USF Bulls Radio

Expectations are typically higher for homecoming games, but that was especially true this year as the University of South Florida Bulls took on the Louisville Cardinals, with bowl eligibility at stake.

The Bulls came away with the victory defeating the Cardinals, 34-22, in front of nearly 50,000 fans. After last week’s devastating loss at Rutgers this win was exactly what the Bulls needed to get them back on track.

“We didn’t handle the environment at Rutgers,” Head Coach Jim Leavitt said. “Offensively we were never in sync.”

The Bulls started off strong, up 14-0 in the first quarter after they scored on two, 80-yard drives. Dontavia Bogan, caught a 16-yard pass from B.J. Daniels giving the Bulls the first lead of the game. Moise Plancher rushed for a 2-yard touchdown only minutes after that.

The Cardinals dominated the second quarter. After a field goal by Chris Philpott and a touchdown by wide receiver Scott Long, they were able to gain some momentum. The Cardinals took their first and only lead of the game when their wide receiver, Trent Guy, scored a touchdown on a 60-yard punt return. The Bulls were able to regain the lead 17-16 with a field goal before the end of the half.

During halftime, Coach Leavitt may have taken a play straight from the Seattle Seahawk’s Owen Schmitt, whose helmet bashing antics made for some interesting game highlights. Leavitt returned from the locker room with scratches and blood on his face. He claims he tripped.

“He [Leavitt] was a little animated. He definitely got us going.” Daniels said. “We came out and continued what we started in the first quarter.”
Whatever Leavitt did, it succeeded in getting the Bulls focused and back in the game. It wasn’t long before Daniels scored a touchdown putting the Bulls up 24-16.

“Maintaining our composure was the number one thing,” Wilson said.

The second half saw a stronger offense. Daniels became the first player in Big East History to have more than 100 yards rushing and throw for more than 300 yards in the same game. He had a combined 445 yards and did not throw an interception.

“I’m not concerned about records, as long as we get a win,” Daniels said. “If we win then I am happy.”

A.J. Love, Sterling Griffin, Plancher, and Jessie Hester each stepped up in big ways to compensate for Carlton Mitchell, who missed his second straight game due to an ankle injury. USF’s offense had a combined 538 yards.

“If we get on the same page our offense could be explosive,” Leavitt said. “We had way too many mistakes and far too many penalties.”

For the fifth straight year the Bulls are eligible for a bowl game, but the outcome of the next two games determines which bowl it will be.

“It’s nice to be established in one of the bowl games. Hopefully we can just finish the season strong, and go to a better bowl game this year.” Wilson said.

Coach Leavitt said overall the Bulls played with courage. While that may be true, today’s victory is only the beginning.
USF had six penalties which cost them 44 yards. They also had two fumbles and failed to make a 2-yard, fourth down conversion.

“I’m not in to winning and losing to be quite honest. I’m in to playing good football,” Leavitt said.

Going up against Miami the stakes are higher and the Bulls cannot afford to make the same mistakes.

“Miami is more important, we definitely have to move on. I’m ready.” Daniels said.

Photo courtesy: Tyler Crane