a break. Pitt was favored to win the BE by some experts. Thier only loss is to a ranked MAC team which they o'looked.

by Mike	Oct 5, 2008 9:55 AM
Overall, the team is undisciplined. The defense is soft and afraid of physical backs. The offense is pedestrian at best. And special teams - there isn't an adjective strong enough to describe the incompetence. Calling Butch Davis.

by scott	Oct 5, 2008 9:41 AM
hey chris, quit your negative comments. Leavitt is great coach--who would you prefer--O'Leary!? The BULLS will get back on track.

by Chris	Oct 3, 2008 6:29 PM
Should the Bulls have remembered not to overlook ANY opponent and stop believing their as good and their rankings?? Who exactly is going to teach them this lesson...Leavitt? He is CLEARLY not qualified.