The Scarlet Knights sure would have liked to inject some of Ray Rice’s legs into their offense on Wednesday night. South Florida upset Rutgers 28-27 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Big East battle featured a rusher just as prolific as Rice, but he belonged to the Bulls. Moise Plancher ran for a career high 135 yards to help USF upend the Knights and improve to 5-3 on the season. Plancher, however, also nearly cost the Bulls the game. Offensive lineman, Jacob Sims, recovered Plancher’s fourth quarter fumble and returned it for the winning touchdown. Fans know the Big East is the laughingstock of college football this year, but Rutgers has been the toughest foe for South Florida since their entrance into the conference. The Bulls finally got over the hurdle last night with a one-point home victory.
South Florida snapped a four game losing streak behind B.J. Daniels’ two touchdown passes, a pair of field goals, a safety, and a fumble recovery for a score. Daniels finished with 149 yards through the air and was picked off once. He was 10-of-17 on the night. The USF signal caller connected for two first half touchdowns as the teams went into the locker room knotted at 17-17. Evan Landi’s four yard reception midway through the first quarter gave the Bulls a 7-0 edge. The touchdown was set up by Terrence Mitchell’s 47 yard punt return. Rutgers came back to tie the game with .44 seconds remaining in the opening stanza. Mason Robinson returned a punt 60 yards for the Scarlet Knights’ first touchdown.
Chas Dodd completed 19-of-22 passes for 139 yards behind center for Rutgers. Mohamed Sanu snagged seven passes and threw the only touchdown pass for the Knights. Sanu’s toss came late in the second quarter, with South Florida ahead by four. Rutgers recorded a field goal to begin the second quarter. The Bulls bounced back with Daniels’ second touchdown pass, a six yard pitch to wideout, Dontavia Bogan. Sanu’s 21 yard pass to Mark Harrison gave Rutgers a three point lead with 6:28 left in the half. Maikon Bonani kicked a 47 yard field goal to tie the game with less than a minute before the break.
Joe Martinek, who finished with -6 yards rushing, managed a one yard touchdown run to begin the second half and give Rutgers their biggest lead of the night. The Bulls were whistled for 35 penalty yards during the momentum-swinging series. Bonani’s 21 yard field goal cut the Scarlet Knight lead back to four points and a safety to end the third quarter cut the advantage to two. Kordell Young caught a screen pass in the end zone, but was tackled before crossing the line to give the Bulls a pair of points. Daniels was intercepted on the first play of the fourth quarter. The home team still trailed by five after Rutgers’ San San Te booted a 30 yard field goal. The safety net wasn’t enough for the Knights as the Bulls scored the game’s final, and winning, touchdown. Rutgers is now 4-4 on the season.
Parting Points: Motor-mouth in the Motor City? That’s right, Randy Moss is a Titan. Oh, and Buffalo claimed Shawn Merriman.
Does it get any worse for the NJ Devils? Martin Brodeur will bounce back, but Zach Parise is out for three months.
Sources say the NCAA is going to drop charges against Michigan’s Rich Rodriguez.
RIP Sparky Anderson.
Showing posts with label University of South Florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University of South Florida. Show all posts
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Pitt Poised to Plow Past Pretender Position
The Pittsburgh Penguins fell to the New Jersey Devils to end their seven game winning streak Saturday. The Devils broke through for four goals at Mellon Arena to defeat Pittsburgh 4-1. Today, Brett Favre returns to the Steele City for the first time in eleven years. Favre and the flawless Minnesota Vikings hope to continue gridiron perfection against Pittsburgh. Twenty-seven year old, Ben Roethlisberger leads the NFL in passing yards and yards per attempt. The six year Steelers quarterback will ride a 4-2 start against the game’s leader in completions, wins, passing yards and touchdowns 1pm at Heinz Field. It’s one of the premier Sunday football matchups to end the month of October. Speaking of October and Pittsburgh, the Pirates rarely put the two terms in the same sentence. The Bucs are used to early exits from the major league baseball season. The biggest news in Pirates camp is part of the team’s coaching staff choosing not to return for the 2010 season. Infield instructor and first base coach, Perry Hill, declined an offer to return. All other sports aside, the real story coming out of Pittsburgh Saturday was the Panthers’ battering of the Bulls from South Florida. Pittsburgh improved to a 4-0 unblemished record in the Big East. Additionally, the Panthers endorsed the notion of winning the conference over a gaudy Cincinnati club. Pittsburgh, a more physical team, is in position to go 10-0. The Panthers must first consider three tough opponents in the ensuing months. Pittsburgh cannot discount their neighborly rivals, West Virginia. They will be challenged by a re-focused Notre Dame team. The December 5th showdown with number five Cincinnati will be the ultimate test if the Panthers remains undefeated in the conference. They are justifiably one of the more reputed Panthers teams the city has witnessed in years.
Bill Stull isn’t quite Dan Marino yet, but Coach Dave Wannstedt has a real winner at the quarterback slot. The senior was forced to compete for a starting job earlier this year after ending last year on a major sour note. The 2009 Stull already has 16 touchdown passes, one shy of Marino during his senior year. The 7-1 overall record the Panthers have built up is impressive. The defense succeeds in eroding offenses, and Stull has been a delight in dealing with nationally top-ranked foes. Saturday, Stull completed his first 11 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. The 20th ranked Panthers racked up the yardage against the best defense in the Big East to romp the Bulls 41-14. Pittsburgh scored on all of their first five possessions. The lopsided score makes sense after considering how freshman rusher, Dion Lewis performed. Lewis was a true star and declared himself a legitimate running back in his fifth 100 yard rushing afternoon. He is the fourth Pitt freshman to run for 1,000 yards in one season, joining elite company Tony Dorsett, Curvin Richards and LeSean McCoy. The Bulls offensive line lacked any control and provided Stull with plenty of time to throw. The Big East Bulls repeatedly hurt themselves with penalties. The slips resulted in 71 total yards lost on penalties and 40 in the first quarter alone. That amount just happened to match the total first quarter offensive yards, never a good thing.
The Pitt defense forced four South Florida punts in the first quarter. The secondary breakdown allowed one Bulls touchdown drive early, but not another point until the clock wound down to ten seconds in the fourth. The scorching defense scoured four sacks and three interceptions, and neither side committed a first half penalty for the Panthers. South Florida’s offense was undressed in the first half and the defense resigned 297 yards. Quarterback B.J. Daniels and his backup, Evan Landi, combined for 13 pass attempts. Daniels was lifted after tossing his second pick of the game in the final quarter. South Florida never established the run and finished with a season-low in total yards. The Bulls basically pulled a no-show at Heinz Field a week after their miserable meltdown against Cincinnati. Bull defenders couldn’t get off the field and were beaten and shriveled down the whole game. The defensive calamity was to blame for the loss, but Pitt’s offense was on the mark too. The Panthers didn’t come up dry, even with a marginal lead in the second quarter. Pitt was 6-for¬-6 on third down conversions before the half. They ran the ball well through a spongy South Florida unit, and splurged on deep yard situations. Stull hooked up with tight end, Dorin Dickerson for 20 and 22 yards to set up the first touchdown pass, a two-yarder to backup tight end, Mike Cruz. It was the freshman Cruz’s first college catch. Pitt went ahead 14-0 on Stull’s strapping sling to a snagging Jonathan Baldwin. The 40 yarder sailed to the receiver on an improvised pass route. The wideout hauled in the nifty pass as Bulls cornerback, Jerome Murphy could only watch stunned from afar. Baldwin constantly found himself ahead of the Bull defenders and finished with six receptions for 144 yards. The team’s glaring weakness when Wannstedt took over; Pitt’s strength now lies up front. The lines are making Pittsburgh look like the team to beat in the Big East. Pitt was revamped after coming off a myriad of mistakes last Friday in the triumph over Rutgers. The Panthers are assured at least a bowl appearance when the season concludes. The Panthers can endure the competition and will reap in the dividends if they prevail.
Parting Points: Thank gosh Ohio State rebounded from that ugly loss to Purdue. This roller coaster team is not an easy one to appreciate.
The Yankees are going to wrap it up tonight in New York. That’s a guarantee.
Song of the day: “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters
Bill Stull isn’t quite Dan Marino yet, but Coach Dave Wannstedt has a real winner at the quarterback slot. The senior was forced to compete for a starting job earlier this year after ending last year on a major sour note. The 2009 Stull already has 16 touchdown passes, one shy of Marino during his senior year. The 7-1 overall record the Panthers have built up is impressive. The defense succeeds in eroding offenses, and Stull has been a delight in dealing with nationally top-ranked foes. Saturday, Stull completed his first 11 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. The 20th ranked Panthers racked up the yardage against the best defense in the Big East to romp the Bulls 41-14. Pittsburgh scored on all of their first five possessions. The lopsided score makes sense after considering how freshman rusher, Dion Lewis performed. Lewis was a true star and declared himself a legitimate running back in his fifth 100 yard rushing afternoon. He is the fourth Pitt freshman to run for 1,000 yards in one season, joining elite company Tony Dorsett, Curvin Richards and LeSean McCoy. The Bulls offensive line lacked any control and provided Stull with plenty of time to throw. The Big East Bulls repeatedly hurt themselves with penalties. The slips resulted in 71 total yards lost on penalties and 40 in the first quarter alone. That amount just happened to match the total first quarter offensive yards, never a good thing.
The Pitt defense forced four South Florida punts in the first quarter. The secondary breakdown allowed one Bulls touchdown drive early, but not another point until the clock wound down to ten seconds in the fourth. The scorching defense scoured four sacks and three interceptions, and neither side committed a first half penalty for the Panthers. South Florida’s offense was undressed in the first half and the defense resigned 297 yards. Quarterback B.J. Daniels and his backup, Evan Landi, combined for 13 pass attempts. Daniels was lifted after tossing his second pick of the game in the final quarter. South Florida never established the run and finished with a season-low in total yards. The Bulls basically pulled a no-show at Heinz Field a week after their miserable meltdown against Cincinnati. Bull defenders couldn’t get off the field and were beaten and shriveled down the whole game. The defensive calamity was to blame for the loss, but Pitt’s offense was on the mark too. The Panthers didn’t come up dry, even with a marginal lead in the second quarter. Pitt was 6-for¬-6 on third down conversions before the half. They ran the ball well through a spongy South Florida unit, and splurged on deep yard situations. Stull hooked up with tight end, Dorin Dickerson for 20 and 22 yards to set up the first touchdown pass, a two-yarder to backup tight end, Mike Cruz. It was the freshman Cruz’s first college catch. Pitt went ahead 14-0 on Stull’s strapping sling to a snagging Jonathan Baldwin. The 40 yarder sailed to the receiver on an improvised pass route. The wideout hauled in the nifty pass as Bulls cornerback, Jerome Murphy could only watch stunned from afar. Baldwin constantly found himself ahead of the Bull defenders and finished with six receptions for 144 yards. The team’s glaring weakness when Wannstedt took over; Pitt’s strength now lies up front. The lines are making Pittsburgh look like the team to beat in the Big East. Pitt was revamped after coming off a myriad of mistakes last Friday in the triumph over Rutgers. The Panthers are assured at least a bowl appearance when the season concludes. The Panthers can endure the competition and will reap in the dividends if they prevail.
Parting Points: Thank gosh Ohio State rebounded from that ugly loss to Purdue. This roller coaster team is not an easy one to appreciate.
The Yankees are going to wrap it up tonight in New York. That’s a guarantee.
Song of the day: “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Cincinnati Championship-Centered
The eighth-ranked Big East Bearcats from Cincinnati clash with the Bulls from South Florida in a matchup of unbeatens Thursday night. The college football primetime spotlight shines sumptuously on the two 5-0 clubs striving for conference supremacy. The 21st ranked Bulls boast one of the best defenses in the nation. South Florida has held opposing quarterbacks to two touchdowns, while forcing seven interceptions so far this season. Last year, the Bearcats upset the ranked Bulls 24-10 in late October. Cincinnati quarterback, Tony Pike, will take plenty of hard hits from this tough, all-together USF defense Thursday. The Bearcats’ Brian Kelly is quietly becoming a top head coach in Division I. His team has surged this season, and ranks third in the country in scoring. Pike, meanwhile, has been so efficient and an irreplaceable piece as a near 1,500 yard passer. A quarterback of consistency, Pike has thrown 13 touchdowns and just three picks. The Bearcats run an offense that is swift to strike, scoring in the surest manner. They know how to make the most of each possession. Cincinnati is just one victory away from bowl eligibility, but they shouldn’t jettison their Thursday night opponent just yet.
Pike has been so dominant and effective for Kelly in 2009 he is even hearing his name mentioned in Heisman candidacy contention. The senior slinger is the leader of UC’s potent offense. Last year, the virtually no-name Pike led Cincinnati to their first Big East championship and BCS Bowl game. This season, Pike is earning himself a household name after throwing for over 300 yards in a nationally-televised blowout over Rutgers. Pike’s production penetrates throughout the balanced Bearcat team. Mardy Gilyard is a terrific asset as the leading UC receiver and ranks 13th nationally in yards per game. The senior is the biggest scoring threat but Kelly would be wise to use him as a decoy as other teams focus on the big man. Instead of stacking the coverage to blanket Gilyard, Kelly will try to implement a plan to get the ball to his receiver more creatively and covertly. Gilyard will be playing close to his hometown in Florida. He should have a stocky smattering of fans on hand in Tampa to support and fire him up. Jacob Ramsey and Isaiah Pead will need to find opportunities to run the ball for Cincinnati’s offense to succeed against a team ranked fifth in scoring defense.
Pike could be a first round NFL draft pick if he improves his stock tonight against a 5-0 opponent. Pike and his teammates have a chance to own the Big East. The Bulls are just as stimulated as the Bearcats in proving themselves. Beating the defending champions will bolster the Bulls’ title hopes and send the team skyrocketing in the polls. The Bulls are commanded by a freshman signal-caller. B.J. Daniels has started just two games after first-string senior, Matt Grothe, suffered a season-ending injury. Daniels’ most impressive game guided the Bulls past Florida State at the end of September. Senior safety, Nate Allen, shines in the USF secondary, while wide receiver Carlton Mitchell, anchors the offense. Allen is complemented by a solid defensive line, propelled by team tackle topper, end Jason Pierre-Paul. This is not a matchup to be downplayed. Both Big East squads have a sense of urgency and will employ an extreme effort. Both teams are vying for a leg up in what some consider a weak conference. The showdown at Raymond James Stadium has another storyline worth noting. It will be a reunion of sorts for Kelly and USF defensive coordinator, Joe Tresey. Tresey served as the Bearcats coordinator for the past two seasons under Kelly before being fired. Tresey’s new team allows an average of ten points a game and ranks 12th in pass defense. USF’s brilliant defense coupled with an offense that has outperformed expectations may be enough to secure a home win. The Bearcats escaped a thriller the last time the teams collided in Florida in 2007. A repeat performance will not suffice for South Florida. They can’t appear a flicker befuddled against Kelly’s national contending ‘Cats. Both teams are deserving of the spotlight. Both teams are mounting and escalating their schools’ power and status in their respective home states. Soon, Ohio may not be all about Ohio State. Florida may not be just about Florida and Miami. The low profile Big East has spoken, and Thursday will be another step in the right direction for their football vivacity. Only after Thursday, there will be one less undefeated college football team left.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Thank You” by Dido
Pike has been so dominant and effective for Kelly in 2009 he is even hearing his name mentioned in Heisman candidacy contention. The senior slinger is the leader of UC’s potent offense. Last year, the virtually no-name Pike led Cincinnati to their first Big East championship and BCS Bowl game. This season, Pike is earning himself a household name after throwing for over 300 yards in a nationally-televised blowout over Rutgers. Pike’s production penetrates throughout the balanced Bearcat team. Mardy Gilyard is a terrific asset as the leading UC receiver and ranks 13th nationally in yards per game. The senior is the biggest scoring threat but Kelly would be wise to use him as a decoy as other teams focus on the big man. Instead of stacking the coverage to blanket Gilyard, Kelly will try to implement a plan to get the ball to his receiver more creatively and covertly. Gilyard will be playing close to his hometown in Florida. He should have a stocky smattering of fans on hand in Tampa to support and fire him up. Jacob Ramsey and Isaiah Pead will need to find opportunities to run the ball for Cincinnati’s offense to succeed against a team ranked fifth in scoring defense.
Pike could be a first round NFL draft pick if he improves his stock tonight against a 5-0 opponent. Pike and his teammates have a chance to own the Big East. The Bulls are just as stimulated as the Bearcats in proving themselves. Beating the defending champions will bolster the Bulls’ title hopes and send the team skyrocketing in the polls. The Bulls are commanded by a freshman signal-caller. B.J. Daniels has started just two games after first-string senior, Matt Grothe, suffered a season-ending injury. Daniels’ most impressive game guided the Bulls past Florida State at the end of September. Senior safety, Nate Allen, shines in the USF secondary, while wide receiver Carlton Mitchell, anchors the offense. Allen is complemented by a solid defensive line, propelled by team tackle topper, end Jason Pierre-Paul. This is not a matchup to be downplayed. Both Big East squads have a sense of urgency and will employ an extreme effort. Both teams are vying for a leg up in what some consider a weak conference. The showdown at Raymond James Stadium has another storyline worth noting. It will be a reunion of sorts for Kelly and USF defensive coordinator, Joe Tresey. Tresey served as the Bearcats coordinator for the past two seasons under Kelly before being fired. Tresey’s new team allows an average of ten points a game and ranks 12th in pass defense. USF’s brilliant defense coupled with an offense that has outperformed expectations may be enough to secure a home win. The Bearcats escaped a thriller the last time the teams collided in Florida in 2007. A repeat performance will not suffice for South Florida. They can’t appear a flicker befuddled against Kelly’s national contending ‘Cats. Both teams are deserving of the spotlight. Both teams are mounting and escalating their schools’ power and status in their respective home states. Soon, Ohio may not be all about Ohio State. Florida may not be just about Florida and Miami. The low profile Big East has spoken, and Thursday will be another step in the right direction for their football vivacity. Only after Thursday, there will be one less undefeated college football team left.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Thank You” by Dido
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