Busy Night for USF Athletics; Both Soccer and Volleyball Teams in Action

It was a busy night with multiple teams in action for USF (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

With both soccer teams and volleyball in action tonight, plus a big football game coming tomorrow, it was a busy night for USF athletics.

USF Volleyball Hits the Road to Take on NC State

Fire up!

After winning their first game of the season in 5 sets vs. UCF on Sunday, USF, 1-2, take on NC State in the first game of the NC State Invitational tournament (game begins at 7PM).  NC State, coming off of a win over the College of Charleston on Sunday, is 3-0 on the season, the first time since 1995 and will be looking to improve its record and build on its 20-13 campaign from 2011.

USF Men's Soccer Takes on SMU

Keep it going!

The USF Bulls, 1-0-0 to start the season after beating Michigan in Tampa 2 to 1, look to defend their  ranking (now ranked 4th in the country) as they hit the road to Tulsa, Oklahoma to take part in the Hurricane Classic.  Their first foe is Southern Methodist who is ranked 20th in the nation.  

SMU tied Campbell in their first game of the season and are looking to build off of a strong 2011 season where they went 13-7-1 (4-3-1) (9-4 vs. non-conference opponents) and making it to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament.  So we have two tournament teams from last season, making for a great early game of the season (game begins at 4PM). 

USF Women's Soccer Faces Georgia

Keep attacking!

Coming off a big road win at Indiana, the USF ladies, 2-1-0, hit the road again as they head to Orlando to take on Georgia in the UCF tournament (game begins at 5PM). Georgia is 3-1-0 on the season and will be looking to build upon its impressive 13-7-2 (6-3-2) record from last season that took them to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Five Ways USF Can Win or Lose to UTC

The Bulls are the heavy favorite in this game, but there is always a chance they could be upset.  Let's take a look at the 5 ways the Bulls can win this game easily and 5 ways they could be beaten in the first game of the season.

Five Key Match-ups for USF vs. UTC

Let's see who will have some of the biggest individual match-ups to watch in this game. 

While every player is key to the victory of the game, there are important individual match-ups that will be fun to watch.  Here are the 5 key match-ups we will be watching in this opening game.

Scouting the UTC Defense

USF will bring their firepower into this game looking to rack up the yards against the Mocs. 

The USF offense, loaded with a ton of talent and skill players up and down the depth chart, faces it's first challenge of the 2012 season with the UTC defense. The Mocs, running a traditional 4-3 set defense, has a lot of speed and will look to slow down the Bulls and contain B.J. Daniels. Let's see who they will be facing in this game.

Scouting the UTC Offense

Quarterback Terrell Robinson is a very fast and athletic quarterback that will challenge the USF defense with his speed.

The Bulls take on UTC, the first challenge of the 2012 season.  UTC runs a different style of offense, using a lot of players in the backfield, rotating players in and out and getting the option style of offense going.  USF will have to be on their toes, read plays, and make sure they play their positions and not allow the skill players of UTC to get into the open.  Let's see who runs this offense. 

Scouting UTC Special Teams

Special teams is always overlooked, but it plays a key part for every team in every game.  Let's take a look at the UTC special teams unit and what the Bulls can expect in this game.

Meet the UTC Coaching Staff

Coach Russ Huesman leads the Mocs, find out who is calling the shots on his coaching staff.

The Bulls take on UT Chattanooga and it is always important to see who will be leading the opponent on the other side of the field. Let's take a look at the UTC coaching staff and get a better idea of who they are.

The Bull Rush Podcast: Episode 2

With football starting in less than a week, Matt & I decided to record the second episode of the Bull Rush Podcast. We talk about USF's schedule, their opponents, and the first fall depth chart. Hopefully we'll be able to make the podcast a weekly or biweekly segment for you guys to enjoy. The intro song this week is The Fighter (Remix) by the Gym Class Heroes. Let us know how you liked it, what we could change, and any other suggestions in the comments. If you want to download the podcast, you can do so through the Soundcloud widget.

Enjoy, and Go Bulls!

New Depth Chart Revealed, Including a New Change at Right Tackle

It's almost time.

With the season opener against UTC just 5 days away, the Bulls and the coaching staf are making their final preparations for the highly anticipated game.  The Bulls released a new depth chart today and there was a slight change at one of the key positions (click here for the full depth chart).

Football is Back: Who is UTC?

It's go time.

Football is back!!! The Bulls are facing the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs in the 1st game of the season (yes, the Mocs) to get the 2012 season started.  The Mocs, out of the Southern Conference (Division II) went 5-6 last season (3-5 in league play) and are 488-498 all time in their program's history (got to love opening up with the D2 programs).

Bulls Land 18th Commitment of 2013 Class

From Bulls 247 - Even with the start of the season starting in just 6 days, recruiting never takes a day off.  News came today that defensive end Brad Smith out of Jesuit HS right here in Tampa has verbally committed to the Bulls, making him the 18th commitment of the 2013 class. 

The 6-4 228-pound playmaker totaled 54 tackles, 13 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles last season and joins fellow teammates Cameron Ruff and Robert Garcia in the class of 2013 as the Bulls continue to recruit their backyard well.  Smith, rated a 2-star recruit according to Rivals.com, had offers from Air Force, Boston College, Duke, and several other division 2 programs, deciding to stay close to home to play his college ball.

(Check the video above for some highlights of Mr. Smith)

Smith is another great get for the USF coaching staff.  Joining Robert Garcia and Bruce Hector on the defensive side of the ball, the Bulls are stockpiling for the future and can't wait to have Smith take the field next season. 

USF Outlasts UCF in 5 Sets to Notch First Win of the Season

It took 5 sets, but the lady Bulls outlasted UCF to win their first game of the 2012 season (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The Bulls, after failing to win a set in the first two games, battled UCF for 5 sets on their way to the first win of the season.  USF, now 1-2 on the year won (23 to 25, 27 to 25, 25 to 19, 23 to 25, and 15 to 13).  The ladies had a chance to put it away in the 4th set, but the Knights fought back to extend the game to 5 sets where the Bulls were able to outlast them and give head coach Courtney Draper her first win at the helm.

The Bulls had their starts shinning in this game.  Andrea Rodriguez Gomez notched 12 kills and 4 digs.  Erin Fairs had 17 kills and 11 digs.  Wylie Devlin had 33 assists and 9 digs, helping run the offense.  Valerie El Houssine had 20 kills and 15 digs as she begins to heat up.  Shelbey Bleke had 6 kills and Claudia Cabrera had 28 digs and 3 assists in the game as well. 

This was a hard fought game for the Bulls, but they earned it and finally broke through after a few tough first games to open the season.  The Bulls, now 1-2 on the young season will next hit the road to face NC State in the NC State Invitation starting on Friday night at 7PM.

USF Volleyball Takes on UCF in the USF Invitational Tournament

Let's do this.

The lady Bulls take to the court again as they play their third game in as many days in the opening tournament of the season, the USF Invitational.  After facing Wisconsin and Creighton the first two days, the Bulls wrap up the tournament with in-state foe UCF.

USF, 0-2, is looking for their first win and the first win in a set under new head coach Courtney Draper.  The ladies are close to breaking through, but the Knights pose a huge challenge (game starts at 11AM).

USF Volleyball Drops Game to Creighton

The Bulls came out strong in the second game of the USF Invitational tournament, but just could not keep it going late in each set as Creighton got the win, beating the Bulls 25 to 18, 25 to 22, and 25 to 23, dropping USF to 0-2 to start the season.

Andrea Rodriguez Gomez had 8 kills and 2 digs in the game.  J'beria Davis had 5 kills and 7 digs.  Kayla Walton had 7 kills.  Valerie El Houssine had 7 kills and 11 digs (need her to get heated up very quickly).  Claudia Cabrera had 20 digs and Erin Fairs had 7 kills.  The Bulls are close to breaking through and will need to put a full set together and get this round patch out of the way and their next opponent is UCF, so it won't be easy. 

The Bulls and Knights will get started at 11AM tomorrow as they try to get the first win under the Courtney Draper era. 

USF Volleyball Takes on Creighton in the Second Game of the Season

Light'em up!

The USF Invitational tournament continues as the Bulls take on Creighton in the second game of the tournament.  The Bulls, 0-1, dropped the first game of the tournament to Wisconsin 3 sets to nothing and will look to rebound in this game. 

Creighton, who beat UCF in the first game of the tournament 3 to 1, is coming off of a 17-14 (12-6) season from last year, but they were 5-8 away from home.  This will be another early measuring stick for the Bulls as they get the season started (game begins at 1PM in the Corral).

Busy Night for USF: Men's Soccer Wins, Volleyball Goes Down and Ladies Soccer Dominates

It was a busy night for USF athletics with 3 teams in action, two on campus and one in Indiana, there was a lot to follow and a lot to like from big time players as the fall athletic season begins.

Waverly Austin Ruled Ineligible by USF

Per Greg Auman – Bad news for Coach Heath and the men’s basketball season.   One of their top recruits from the class of 2012, center Waverly Austin, has been ruled academically ineligible (ruled by USF, still eligible by NCAA) for the season and will play basketball somewhere else this season.

The 6-11 275-pound center/forward, widely regarded as the top JUCO player in the country, figured to be an instant contributor for Heath this season and a big player in the paint for the Bulls, but word came today that USF did not accept his AA degree and credits from Palm Beach State Community College.   Austin has been on campus all summer, attending classes and working out with the team, but will now head elsewhere to play basketball. 

This is a big blow for the team that was counting on Austin to play center this season and now will be even thinner on the front line, replacing Augustus Gilchrist and Ron Anderson Jr.  The Bulls do have big man Jordan Omogbehin who could factor in, but with his size and prior surgery, he is not being considered a starting player.  The Bulls will have to go with a smaller lineup that anticipated.  Newcomer Kore White, from FAU, could move to center.  Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, Victor Rudd (could play power forward), and freshman Zach LeDay could all factor more this season in the pain.

USF Men's Soccer Takes on Michigan to Open the 2012 Season

Time to go to work (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

Regular season soccer has returned for the Bulls.  After two exhibition games against Jacksonville and UT, the Bulls take Corbett Field for the first regular season game (game begins at 7PM and will be aired on Fox Sports Soccer Channel).  

After going 13-4-4 (7-0-2), a Big East Red Division title and an Elite 8 run in the postseason, Coach Kiefer and the 5th ranked Bulls will be looking to get off to a strong start in 2012 but will have to get through Big Blue to do so.  Michigan went 5-14-1 (1-5-0) last season and were just 3-6 away last season but had a very young team and will be looking to get off to a strong start at the Bulls expense.

USF Volleyball Takes on Wisconsin to Open the 2012 Season

Time to turn it up, volleyball season is here!

Volleyball is back!  The USF Bulls, after going 12-16 (7-7) last season, usher in a new era with new head coach Courtney Draper taking the helm and get to return to the Corral after playing all their home games last season in the Rec Center.

The Bulls will begin the 2012 season with a short 3-game tournament, the USF Invitational, to get the season started. Getting the chance to start the year at home  (on the road last season) will give the ladies a chance to get a few wins to start the campaign, but it won't be easy.  The Bulls face Wisconsin in the first game of the tournament (game begins at 7PM).

USF Women's Soccer Hits the Road to Face Indiana

The ladies, after facing two in-state foes sit at and now hit the road to take on Indiana in their first road contest of the season. The Bulls, after dropping the opening game of the season, rebounded with an impressive win against Miami, but it gets harder now.

Indiana, went 6-12-1 (2-9-0) last season and went just 4-5-1 at home as well.  But, they are off to a fast start themselves, 2-0-0 to begin the year and will pose a real early road test for the Bulls as they try to get above .500 (game starts at 7:30PM).

Lynch's Waiver Denied by NCAA

Not long ago, Notre Dame Freshman All-American Defensive End Aaron Lynch decided it was time to return home. He made a transfer to USF shortly thereafter, supposedly to be near his girlfriend, who also returned to Tampa after a year at Notre Dame. Within a few days of the transfer, reports began surfacing that USF may be considering pursuing a hardship waiver for Lynch, making him immediately eligible to play for the Bulls. Recently it all became reality, as Bulls fans waited on the edges of their seats to hear the NCAA's decision.

Well, Bulls fans got what they were asking for...kind of. The NCAA did come down with a decision, however it wasn't exactly what USF wanted to hear. Earlier today, Coach Holtz announced that Lynch's waiver was denied by the big guys upstairs. This leaves the battle for the other Defensive End position open with just nine days before the season opener, and Tevin Mims and Julius Forte will be battling for the spot. On the bright side, Lynch will waste his redshirt season for 2012 and have three years of eligibility remaining when Asiantii Woulard gets here, if all goes as planned. Don't hold your breaths, though. Lynch will be entering his third year out of high school when he finally takes the field in 2013, and, provided that he doesn't get rusty or out of shape in his time off, he'll likely be gone for the NFL after one year.

So while we wait for 2013, we can at least offer our congratulations to Lynch and his girlfriend, as it was announced that they'll be getting married sometime this year. All the more reason for him to leave for the NFL after 2013.

B.J. Daniels Place in USF Quarterback History

Jokes have been made this offseason that B.J. Daniels, the star senior quarterback for the Bulls, is entering his 10th year as the starter.  While he has been on campus for many years, he has been one of the most productive players in the young program's history and with a big season ahead, could leave a mark among the best signal callers in program history, but what will that mark be and how does it compare to the other quarterbacks in the program's history?

Who's the Next 1000 Yard Rusher for the Bulls?

Can Demetris Murray be the next USF running back to break 1000 yards rushing in a season?

The Bulls have had a few great running backs in their history, but recently a vast majority of the rushing yards have come from the quarterback position with B.J. Daniels and Matt Grothe a few years back.  But many forget, before we had quarterbacks running down the sidelines, the Bulls relied on a heavy rush attack.  As the offense under Todd Fitch evolves and the team looks to become a balanced offense, the need for a big time rusher is there.

Will a Wide Receiver Break 1000 Yards this Season?

The Bulls have had a lot of athletic, fast, and quick wide receivers throughout their history, but despite all the names that have taken the field and suited up in the green and gold, not one receiver has ever surpassed 1000 yards in a single season.  But in 2012, is this the year history is made?

Two True Freshmen at Defensive End Making Some Noise

There is really no question Ryne Giddins is the main man at defensive end this season for the Bulls, but the other side and the depth behind him are still up for debate.  As the team made it through training camp, two freshmen emerged that could make in impact this season off the edge and have the coaching staff talking.

Lindsey Lamar, Back at RB, Ready for Final Season

Lamar, back at running back, could put up carer numbers in his final season in the green and gold.

Football is back and as the Bulls get ready for a highly anticipated season, the team is looking to be more consistent on offense, hoping that their senior class can come through in their final games and help lead the team to the first ever Big East title.  One of the most electric players on the team, senior running back Lindsey Lamar, is a huge weapon that could be an x-factor all season long. 

Passariello Strikes and USF Notches Win Over Miami 1 to 0

After scoring 3 goals in exhibition play to begin the season, it was only a matter of time before Sharla Passariello would strike in the regular season and it happened today in the win over Miami.  Passariello struck in the 51st minute of the game for the Bulls after both sides played a scoreless first half.  The Bulls and Canes exchanged shots, but neither side could find the net. 

In the second half, after the Passariello strike, Miami had several looks in the net, getting aggressive on offense, but freshman Christiane Endler, starting goalkeeper, made several incredible saves for the Bulls to stop the Miami attack and help preserve the score and the first win of the season for the Bulls. 

The Bulls, 1-1-0, will hit the road to take on Indiana on the 24th (game begins at 7:30PM) for the first game of the season for the Bulls.  After two games, the Bulls look strong on defense, Endler is playing well, the defensive backline is attacking, but the offense is not quite there yet.  They have had a lot of shots on goal, but have not finished.  Stokes, Miller, Bala and others are not on pace yet, but with Passariello heating up, Marsha Harper making in impact, the offense is getting there and will help the team down the road.

USF Women's Soccer Takes on Miami in Second Game of the Season

Let's get this started!

After falling to UCF in the season opener on Friday night, USF, 0-1-0, retakes the field to take on Miami as they look to get their first win of the 2012 season.

Miami, coming off of their big 4 to 1 upset against the 21st ranked Gators, are looking to continue their hot start to the 2012 after a historic 2011 season(game begins at 1PM).  Last year, the lady Canes went 10-8-1 (3-6-1) and were 4-5 on the road as they recorded their first postseason win in program history.  They want to repeat their success, but the lady Bulls stand in the way and will make sure they leave Tampa with a loss.

USF MSoccer takes on University of Tampa in final exhibition game

Eric Osswald and company will take on in-town foe UT in the last tune up game before Michigan comes to town. 

The Bulls will get another tune up exhibition game before they host Michigan to open the regular season and this time, their opponent has to make a quick trip up I-275 for the game (time for the Rowdies Cup!) 

The University of Tampa comes to Corbett to face the Bulls tonight (game starts at 7:30PM).  The UT Spartans had a rough 2011 season, finishing the year at 3-10-2 (3-4-1) and were 1-6-1 away from home (not like they are traveling too far away from home for this game though).  They also lost top goal scorer Ryan Griffin (11 goals) from last year's team, so they will be working out their own rotation issues and should be a good opponent for the Bulls to face to answer their own questions.

USF Falls 0 to 1 to UT Thanks to an Own Goal

Not exactly the way George Kiefer and company had planned for.  The Bulls, playing in their second exhibition of the season, could not seem to execute in the box against UT, seeing multiple shots go just wide and missing the mark, but the goal is the one thing the team will look back on and be frustrated about. 

In the 50th minute, Brenton Griffiths was trying to reset and kicked the ball back to Eric Osswald (making the start again in net).  Osswald, not hearing the call from Griffiths, was out of position, and the ball rolled into the net for an own goal and gave UT the lone score of the game as the USF offense could not complete the attack.  Lucas Baldin (2 SOG), Griffiths, 3 shots, and Paul (2 SOG), were all aggressive, but it just wasn't there night as the Rowdies cup goes back to UT.

While the lose is frustrating (darn rivals) the team will correct the mistakes and now must get ready for the start of the regular season as they host Michigan on the 24th at 7PM at Corbett. 

USF Women's Soccer Drops First Game of the Season 1 to 3 to UCF

Looking to get off to a better start than last season, the lady Bulls had a hard time against the 12th ranked UCF Knights as they beat the Bulls 1 to 3 to open the 2012 season at Corbett Field. 

The Knights struck first in the 27th minute, taking the lead into the half (Christiane Endler was in the net for the Bulls in this game).  UCF struck again in the 59th minute, but the Bulls answered in the 76th minute to pull within one with a goal scored by Marsha Harper, assisted by Sharla Passariello (took 2 shots on goal during the game as well).  But a yellow card on Jackie Simpson in the 82nd minute allowed UCF to get the free kick and in the 83rd minute, they went ahead for good 3 to 1 to take the game. 

This is not how the Bulls wanted to get the season going, but they have another game, so they need to shake this one off and get back to work.  The Bulls host Miami on Sunday afternoon at 1PM at Corbett (make sure to bring the sun screen for this game). 

USF Women's Soccer Takes on UCF to Begin the Season

Fire up, the season is here! (Picture: USF Oracle)

The regular season is finally here!  The 2012 season begins for women's soccer as the Bulls take on the UCF Knights at Corbett Stadium at 7:30 tonight.  After taking on FGCU and Jacksonville in exhibition games last week, the Bulls stay at home as they welcome a foe from just up the road.

USF, 6-8-4 (2-6-3), will be looking to get the 2012 campaign started off on the right foot but with the Knights in town, it will be a tough first game.  UCF is coming off of a 13-5-6 (6-2-3) season where they made it to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tournament.  The Knights also beat USF 5 to 1 last season to open the year in Orlando, so the Bulls will be looking to get off to a hot start against a talented Knights team (game starts at 7:30PM at Corbett).

Don't Forget to Gear Up for the Season!

As Fan Fest approaches and the much anticipated 2012 season draws ever closer, you will need the proper gear to wear on game day.  While books, tuition, and moving into a dorm are expensive, getting the right shirt won't break the bank.  The 2012 "Our Shirt" the official student shirt for the season, is available at the USF bookstore and is something that everyone can buy on the cheap, look great at the games, and add to the closet all year round.  Follow the link to get to the USF bookstore or simply walk in and pick up one for yourself and join the Green and Gold nation.

Several Freshmen on the First Fall Depth Chart

Last season, a few freshmen made an impact for the Bulls like Quinterrius Eatmon who started every game at right tackle.  This season, there are several freshmen that are on the first depth chart of the fall that will make an impact this season, on both sides of the ball. 

First Depth Chart of the Fall

There were a couple of surprises on the first depth chart of the fall that came out today.

It's been awhile since the first depth chart of the spring was released, but now after a scrimmage two days ago in Vero beach, the coaching staff has put together a new one.  Here it is folks (per USF athletics):

Cool Gloves for USF Football this Season

While we wait for the first depth chart of the fall, I came across this image from the camp in Vero Beach.  It is wide receiver Victor Marc showing off the new gloves the team can wear this season, sporting the USF logo on the inside of the hands.  

This image and along with all the great photos being taken of the team during the fall camp are from Dani Antonucci Photography (click HERE to find her facebook page).  Make sure to check out her page and take a look at all the great work she is doing and all the great moments she is capturing this season with the team.  Thanks to Dani for allowing us to post that picture of Marc as well!

USF Men's Soccer Notches Exhibition Win Over Jacksonville

The USF soccer season got off to a great start as the men in their first exhibition game beat Jacksonville 2 to 1 at Corbett Field.

The Bulls struck first with a goal by Sebastien Thuiere after a double assist by Ben Sweat and Stiven Salinas to get the scoring started.  10 minutes later, the Bulls tacked on another goal by Brenton Griffiths assisted by Lucas Baldin and Samuel Hosseini to put the Bulls up 2 to 0 going into the half. 

The two sides exchanged fouls and played tough defense in the second half until Jacksonville scored in the 77th minute against Dallas Jaye (Eric Osswald got the start in the game) to pull the Dolphins within a goal, but the USF defense tightened up and held the lead for good.

The Bulls will face the University of Tampa on Saturday night at 7:30PM at Corbett as they look to continue the exhibition season off well.

Update for USF Football as they Continue Vero Camp

It sounds like Matt Floyd has taken the lead for the number two spot  in the quarterback depth chart race. 

The Bulls wrapped up another day down in Vero Beach as the season draws even closer.  After a full scrimmage, the Bulls were in the weight room and in shorts as the coaching staff continues to meet with players and evaluate their personnel to determine the depth chart, the first of the fall. 

Greg Auman, who has been down in Vero, caught some great insight from Holtz after the practice (click here for the video).  The biggest note from the brief interview is the move of Matt Floyd to the number two quarterback position, at least for now.  Floyd, a redshirt freshman who enrolled last spring, has been battling with junior Bobby Eveld over the entire summer for the number two spot and have a great touchdown pass to Ruben Gonzalez in the scrimmage, Holtz says he would have Floyd at number two right now because of the consistency.  While the competition will continue and with another scrimmage on Saturday, things can change, Floyd is in the lead. 

Cory Grissom, who is recovering from the ankle fracture in the spring, was on the field progressing.  Todd Chandler, Elkino Watson, and Julius Forte, who were all out yesterday during the scrimmage (Watson left the scrimmage) were back out on the field.  The two concerns were running back Bradley Battles and wide receiver Ruben Gonzalez (wrist) who both needed x-rays today for their injuries, both came back negative and should be out for a week or so, nothing major there (always good to hear). 

Holtz said that the depth chart, projected to come out today, will come out tomorrow morning after the staff wanted to take some more time to meet with players and evaluate more material.  It should be interesting to see if anyone has moved up or down on this chart. 

USF Men's Soccer Takes on Jacksonville in First Exhibition Game of 2012

Soccer is back at Corbett!

Soccer is back, at least in exhibition form for the 2012 USF men's soccer team.  After going 13-4-4 (7-0-2) and making the Elite 8 for the first time last year, the Bulls return to the field in hopes of making another postseason run. 

They will begin their preparation for the season with the first of two exhibition matches starting with a game against Jacksonville.  The Dolphins finished last season at 9-8-2 (5-2-1) but were 3-2-2 away from home last season and lost several senior starters from last season (their recruiting class included 18 new players) so they are fielding a young team that the Bulls should be able to find their way against (game begins at 7:30PM at Corbett Stadium).

Bulls Have 1st Scrimmage of the Fall in Vero Beach

Running back Marcus Shaw continued to impressive, racking up some yards in this first scrimmage of the fall (Picture: wwww.gousfbulls.com)

As the dark skies loomed overhead, the Bulls started their scrimmage, the first of the fall, 45 minutes early to beat the rains and get the much anticipated and needed scrimmage in the books.  Note this is a quick post to recap the live tweets from the USF Oracle and Greg Auman who are currently in Vero Beach.  Please read Auman's full report on more numbers and who else shined (CLICK HERE).  

The scoring got started with a 14-yard touchdown strike to Ruben Gonzalez.  All 3 quarterbacks had over 100 yards passing (Daniels connected to Chris Dunkley on a touchdown as well).  Seeing that all 3 quarterbacks had solid days continues the competition for the number two spot behind Daniels.  From all accounts, Floyd looked good, but no one has separated themselves and as Todd Fitch mentioned earlier in the summer, both quarterbacks will play this season and the competition will just continue into the year unless something major happens and someone outshines the other. 

The running backs were solid as well.  Marcus Shaw had 9 carries for 91 yards and Willie Davis had 5 carries for 62 yards.  Shaw continues to shine and if he can put it all together he could have a major season.  The only injury that happened to the running backs occurred to Bradley Battles who sprained an ankle and could be out for extended time.  

There were a few other injuries.  Defensive end Aaron Lynch sat with a concussion, wide receiver D'vario Montgomery did not dress with a shoulder issue and defensive tackle Todd Chandler had his foot in a boot.  Coach Holtz said he did not think any of the injuries would be long term and that Montgomery and Chandler should return soon.  Lynch might take longer with the concussion symptoms.  

The practice was great to follow and per Greg Auman, the first depth chart of the fall should come out and will give us a better idea of who has emerged as a starter at certain positions (second corner spot for one) and who has risen to the second team unit as well.  (Once again, just a recap of tweets from Auman and the Oracle to get every caught up on what happened in the scrimmage)

Rush Through the Roster: #2 Sterling Griffin

Griffin, now wearing number 2, is healthy and ready for a huge season for the Bulls in 2012 (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

#2 - Sterling Griffin - 6-0 194-pounds - RS Junior - WR - Opa Locka, FL (Miami Monsignor Pace HS)

2011 stats:  Griffin played in 8 games last season, making 7 starts.  He missed 4 games due to an ankle injury.  He led the team with 43 receptions for 530 yards (12.3 yards per reception) and 3 touchdowns.

Position on the depth chart: Griffin was listed as the number two wide receiver behind Andre Davis on the two-deep coming out of spring.

2012 projection: Being listed behind Davis coming out of the spring practices, Griffin is ready for a huge season as long as he can stay healthy and remain on the field.  He is a quick receiver that can catch the ball and turn up field for big chunks of yardage.  He has had some injuries over the past two season, but when healthy, he is one of the best receivers on the team.  Look for him to put up career numbers and lead a talented offense this year. 

(note that he was #17 last season and is now listed as #2 for this season according to Coach Holtz and Greg Auman)

Passariello Strikes Late Again, Bulls Beat Jacksonville to End Exhibition Play

The Bulls took the field for the last exhibition game of the season as they faced off against Jacksonville at Corbett Stadium.  

The Bulls and Dolphins were scoreless in the first half as both teams took several shots on the goal, but many went just high or wide.  Christiane Endler got the start in net as Coach Schilte-Brown continues to rotate players, looking for the best fit and to get everyone in rhythm and add a few minutes on the field.  Sydney Drinkwater and Summer Ikeda both came into the game as well. 

The offense for the Bulls was aggressive, especially late.  Cara Patterson, Demi Stokes, and Sarah Miller all took a shot at the goal, but it was Sharla Passariello, who scored 2 goals in the win over FGCU in the first game, that was the most aggressive in the game.  After getting  a yellow card in the 80th minute of the game, she scored the game winning goal in the 8th minute, assisted by Daniella DeArade.  

The Bulls rotated a lot of players and from what we can see early in the game and the first game against FGCU is that the Bulls are very aggressive, fast, and athletic.  The team has depth and were able to continue to attack on the front line, which is the strength of the team.  The backline is a little young and the goalkeeper position is still a bit uncertain (although Ikeda will most likely be the starter), the team is on a high note as they prepare for the season opener against UCF on Friday night at Corbett at 7:30PM. 

USF Women's Soccer Faces Jacksonville in Final Exhibition Game

Coach Schilte-Brown and company will look to end the exhibition part of the schedule with a win and prepare for the big season ahead. 

The USF ladies will take the field one more time in their final exhibition match before they begin the regular season on August 17th.  The Bulls, after beating FGCU 3 to 2 on Wednesday, face another team from up north in the state in the Jacksonville Dolphins (game begins at 6:30PM today at Corbett Field).  Jacksonville went 11-5-3 (7-1-2) last season, but were 3-4-2 away from home, so expect another good game for the ladies to sort out the roster before the start of the regular season.

Trip Down Memory Lane; Looking Back at the 2006 Recruiting Class

2006 was a fun year, it brought the first bowl win in program history to the program and an interesting group of young freshman were a part of it.

2006, what a year it was.  After the football team made it to their first bowl game in 2005, the 2006 recruiting class joined the campus.  It was my sophomore year, I had moved out of my humble Kappa dorm and into an apartment off campus.  As I made the move, the new incoming freshmen were moving onto campus and beginning their USF careers as the team returned to a bowl game and beat ECU for the program's first bowl win (wonder who's team they beat that year?)  Here are the players from the 2006 class and what they did during their careers.

Rush Through the Roster: #5 Lindsey Lamar

#5 - Lindsey Lamar - 5-9 164-pounds - Senior - RB - Tampa, FL (Hillsborough HS)

2011 stats: Lamar, moving to wide receiver last year, had 11 receptions for 157 yards (14.3 per reception) including 3 touchdowns and along reception of 54 yards.  He carried the ball 17 times for 150 yards (8.8 per carry).  He also returned 40 kick-offs for 871 yards (20.4 per return) including a long of 62 yards

Position on the depth chart: Lamar is listed as the number two running back on the depth chart coming out of the spring behind Murray.

2012 projection: Lamar, who moved to wide receiver, is back at running back this year, the position he is most comfortable at.  Holtz has stated they need to get the ball in his hands more and allow him to create with his feet.  Lamar is a track star and can do a lot of the backfield, giving the Bulls another weapon.  Look for him to put up big numbers and continue to be a staple on the kick return side as well.

Passariello Notches Two Goals as Bulls beat FGCU in Exhibition Match

Passariello scored 2 goals, including the game winner against FGCU today (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

It might only be an exhibition game, but it was a great way to start the season for the USF ladies soccer team as they notched a 3 to 2 win over FGCU at Corbett stadium.

Dealing with the heat, the ladies fell behind early as FGCU scored in the 11th minute as Wacker got the ball past Summer Ikeda who got the start in the net.  The Bulls dictated the pace of the game and were very aggressive up front with Sarah Miller and Sharla Passariello leading the attack.  The aggressiveness paid off in the 23rd minute as Passariello scored off a deflected ball to notch the game at 1 to 1 heading into half time (Passariello almost had another goal but was called offsides, Stokes had a shot go just high of the crossbar).

In the second half, Christiane Endler took over in the net as Coach Schilte-Brown continued rotate players in.  The Bulls fell behind in the second half however as Endler mishandled a loose ball and FGCU quickly scored, but the lead wouldn't last.  A minute later, Demi Stokes, who continued to attacked, scored the equalizing goal.  The game carried on and the Bulls, led by a great defensive backline late, were able to go on the attack and Passariello put them ahead 3 to 2 to win the game with just 2 minutes left in regulation.

It was a great showing by Passariello, Miller, and Stokes to begin the season and they will look to continue the offensive attack against Jacksonville as they host the Dolphins at 7PM at Corbett, the final exhibition game before the start of the season.

Rush Through the Roster: #6 Kayvon Webster

Kavyon Webster is ready to lead the way in the secondary this season (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

#6 - Kayvon Webster - 5-11 192-pounds - Senior - CB - Opa Locka, FL (Miami Monsignor Pace HS)

2011 stats: Webster made 11 starts last season, totaling 49 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT, 7 PBU, 1 FF, 1 FR (for a TD vs. ND).

Position on the depth chart: Webster is listed as listed as one of the starting cornerbacks coming out of the spring.

2012 projection: Webster became a fulltime starter and came up big with 2 interceptions and made plays all over the field.  He is only going to get better as a ballhawk that can keep up with any receiver and gives the Bulls a great senior presence in the secondary, a unit that was depleted last year with injuries and comes into this year very young.  Look for Webster to have a huge season and take away half the field for opposing quarterbacks. 

USF Women's Soccer Takes on FGCU in the First Exhibition Game of 2012

For Green and Gold we stand united!

Soccer is back, well at least in exhibition form!  The 2012 USF women's soccer season begins this afternoon with an exhibition match against Florida Gulf Coast University at 1PM today at Corbett Stadium.

The Bulls played FGCU last season in another exhibition match where they led 1 to 0 before the game was called due to bad weather.  FGCU is the defending Atlantic Sun champions, coming off of a 14-5-2 (7-1-1) season.  Both sides will be looking to answer questions at certain positions as the season begins, but let's see who the top players are for the Falcons and what the Bulls will be working on in this first game.

Chasing Grothe: B.J. Daniels's Quest for the Big East Yardage Record

If you asked any USF fan "Who's the best Bulls quarterback of all time?", you's probably get a couple mixed responses. But if you asked a Big East fan, "Who's statistically the best Big East quarterback of all time?", then there's no doubt that the answer you'd receive is South Florida's Matt Grothe. Grothe spent his career chasing the record himself, following West Virginia's Pat White. So just how close is B.J. to writing his own name in the history books?

Rush Through the Roster: #7 B.J. Daniels

#7 - B.J. Daniels - 6-0 215-pounds - RS Senior - Quarterback - Tallahassee, FL (Lincoln HS)

2011 stats:  Daniels played in 11 games last year (missed 1 game due to a shoulder injury).  He finished the year 215 out of 365 pass attempts (58.9% completion percentage) for 2585 yards, including 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.  He carried the ball 132 times for 601 yards and 6 touchdowns.   

Position on the depth chart:  Daniels is the starting quarterback for this season (no shocker there).

2012 projection: Daniels had his best statistical season last year as a quarterback and with a loaded receiving corps this season, he is due to set new records.  He is a very athletic player and has shown over the years his ability to create with his legs and escape danger.  Now in his senior season, Daniels is looking for a big year, not only in the stat sheets, but to take the team and program to another level, the Big East title.  Daniels has gone on record stating that the 5-7 finish to last year left a bitter taste in his mouth (and the senior class) and they have been working harder than ever to prepare for this season.  This is Daniels last shot to make program history.  As long as he can stay healthy, he can reach those goals.

Rush Through the Roster: #8 Jon Lejiste

#8 - Jon Lejiste - 6- 212-pounds - 5th Yr. Senior - S - Delray Beach, FL (Atlantic Community HS)

2011 stats:  Lejiste totaled 47 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 FF, and 4 FR in 12 games played last year.

Position on the depth chart:  Lejiste did not appear on the two-deep depth chart coming out of the spring due to a wrist injury that kept him out of practices.

2012 projection: Lejiste was held out of practices as he recovers, but come fall, he is a starter at free safety.  Lejiste is a hard hitting player that plays a lot in the box but can get down the field and keep up with receivers.  USF will need to him to rise this fall in the secondary that lost two seniors last year (Young and Washington).

Trip Down Memory Lane: Looking Back at the 2005 Recruiting Class

Jim Leavitt, the first coach in the program's history, led the team into the 2005 season and a new era for the program as USF joined the Big East. 

2012 season is right around the corner and as everyone prepares for another big season, I thought it would be interesting to take a step back and take a little trip down memory lane. 

I enrolled at USF in 2005, the first year the Bulls made it to a bowl game and their first season in the Big East where they finished 6-6 (4-3), losing 0 to 14 to NC State in the Meinke Car Care Bowl.  While the bowl game and the season were historic, I wanted to look back at the 2005 recruiting class, the same class that started their collegiate and scholastic careers at the same time I did.  While some of the names from that recruiting class are memorable, others have been forgotten over time or overlooked.  Let's take a look at that 2005 recruiting class and see what they did over their college careers as I began mine.

Rush Through the Roster: #9 Evan Landi

#9 - Evan Landi - 6-3 238-pounds - Senior - TE - Coral Springs, FL (Coral Springs Charter HS)

2011 stats: Landi had 29 receptions for 297 yards (10.1 per reception) including 1 touchdown (vs. Notre Dame).

Position on the depth chart: Landi is listed as one of the two starting tight ends coming out of the spring.

2012 projection: Landi moved from wide receiver to tight end last year and had solid results from the switch.  He is a big body that can get down field and has shown the ability to make the tough catches in traffic, making him an ideal target for the quarterback.  Look for "sure-handed" Landi to continue to progress at tight end and put up bigger numbers.

Notes from First Press Conference of the Season from Skip Holtz

From Greg Auman and USF Athletics - Football season draws ever closer as the team reported for the first day and Coach Skip Holtz addressed the media for the first press conference of the 2012 season. 

Holtz stated that the team would begin in shorts the first two days on campus and would leave for Vero Beach on Wednesday.  The team will hit the pads on Friday in the first real scrimmage of the season. 

Rush Through the Roster: #10 Terrence Mitchell

#10 - Terrence Mitchell - 5-10 158-pounds - Junior - WR - Tampa, FL (Hillsborough HS)

2011 stats: Mitchell appeared in 4 games last year before missing the rest of the year due to a concussion.  He had 7 receptions for 60 yards before the injury.  He also returned 13 punts for 67 yards (5.2 per return).

Position on the depth chart: Mitchell is listed behind Victor Marc on the depth chart coming out of the spring.

2012 projection: Mitchell, one of the fastest players on the team, had his season cut early last season due to a scary concussion.  He is now healthy, added a few pounds and is looking to make a huge return this season both on special teams and as a receiver.  With his speed and abilities, he should make a major impact this season and leave a lot of secondaries in the dust.