USF 2011-2012 Non-conference Schedule Released

Yep, it could be another long season for Coach Stan Heath and his team.

USF released their non-conference portion of their schedule for the 2011-2012 season. With the Big East being as tough as it is, the non-conference portion is just as rough.

The Bulls are going to be homeless this season as the renovations are underway on the Sun Dome. While they are much needed and probably should of happened years ago, the team will not play a game on campus, leaving them on the road, traveling between Lakeland, University of Tampa's campus, the St. Pete Times Forum, and the Lakeland Center for all of their home games.

A brief look at the schedule and there are several games that pop out. Old Dominion, Marist, VCU, and Cleveland State are all tough mid-major teams that could beat up the Bulls. Games against Kansas and possibly Kentucky (or Penn State, an NCAA Tournament team from last season) are also brutal games. Auburn will be better and the Bulls lost to Southern Miss last time, so that is not a proven game either. Here is the full list of the non-conference schedule and possible locations for games (as of now).

· Sat, Nov 12 Vermont (at University of Tampa), 7:00 p.m.

· Mon, Nov 14 Marist (at St. Pete Times Forum), 7:00 p.m.

· Wed, Nov 16 Florida Southern (at Lakeland Center), 7:00 p.m.

· Sat, Nov 19 Old Dominion (at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT - Naismith Memorial HOF Tournament), 2:00 p.m.

· Sun, Nov 20 Kentucky or Penn State (at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT - Naismith Memorial HOF Tournament), time TBA

· Wed, Nov 23 Georgia Southern (at St. Pete Times Forum), 7:00 p.m.

· Sat, Nov 26 Florida Atlantic University (at University of Tampa), 7:00 p.m.

· Wed, Nov 30 at VCU, time TBA

· Sat, Dec 03 at Kansas, time TBA

· Sun, Dec 11 Florida A&M (at University of Tampa), 2:00 p.m.

· Thu, Dec 15 at Auburn, time TBA

· Mon, Dec 19 Cleveland State (at St. Pete Times Forum), 7:00 p.m.

· Thu, Dec 22 at Southern Miss, time TBA

This could be another rough season, maybe even worse than last season. The Bulls are literally homeless and should not expect huge home crowds due to the venues they are traveling. If Heath wants to prove himself this season, this is the time to rally this team and pull them together during this rough transition year without a true home court.

The Bulls finished last season at 10-23 (4-16). This season could be equally as rough or even worse. The Bulls will be a bit better with Gilchrist opting to return, but losing Crater, as much as we joke about him does hurt. He was a senior guard with starting experience in the Big East. The Bulls will have to put the ball in the hands of incoming JUCO star Blake Nash and hope he can grow quickly and play under these strange and tough circumstances.