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USF'S FIVE BIGGEST WINS

 
Published Dec. 31, 2005|Updated Aug. 2, 2006

1. USF 45, LOUISVILLE 14 (SEPT. 2005): The Bulls' Big East debut was a huge upset as USF, a three-touchdown underdog, routed the No. 9 Cardinals, the league's preseason favorite. Receiver Amarri Jackson ran for two touchdowns and threw for a third.

2. USF 35, PITTSBURGH 26 (SEPT. 2001): In their second game as a I-A program, the Bulls pulled off the road upset, getting 343 yards and four touchdowns from quarterback Marquel Blackwell. "I hope they say, "There's a team rising out of the city of Tampa that's not bad,' " coach Jim Leavitt said.

3. USF 21, CONNECTICUT 13 (OCT. 2000): In their final season as a I-AA program, the Bulls got their first win against a I-A opponent, rallying for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. USF had never won after trailing after three quarters, and the Bulls beat the Huskies again a year later in Tampa.

4. USF 28, ARMY 0 (SEPT. 2003): Making their Conference USA debut, the Bulls pitched their first shutout since 2000, overcoming 13 penalties, three turnovers and two missed field goals. The Bulls went on to a 5-3 league record but fell just short of bowl eligibility.

5. USF 80, KENTUCKY WESLEYAN 3 (SEPT. 1997): The Bulls' first game drew 49,212 fans, still the largest home attendance in USF history. USF finished 5-6, its only losing record in the program's first seven seasons.

FIVE BEST PLAYERS

1. MARQUEL BLACKWELL, QB, 1999-2002: Blackwell's 9,108 passing yards are more than double any other passer in USF history; his 30 wins as starter likely won't be matched.

2. ANDRE HALL, RB, 2004-05: In just two years, he has broken every USF rushing and scoring record, topping 2,500 yards and leading the Bulls into the Big East and their first bowl.

3. ANTHONY HENRY, DB, 1997-2000: An original Bull, he was USF's first defensive star; now in his fifth NFL season, he signed a $25-million contract with Dallas in March.

4. J.R. REED, DB, 2000-03: His 18 career interceptions are eight more than anyone else; after a promising rookie season last year, his NFL career is in jeopardy after an off-field injury.

5. KAWIKA MITCHELL, LB, 1999-2002: USF's all-time leading tackler, he has shined with the Kansas City Chiefs, leading them in tackles in this, his third season in the NFL.

FIVE MILESTONES

1. FIRST GAME: Twenty-one months after hiring Jim Leavitt, USF takes the field at Tampa Stadium, where 49,212 fans watch the Bulls maul lowly Kentucky Wesleyan in their debut.

2. FIRST I-A GAME: After just four years in Division I-AA, the Bulls made the leap in 2001, beating four I-A opponents in an 8-3 first season as a I-A team.

3. JOINING C-USA: Long-awaited jump helped establish the Bulls as a credible I-A power, a key first step toward its current conference affiliation.

4. JOINING THE BIG EAST: Moving into a BCS conference has elevated USF and helped the Bulls compete for a higher level of talent.

5. FIRST BOWL: Win or lose, today's Meineke Car Care Bowl against N.C. State is the next major step in USF's rapid progress, still in its first decade.

FIVE GAMES THAT WILL DEFINE 2006

1. AT CENTRAL FLORIDA: Knights are much improved since losing to USF in September.

2. AT LOUISVILLE: Cardinals will want revenge for this year's 45-14 embarrassment.

3. AT WEST VIRGINIA: Beating the likely league favorite on the road won't be easy.

4. VS. RUTGERS: Young and eager for another bowl, perhaps USF's toughest home game.

5. VS. CONNECTICUT: After disappointment of this year's loss, Bulls will be hungry.

- GREG AUMAN, Times staff writer