USF is a program fighting for respect. Can they compete with the Big Three of the Big East? Do they deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Florida’s Big 
Three? If the Bulls want to prove they belong this season is their best chance to do so.
The Past: The Bulls showed flashes of potential last season (beating WVU in Morgantown) and stunning mediocrity (losing to Cincinnati). Which explains why most experts have difficulty ranking USF within the Big East. Which Bulls team will we see on the field, Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?
Unranked In All Polls
The Future: Despite losing two of their top tacklers in Stephen Nicholas and Pat St Louis the Bulls could have the best defense in the Big East. Leading tackler Ben Moffitt returns to lead one of the more talented linebacker corps in the Big East. The offense should be better this season with Big East Freshman of the Year Matt Grothe back at quarterback. Just as important, the Bulls won’t have to depend so much on Grothe (led team in rushing 7 games) with Alabama transfer Mike Ford Jr. starting at runningback.
The Game: West Virginia (Sept. 28)
If USF wants to prove they belong in the upper echelons of the Big East they need to beat at least two out of the conference’s Big Three: West Virginia, Louisville and/or Rutgers. To the Bulls benefit they get West Virginia and Louisville at home this season. No one in their right mind is picking USF to upset West Virginia, as the Mountaineers are considered one of the favorites to win the National Championship. But if the Bulls defense improves on their performance from last season, a real possibility considering they return 7 starters, they could make a surprise run similar to Wake Forest (#12 scoring defense last season) and Rutgers (#8).
james
2 years ago
This year we can’t sneak up on anyone. The other schools will see the Bulls running at them full strength. It seems every year is a big year for the USF football program but I really think this year is the year we make our mark.