Strength in Unity.

[Soapy]

Oh, how the mighty have fallen

forreal, changes coming though

[Soapy]

-----------------------------------------------
USF (7-5, 4-5) | 0 | 28 | 7 | 21 || 56
UCF (2-10, 2-7) | 10 | 14 | 0 | 22 || 46
-----------------------------------------------

Millines and the Bulls halt losing streak with win in Orlando against hated rivals UCF
USF receivers Maurice Bennett and Joseph Moses were born and raised in Tampa, growing up as fans of the Bulls and knowing how important beating UCF would be once they put pen to paper to become Bulls themselves.

With the season already down the drain thanks to four straight losses, they showed up and showed out on Friday night, with both of them posting career numbers in the USF's 56-46 win over UCF to earn their seventh win of the season.

It was a couple of big runs from their running game that got things going after going down an early 10-0 hole to the Knights and former USF quarterback Charlie Cooke. Jet Millines replaced Jacob Venckus to start the second quarter, helped spark the running game to take the lead and after Cooke completed a 76-yard touchdown pass, Millines responded with back to back touchdown tosses of his own, a 47-yarder to Antoine Frank and a 41-yarder to Bennett.

Moses would score the lone touchdown in the third quarter to extend their lead and Bennett would put the finishing touchdowns in the fourth quarter with two more touchdown catches of 63 and 20 yards to likely put a bow on his USF career. He finished the game with seven receptions for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Moses led the team with nine receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown.

Millines outplayed Cooke who threw five interceptions in his first game against his former team. Millines threw for a career high 440 yards and five touchdowns with more importantly no turnovers. Even with the turnovers, Cooke still managed to throw for 462 yards and four passing touchdowns and added one on the ground.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[UCF] M. Mackey 5 Yd pass from C. Cooke (4:50)
[UCF] M. Bertrando, 44 Yd FG (1:17)

Quarter 2
[USF] K. Wright, 15 Yd run (5:47)
[USF] W. Sapp, 24 Yd run (3:18)
[UCF] M. Mackey, 76 Yd pass from C. Cooke (1:41)
[USF] A. Frank, 47 Yd pass from J. Millines (1:10)
[USF] M. Bennett, 41 Yd pass from J. Millines (0:22)
[UCF] K. Dembele, 75 Yd run (0:11)

Quarter 3
[USF] J. Moses, 13 Yd pass from J. Millines (2:42)

Quarter 4
[USF] E. Valentine, 1 Yd run (7:11)
[UCF] C. Cooke, 4 Yd run -- 2pt (6:31)
[USF] M. Bennett, 63 Yd pass from J. Millines (6:13)
[UCF] L. Espinosa, 10 Yd pass from C. Cooke (4:28)
[USF] M. Bennett, 20 Yd pass from J. Millines (3:44)
[UCF] M. Mackey, 3 Yd pass from C. Cooke (2:14)
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South Florida Bulls
QB Jet Millines: 25 of 33, 440 yards, 5 touchdowns, sacked once, 6 carries, 37 yards
QB Jacob Venckus: 10 of 14, 58 yards (started game, replaced in 2nd quarter)
HB Eric Valentine: 8 carries, 17 yards, touchdown
HB William Sapp: 7 carries, 55 yards, touchdown
HB Kellen Wright: 6 carries, 59 yards, touchdown, fumble (lost)
WR Joseph Moses: 9 receptions, 135 yards, touchdown
WR Maurice Bennett: 7 receptions, 210 yards, 3 touchdowns
TE Antoine Frank: 3 receptions, 86 yards, touchdown
DE Cory Smith: 8 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
S Michael Robinson: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions
S Joey Bailey: 5 tackles, interception
LB Nicholas Holt: 4 tackles, interception
CB Julius Hughes: 2 tackles, interception

Central Florida Knights
QB Charlie Cooke: 28 of 40, 462 yards, 4 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, sacked 4 times, fumble (recovered)
HB Khari Dembele: 17 carries, 162 yards, touchdown
WR Marvin Mackey: 10 receptions, 228 yards, 3 touchdowns
WR Lance Espinosa: 10 receptions, 159 yards, touchdown
LB Shane McIntyre: 8 tackles, tackle for loss
LB Steve Price: 6 tackles, tackle for loss, sack

[Soapy]

Carl Graham finally makes it official, announces commitment to USF after initially pushing back commitment
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

USF had been the Crystal Ball leader for five-star receiver Carl Graham for months now with momentum picking up in the weeks leading up to Graham's official visit to Tampa that he'd be making commitment public and shutting down his recruitment. Following his visit and a string of losses for the Bulls on the football field, Graham pushed back his commitment but has now made it official, committing to the Bulls and their top ranked class.

The nation's top prospect, Graham has a little bit of everything in his repertoire with respectable top end speed at 233 pounds and some twitchiness to his game both at the top of his routes and as a runner with the football. At Morenci High School in Clifton, Arizona, Graham played both receiver and running back, catching 53 passes for 922 yards and thirteen touchdowns while rushing for an additional 628 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground as a junior.

Since transferring to New Jersey powerhouse Bergen Catholic, Graham has exclusively played running back, rushing for an eye popping 1,411 yards and 23 touchdowns for the state champions. Graham's primary recruiter has been Malcolm Francois Sr, the team's head coach and receiver's coach so there's no doubt as to where the Bulls plan to use him but Graham's 7 on 7 coach, former USF tight end Jean-Jacques Francois, offers some pushback.

"I think trying to fit Graham into any box would be a disservice to him and whatever team he is on," said Francois at the Battle 7 on 7 tournament this summer when asked about Graham being named the nation's top athlete but not receiver, "Does he have the most wiggle in the world? Probably not but I can definitely see him being a 1,000-yard rusher at the next level if that's where they put him. He's a big, strong kid that can handle the pounding of being a running back so to say he's a receiver or a running back, it doesn't matter, there's nothing stopping you from using him as both so I'd definitely say he's more of an athlete than a receiver, he's not just a receiver."

As a junior, former USF 'receiver' William Stone rushed for 699 yards and eleven touchdowns back in 2023 on top of his then school record 109 receptions in Francois Sr's offense. Over a decade later, Derek Young took it to the next level with 1,169 yards rushing and 1,210 yards receiving with 21 total touchdowns. Both Stone and Young were more explosive athletes than Graham but had smaller frames.

2040 USF Recruiting Class
WR Carl Graham [ATH #1]: 6'3", 233lbs | Clifton, AZ | 5-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press Max, 220 Squat Max
HB Dominique Shelton [HB #2]: 6'0", 196lbs | South Sumter, SC | 5-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 335 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
WR Billy Matthews [WR #5]: 6'0", 183lbs | Sarasota Springs, FL | 5-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat
IOL Jake Thompson [ATH #17]: 6'1", 275lbs | Kettering, OH | 5-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 410 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
C Kyle Jones [C #1]: 6'1", 284lbs | Raleigh, NC | 5-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 450 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DE/TE Marcellus Smith [DE #2]: 6'6", 239lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 475 Squat Max
QB Mark Cunningham [QB #1]: 6'3", 211lbs | Augusta, GA | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 400 Bench Press Max, 275 Squat Max
DT Nick Brown [DT #3]: 6'7", 283lbs | Groves, TX | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
CB Charlie Robinson [CB #1]: 6'4", 176lbs | Barberton, OH | 4-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
TE Taylor Smith [TE #8]: 6'3", 253lbs | Barnwell, SC [IMG] | 4-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
CB Akeem Smith [CB #5]: 5'9", 183lbs | Tallahassee, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
OLB Richard Smith [OLB #13]: 6'6", 235lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
OLB James Scott [OLB #27]: 6'1", 208lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 410 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
OLB Joey Franklin [OLB #29]: 6'4", 229lbs | Manning, SC | 3-star | 4.58 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 525 Squat Max
QB Brandon Riley [QB #76]: 5'11", 185lbs | Pinewood, FL (juco) | 3-star | 4.80 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press Max, 300 Squat Max

2040 USF Recruiting Board
HB Jacob Wheeler [HB #1]: 5'10", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | Miami, Georgia, USF
DT Brandon Smith [DT #21]: 6'8", 360lbs | Clearwater, FL | 3-star | Miami, USF, UCF
DT Derek Simpson [DT #79]: 6'2", 286lbs | San Clemente, CA | 3-star | USF, UNLV
-------
T Brian Smith Jr. [T #1]: 6'8", 345lbs | Clearwater, FL | 5-star | Committed to Southern Miss
S Mario Hawkins [S #1]: 6'2", 198lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Committed to Florida State
QB James White [QB #5]: 6'6", 218lbs | Bonita Spring, FL | 4-star | Texas State
G Kellen Banks [G #25]: 6'1", 298lbs | Gainesville, FL | 3-star | Committed to Air Force

[Soapy]

Week 14 Top Stories
1. In a battle of MAC opposites, Ohio defeats #10 Miami
2. Boilermakers are confident after a Champions Division victory over Texas.
3. Fans in Kent are mourning Kent State's OT loss to Buffalo, ending playoff chances.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 14 Champions Division Results
MSU 42 - MIA 39 | PUR 48 - TEX 31 | PSU 38 - OU 29
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Champions Division and College Football Playoffs Guidelines
- The top four seeds from the Champions Division will be awarded an automatic bid into the College Football Playoffs
- Champions Division Championship competed at the end of the regular season to determine the top two seeds
- The fifth seed in the CFP will be awarded to the Contenders Division Champion
- Remaining three seeds of the CFP will be selected based on committee rankings and can contain non ANAC members
- 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th seed of Champions Division are relegated to the Contenders Division
- 12th seed of the Champions Division vs. 5th seed of the Contenders Division play in a play-in game following the regular season
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Champions Division Standings
1. Purdue, 11-1, 8-1 (West Region Champion - clinched playoff spot)
2. Alabama, 10-2, 7-2 (East Region Champion - clinched playoff spot)
3. Penn State, 9-3, 7-2 (clinched playoff spot)
4. Stanford, 9-3, 7-2 (clinched playoff spot)
5. Michigan State, 8-4, 5-4
6. Miami, 6-6, 5-4
7. Texas, 7-5, 5-4
8. Florida, 7-5, 5-4
9. USC, 7-5, 4-5
10. Tennessee, 6-6, 4-5
11. USF, 7-5, 4-5
12. Michigan, 6-6, 4-5 (Promotion Bowl vs. Florida State)
13. Oregon, 5-7, 2-7 (relegated)
14. Oklahoma, 4-7, 2-7 (relegated)
15. Ole Miss, 3-9, 2-7 (relegated)
16. Notre Dame, 3-9, 1-8 (relegated)
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Contenders Division Standings
1. BYU, 11-1, 8-1 (West Region Champion - promoted)
2. LSU, 8-4, 7-2 (East Region Champion - promoted)
3. Kansas State, 9-3, 6-3 (promoted)
4. Georgia Tech, 8-4, 6-3 (promoted)
5. Florida State, 8-4, 6-3 (Promotion Bowl vs. Michigan)
6. Ohio State, 6-6, 6-3
7. Missouri, 8-4, 5-4
8. Arkansas, 7-5, 5-4
9. Georgia, 6-5, 4-4 (relegated)
10. Oklahoma State, 5-6, 4-5
11. Washington, 5-7, 3-6 (relegated)
12. South Carolina, 5-7, 3-6 (relegated)
13. Minnesota, 4-7, 2-6 (relegated)
14. UCF, 2-10, 2-7 (relegated)
15. Mississippi State, 4-8, 2-7 (relegated)
16. Clemson, 4-8, 2-7 (relegated)
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Rising Division Standings
1. Virginia Tech, 11-1, 8-1 (East Region Champion - promoted)
2. Texas A&M, 8-4, 8-1 (West Region Champion - promoted)
3. Indiana, 10-2, 7-2 (promoted)
4. Nebraska, 9-3, 7-2 (promoted)
5. Pittsburgh, 7-5, 5-4 (promoted)
6. Wisconsin, 7-5, 5-4 (promoted)
7. North Carolina, 6-6, 5-4 (promoted)
8. Auburn, 5-7, 4-5 (promoted)
9. West Virginia, 5-7, 4-5
10. Kansas, 6-6, 4-5
11. Colorado, 6-6, 4-5
12. UCLA, 5-7, 4-5
13. Kentucky, 4-8, 4-5
14. Duke, 1-11, 1-8
15. NC State, 3-9, 1-9
16. Iowa, 1-11, 1-8
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Conference Championship Schedule
Champions Division Final
#4 Alabama (10-2, 7-2)
#3 Purdue (11-1, 8-1)

Contenders Division Championship Game
LSU (8-4, 7-2)
#2 BYU (11-1, 8-1)

Rising Division Championship Game
Texas A&M (8-4, 8-1)
#6 Virginia Tech (11-1, 8-1)

AAC Championship Game
Tulsa (8-4, 7-3)
#1 Rutgers (12-0, 10-0)

Big XII Championship Game
SMU (9-3, 7-1)
#12 Louisiana Tech (9-3, 7-1)

C-USA Champions
UAB (8-4, 3-0)

MAC Championship Game
#19 Miami University (9-3, 5-3)
#8 Northern Illinois (10-2, 8-0)

MWC Champions
New Mexico (7-5, 4-0)

Pac-12 Championship Game
#16 San Diego State (10-2, 7-1)
#5 Utah (11-1, 7-1)

Sun Belt Championship Game
Texas State (9-3, 6-3)
#25 Arkansas State (9-3, 8-1)
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Heisman Watch
QB Corey Thompson (Alabama): 225 of 323, 3668 yards, 41 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
QB Ray Gray (Kansas State): 165 of 278, 2186 yards, 23 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 197 carries, 995 yards, 15 touchdowns
QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): 205 of 370, 3111 yards, 24 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 175 carries, 841 yards, 11 touchdowns
QB Mike Harrell (Virginia Tech): 154 of 240, 2353 yards, 28 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 233 carries, 1098 yards, 13 touchdowns
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Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Carl Graham [ATH #1]: 6'3", 233lbs | Clifton, AZ | 5-star | University of South Florida
#3 Brandon Taylor [ATH #2]: 5'10", 224lbs | Lexington, NE | 5-star | University of Texas
#4 Andrew Jones [ATH #3]: 6'2", 201lbs | Torrance, CA | 5-star | Stanford University
#6 Damion Webster [WR #1]: 6'4", 182lbs | Grove, OK | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#7 Dominique Shelton [HB #2]: 6'0", 196lbs | South Sumter, SC | 5-star | University of South Florida
#8 Dallas Hagen [ATH #4]: 6'5", 257lbs | Madison, NJ | 5-star | Virginia Tech University
#9 Drew Reid [HB #3]: 6'1", 211lbs | Griffith, IN [IMG] | 5-star | University of Michigan
#10 Brian Smith Jr. [T #1]: 6'8", 360lbs | Clearwater, FL | 5-star | University of Southern Mississippi
#11 Scott Allen [ATH #5]: 6'1", 204lbs | Deltona, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of Alabama
#14 Matt Ross [ATH #7]: 6'0", 225lbs | Kerrville, TX | 5-star | Louisiana State University
#15 Russ Jefferson [WR #3]: 5'10", 185lbs | Eden, NC | 5-star | University of Tennessee
#16 Alex Hughes [ATH #8]: 6'7", 246lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#17 Brent Gooden [WR #4]: 6'3", 203lbs | Riverview, MI | 5-star | Pennsylvania State University
#18 Larry Pearson [ATH #9]: 6'0", 240lbs | Lebanon, OR | 5-star | University of Oregon
#22 Billy Matthews [WR #5]: 6'0", 183lbs | Sarasota Springs, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#25 Nick Palmer [ATH #13]: 5'11", 172lbs | Altamonte Springs, FL | 5-star | University of Southern California
#27 Robert Stover [ATH #14]: 6'4", 213lbs | Atmore, AL | 5-star | University of Nebraska
#28 A.J. Jones [TE #2]: 6'3", 230lbs | Laredo, TX | 5-star | Louisiana State University
#29 Vincent Pleasant [ATH #15]: 6'0", 209lbs | Richmond, CA | 5-star | Virginia Tech University
#30 Mike Rouse [G #1]: 6'1", 294lbs | Highland Springs, VA [IMG] | 5-star | University of Alabama
#31 Chase Stevenson [ATH #16]: 6'1", 196lbs | Darien, IL | 5-star | Iowa State University
#33 Rich Joseph [G #2]: 6'3", 294lbs | Aberdeen, MS [IMG] | 5-star | Georgia Tech University
#34 Jake Thompson [ATH #17]: 6'1", 275lbs | Kettering, OH | 5-star | University of South Florida
#35 Robbie McClain [ATH #18]: 5'11", 193lbs | Orlando, FL | 5-star | University of Southern California
#36 Troy Kent [HB #5]: 5'11", 200lbs | Jacksonville, TX | 5-star | University of Louisville
#37 Chris Franklin [S #1]: 6'1", 203lbs | Lamar, CO | 5-star | Air Force Academy
#38 Kyle Jones [C #1]: 6'1", 284lbs | Raleigh, NC | 5-star | University of South Florida
#39 Kyle Moore [ATH #19]: 6'1", 174lbs | Washington D.C. | 5-star | Rutgers University
#40 Adam Whaley [WR #8]: 6'0", 173lbs | Casa de Oro, CA | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#41 Mario Hawkins [S #1]: 6'2", 198lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Florida State University
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Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#10 Brian Smith Jr. [T #1]: 6'8", 360lbs | Clearwater, FL | 5-star | University of Southern Mississippi
#11 Scott Allen [ATH #5]: 6'1", 204lbs | Deltona, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of Alabama
#16 Alex Hughes [ATH #8]: 6'7", 246lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#22 Billy Matthews [WR #5]: 6'0", 183lbs | Sarasota Springs, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#25 Nick Palmer [ATH #13]: 5'11", 172lbs | Altamonte Springs, FL | 5-star | University of Southern California
#35 Robbie McClain [ATH #18]: 5'11", 193lbs | Orlando, FL | 5-star | University of Southern California
#41 Mario Hawkins [S #1]: 6'2", 198lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Florida State University
#49 Marcellus Smith [DE #2]: 6'6", 239lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#65 Ronnie Robbins [ATH #25]: 6'0", 207lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Ole Miss
#69 Tucker Parker [DE #4]: 6'1", 218lbs | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#84 Kory Bryant [DT #4]: 5'11", 270lbs | Orlando, FL [IMG] | 4-star | University of Alabama
#114 Chase Bennett [C #4]: 6'0", 290lbs | Delray Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Nebraska
#142 Jeff Brooks [ATH #36]: 6'3", 216lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#186 Mike Massey [WR #25]: 6'3", 211lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#189 Scott Neal [HB #18]: 6'0", 193lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | University of Southern Mississippi
#202 Akeem Smith [CB #5]: 5'9", 183lbs | Tallahassee, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#204 Allen Daniel [ATH #45]: 6'2", 191lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#219 Titus Harris [T #7]: 6'4", 302lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | Kansas State University
#232 Jonathan Clark [OLB #8]: 6'1", 236lbs | Bellair, FL | 4-star | Rutgers University
#236 Cedric Grant [G #13]: 6'4", 303lbs | Gladeview, FL | 4-star | University of Louisville
#251 Jake Haynes [CB #10]: 5'11", 168lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Clemson University
#253 Willie Houston [HB #26]: 5'10", 216lbs | Palmetto Estates, FL | 4-star | Georgia Tech University
#254 James White [QB #5]: 6'6", 218lbs | Bonita Springs, FL | 4-star | Texas State University
#267 Richard Smith [OLB #13]: 6'6", 235lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#272 Jon Hunter [ATH #49]: 6'3", 247lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Georgia Tech University
#282 Sam Fenner [C #6]: 6'4", 275lbs | Boca Del Mar, FL | 4-star | Florida Atlantic University

[Soapy]

Bulls get some insurance along the interior defensive line with commitment from JUCO prospect Derek Simpson
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

USF doesn't often dip into the JUCO pool yet alone twice in the same recruiting cycle but they were able to land two of the top players at their respective positions with the commitment of quarterback Brandon Riley earlier in the year and this week landed defensive tackle Derek Simpson.

A three-star prospect out of San Clemente, California with two years of eligibility left, Simpson is an aggressive, gap shooting defensive tackle that ideally would be a three-technique in the Bulls sub packages that feature an even front.

Simpson is a bit squattier than four-star commit Brown but a better athlete with some more explosiveness out of his stance. He needs to work on his gap discipline as he does get washed out of plays at times but there is a ton of potential within Simpson even as a JUCO prospect to be a potential starter for the Bulls down the line.

The Bulls would love to wrap up their class with another defensive tackle in Brandon Smith but even if they don't get him, they've landed two quality defensive tackles in Brown and Simpson for a position that has some talent already with starter Jesse Berrong (14 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks this season) being a sophomore, junior Matt Langford (3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks), freshman Brent Lawrence (2 tackles, tackle for loss, sack) and even sophomore Rahmod Carter who was a heralded recruit but hasn't played much in his two seasons.

Smith is expected to make his announcement on National Signing Day in February, as is running back Jacob Wheeler. Miami leads the Crystal Balls for both of their recruitment.

2040 USF Recruiting Class
WR Carl Graham [ATH #1]: 6'3", 233lbs | Clifton, AZ | 5-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press Max, 220 Squat Max
HB Dominique Shelton [HB #2]: 6'0", 196lbs | South Sumter, SC | 5-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 335 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
WR Billy Matthews [WR #5]: 6'0", 183lbs | Sarasota Springs, FL | 5-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat
IOL Jake Thompson [ATH #17]: 6'1", 275lbs | Kettering, OH | 5-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 410 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
C Kyle Jones [C #1]: 6'1", 284lbs | Raleigh, NC | 5-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 450 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DE/TE Marcellus Smith [DE #2]: 6'6", 239lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 475 Squat Max
QB Mark Cunningham [QB #1]: 6'3", 211lbs | Augusta, GA | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 400 Bench Press Max, 275 Squat Max
DT Nick Brown [DT #3]: 6'7", 283lbs | Groves, TX | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
CB Charlie Robinson [CB #1]: 6'4", 176lbs | Barberton, OH | 4-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
TE Taylor Smith [TE #8]: 6'3", 253lbs | Barnwell, SC [IMG] | 4-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
CB Akeem Smith [CB #5]: 5'9", 183lbs | Tallahassee, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
OLB Richard Smith [OLB #13]: 6'6", 235lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
OLB James Scott [OLB #27]: 6'1", 208lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 410 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
OLB Joey Franklin [OLB #29]: 6'4", 229lbs | Manning, SC | 3-star | 4.58 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 525 Squat Max
DT Derek Simpson [DT #79]: 6'2", 286lbs | San Clemente, CA | 3-star | 4.86 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
QB Brandon Riley [QB #76]: 5'11", 185lbs | Pinewood, FL (juco) | 3-star | 4.80 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press Max, 300 Squat Max

2040 USF Recruiting Board
HB Jacob Wheeler [HB #1]: 5'10", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | Miami, Georgia, USF
DT Brandon Smith [DT #21]: 6'8", 360lbs | Clearwater, FL | 3-star | Miami, USF, UCF
-------
T Brian Smith Jr. [T #1]: 6'8", 345lbs | Clearwater, FL | 5-star | Committed to Southern Miss
S Mario Hawkins [S #1]: 6'2", 198lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Committed to Florida State
QB James White [QB #5]: 6'6", 218lbs | Bonita Spring, FL | 4-star | Committed to Texas State
G Kellen Banks [G #25]: 6'1", 298lbs | Gainesville, FL | 3-star | Committed to Air Force

[Soapy]

Notable Coaches on the Hot Seat
1. Thomas Morris (1-11 at Iowa, 1st year)
2. Kevin Harper (3-9, 28-23 at Notre Dame, 4th year)
3. Matt Rhule (4-7, 40-35 at Minnesota, 6th year)
4. Bob Diaco (2-10, 39-37 at UCF, 6th year)
5. Tom Herman (3-9, 220-110 at Ole Miss, 25th year)
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Notable Coaches on the Rise
1. Peter Nicholson (8-4 at Missouri, 1st year)
2. Tim Brown (10-2, 26-22 at Army, 4th year)
3. P.J. Fleck (7-5, 29-11 at South Alabama, 3rd year)
4. Jeremy Butler (8-4 at UAB, 1st year)
5. Anthony Clark (9-3 at Nebraska, 1st year)
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Conference Championship Results
Champions Division Final
#4 Alabama (10-3, 7-3) -- 34
#3 Purdue (12-1, 9-1) -- 45

Contenders Division Championship Game
LSU (8-5, 7-3) -- 21
#2 BYU (12-1, 9-1) -- 26

Rising Division Championship Game
Texas A&M (8-5, 8-2) -- 28
#6 Virginia Tech (12-1, 9-1) -- 35

AAC Championship Game
Tulsa (8-5, 7-4) -- 21
#1 Rutgers (13-0, 11-0) -- 49

Big XII Championship Game
SMU (9-4, 7-2) -- 28
#12 Louisiana Tech (10-3, 8-1) -- 31

C-USA Champions
UAB (8-4, 3-0)

MAC Championship Game
#19 Miami University (9-4, 5-4) -- 21
#8 Northern Illinois (11-2, 9-0) -- 33

MWC Champions
New Mexico (7-5, 4-0)

Pac-12 Championship Game
#16 San Diego State (10-3, 7-2) -- 10
#5 Utah (12-1, 8-1) -- 48

Sun Belt Championship Game
Texas State (10-3, 7-3) -- 20
#25 Arkansas State (9-4, 8-2) -- 17

[Soapy]

Notable Bowl Selections
Promotional Bowl
Michigan (6-6, 4-5)
#12 Florida State (8-4, 6-3)

Citrus Bowl
#10 Army (10-2, 0-0)
#9 Northern Illinois (11-2, 9-0)

Gator Bowl
#16 Florida (7-5, 5-4)
#15 Georgia Tech (8-4, 6-3)

FirstResponder Bowl
LSU (8-5, 7-3)
SMU (9-4, 7-2)

Liberty Bowl
#11 USC (7-5, 4-5)
Temple (8-4, 6-4)

Sun Bowl
#13 Michigan State (8-4, 5-4)
#24 Nebraska (9-3, 7-2)

Barstool Arizona Bowl
USF (7-5, 4-5)
Texas A&M (8-5, 8-2)

[Soapy]

Mike Harrell becomes first Hokie to win the Heisman, beating out Rutgers' Alan Pitts
Jessica West -- SI.com

On a night that was destined to make history regardless, it was Virginia Tech's Mike Harrell that narrowly beat out Rutgers true freshman quarterback Alan Pitts to become the program's first ever Heisman winner.

Harrell, a redshirt senior out of West Hollywood, led the Hokies to their first ever college football playoff appearance this season while accounting for 43 of the team's 63 total touchdowns. On top of being the team's leading passer, he led them in rushing with 1,212 yards on the ground along with thirteen touchdowns, tied for second most in the Rising Division.

Pitts finished just a few hundred points shy of becoming the first ever true freshman to win the prestigious award after leading Rutgers to an undefeated season and leading the American Athletic Conference in passing yards, passer rating, and rushing touchdowns.
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CFB Awards
Heisman: QB Mike Harrell (Virginia Tech): 2543 passing yards, 257 carries, 1212 yards, 43 total touchdowns
Maxwell: QB Corey Thompson (Alabama): 3905 passing yards, 174 carries, 591 yards, 47 total touchdowns
Walter Camp: QB Mike Harrell (Virginia Tech): 2543 passing yards, 257 carries, 1212 yards, 43 total touchdowns
Bednarik: LB Adam King (Rutgers): 102 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, touchdown
Nagurski: DE Chris Richard (Virginia Tech): 75 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, forced fumble
O'Brien: QB Corey Thompson (Alabama): 3905 passing yards, 174 carries, 591 yards, 47 total touchdowns
Walker: HB Daniel Brown (Oregon): 251 carries, 1723 yards, 18 touchdowns
Biletnikoff: WR Andrew Brown (Michigan): 93 receptions, 1747 yards, 19 total touchdowns
Mackey: TE Frank Hehr (Arizona): 59 receptions, 931 yards, 11 touchdowns
Outland: C Marques Rogers (Nebraska): 25 pancakes, 10 sacks allowed
Rimington: C Marques Rogers (Nebraska): 25 pancakes, 10 sacks allowed
Lombardi: DE Chris Richard (Virginia Tech): 75 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, forced fumble
Butkus: LB Adam King (Rutgers): 102 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, touchdown
Thorpe: CB Alexander Davis (Alabama): 46 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, sack, 2 forced fumbles, 6 interceptions
Groza: K Kevin Derrick (Rutgers): 23 of 27 FG, Long of 53, 61/63 XP
Guy: P Rashaun Carpenter (Virginia Tech): 38 punts, 39 Yd Net, Long of 72, 18 downed inside the 20
Jet: WR Josh Greene (Utah): 713 kick return yards, 2 touchdowns, 297 punt return yards, touchdown
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AP First Team All-Americans
QB Corey Thompson, Alabama (Sr)
HB Ryan Oliver, Toledo (Sr)
HB Daniel Brown, Oregon (Sr)
WR Jerry Moses, Purdue (Sr)
WR Andrew Brown, Michigan (Sr)
TE Marlon Doyle, Arkansas State (Sr)
T Charles Woods, Purdue (Jr)
T Chris Gray, Purdue (Sr)
G Cameron Hall, Purdue (Sr)
G Darius Talley, Utah (Sr)
C Tyrone Jackson, Rutgers (Sr)
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DE Chris Richard, Virginia Tech (Sr)
DE Matt Anthony, Texas A&M (Jr)
DT Matthew Joseph, Purdue (Jr)
DT Keron Davis, Rutgers (Fr)
LB Adam King, Rutgers (Sr)
LB Matthew Lawrence, Rutgers (Sr)
LB Bryant Smith, Virginia Tech (Sr)
CB Alexander Davis, Alabama (So)
CB Chad Jack, Wisconsin (Sr)
S Jamaal Kiniry, Texas A&M (Jr)
S Fred Reese, Old Dominion (Sr)
K Kevin Derrick, Rutgers (So)
P Rashaun Carpenter, Virginia Tech (Sr)
R Josh Greene, Utah (Jr)

[Soapy]

Barstool Bowl Preview: vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Record: 8-5, 8-2 Rising Division
Head Coach: Jeremy Willis (13-12 at Texas A&M, 2nd year, 21-17)
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Wright (Spread)
Defensive Coordinator: Bill Scott (3-4 D)

Team Leaders
Passing: Kendall Hughes (1661 yards, 21 TD, 9 INT, 116.9 rating)
Rushing: Kendall Hughes (1253 yards, 5.4 ypc, 13 TD)
Receiving: Ventell Jones (49 receptions, 634 yards, 7 TD)
Defense: Matt Anthony (61 tackles, 34 TFL, 14.5 sacks)

Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 42nd
Total Offense: 54th
Rushing Offense: 22nd
Passing Offense: 106th
Total Defense: 31st
Rushing Defense: 43rd
Passing Defense: 39th
Turnover Differential: 38th

Team Schedule
at #22 San Diego State: L 27-20
vs. West Virginia: W 44-24
vs. #19 Kansas State: L 38-28
at Duke: W 35-23
at Colorado: W 20-13
at UCLA: W 29-7
vs. Kansas : W 38-10
vs. Iowa: W 42-0
vs. #24 Nebraska: W 35-9
at #21 Indiana: L 42-28
at Wisconsin: W 51-45 OT
at #20 Missouri: L 27-7
vs. #8 Virginia Tech: L 35-28

Team Injuries
USF DE #7 David Richardson, Rs Junior | 6'3", 240lbs | 92 ovr, 79 spd, 91 acc, 86 str, 90 pmv, 81 fmv, 92 bsh (out - season)

Texas A&M Aggies Projected Starters
QB #9 Kendall Hughes, Junior | 6'0", 232lbs | 86 ovr, 79 spd, 84 acc, 70 awr, 86 thp, 89 tha
HB #33 Darrius Brown, Junior | 6'2", 207lbs | 84 ovr, 92 spd, 84 acc, 91 btk, 76 car, 89 elu
WR #84 Ryan Payne, Junior | 6'1", 190lbs | 78 ovr, 97 spd, 86 acc, 70 cth
WR #87 Tyrell Avery, Sophomore | 6'3", 202lbs | 77 ovr, 94 spd, 84 acc, 66 cth
WR #88 Gabriel Moore, Senior | 6'3", 224lbs | 72 ovr, 79 spd, 71 acc, 82 cth
TE #89 Ventell Jones, Sophomore | 6'4", 250lbs | 77 ovr, 82 spd, 86 acc, 84 cth, 66 rbk
LT #74 Mike Jones, Senior | 6'6", 307lbs | 89 ovr, 94 pbk, 85 rbk, 85 str
LG #63 Michael Baggs, Sophomore | 6'3", 288lbs | 81 ovr, 89 pbk, 82 rbk, 78 str
C #70 Matt Harris, Senior | 6'3", 287lbs | 92 ovr, 88 pbk, 93 rbk, 80 str
RG #61 Lawrence Stanford, Junior | 6'3", 278lbs | 70 ovr, 78 pbk, 78 rbk, 76 str
RT #66 Luke Johnson, Senior | 6'4", 334lbs | 84 ovr, 92 pbk, 81 rbk, 88 str
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DE #97 Matt Anthony, Rs Junior | 6'5", 253lbs | 79 ovr, 75 spd, 94 acc, 75 str, 77 pmv, 80 fmv, 80 bsh
DE #98 Kenny Gaston, Rs Junior | 6'3", 264lbs | 77 ovr, 63 spd, 75 acc, 70 str, 77 pmv, 77 fmv, 88 bsh
NT #62 Adam Montgomery, Senior | 6'3", 319lbs | 81 ovr, 74 acc, 75 str, 87 pmv, 87 fmv, 87 bsh
OLB #50 Avery Harris, Rs Senior | 6'2", 229lbs | 79 ovr, 82 spd, 88 acc, 60 awr, 80 tkl, 79 bsh, 62 zcv
ILB #58 Ali Hughley, Rs Freshman | 6'2", 245lbs | 77 ovr, 78 spd, 86 acc, 54 awr, 81 tkl, 77 bsh, 77 zcv
ILB #34 Jamaal Kiniry, Junior | 6'1", 208lbs | 77 ovr, 94 spd, 87 acc, 67 awr, 81 tkl, 68 bsh, 76 zcv
OLB #53 Leonard Conley, Senior | 6'1", 240lbs | 90 ovr, 89 spd, 99 acc, 56 awr, 83 tkl, 82 bsh, 85 zcv
CB #43 Jeremy Utley, Rs Senior | 6'2", 178lbs | 86 ovr, 95 spd, 90 acc, 70 awr, 92 mcv, 99 zcv, 81 press
CB #44 Chris Jones, Rs Junior | 5'11", 188lbs | 75 ovr, 89 spd, 92 acc, 76 awr, 81 mcv, 83 zcv, 79 press
NB #34 Jamaal Kiniry, Junior | 6'1", 208lbs | 75 ovr, 94 spd, 87 acc, 67 awr, 78 mcv, 76 zcv, 82 press
S #29 Carlos Russell, Senior | 6'3", 211lbs | 84 ovr, 98 spd, 94 acc, 58 awr, 76 tkl, 75 mcv, 81 zcv
S #20 Dan Atkins, Junior | 6'2", 196lbs | 86 ovr, 89 spd, 89 acc, 66 awr, 85 tkl, 75 mcv, 81 zcv
K #10 Luis Peters, Senior | 93 ovr, 92 kpw, 95 kac
P #4 Terry Parker, Senior | 81 ovr, 86 kpw, 78 kac

[Soapy]

USF receiver Maurice Bennett among juniors at practice but not expected to play against Texas A&M in bowl game
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. met with the media for the first time since the end of the regular season and confirmed that while top receiver Maurice Bennett was spotted at practice on Monday and Tuesday, he is not expected to play in the Barstool Bowl against Texas A&M.

"He's here but I don't really plan on playing him," Francois Sr. said of Bennett who is expected to be one of the top receivers off the board in next spring's draft.

Francois Sr. added that defensive end David Richardson will also not be practicing nor playing after being cleared by doctors for a knee injury that sidelined him for the last third of the season. Safety Joey Bailey and cornerback Julius Hughes, who could potentially declare for the draft as juniors, are active and will be suiting up against the Aggies but Francois Sr. reiterated that the bowl game is an opportunity for younger players to get on the field.

"I don't run that [defensive] unit so I don't have a definitive snap count for you but I expect a lot of our young guys to see the field more than before so for our veterans, it's definitely a real game and one we're approaching competitively but we're also going to be smart about it."

Francois Sr. has a chance to break the record for most bowl wins as a head coach as he's currently tied with Penn State's Joe Paterno.

Bailey has been projected as a day three pick in the NFL draft while Hughes has been picking up some second to third round buzz. Bailey was a second team All-American this season with Hughes earning All-Champions Division selection on the second team. Some other notes from media day:

• Francois Sr. to have an increased role in the offense
  Francois Sr. side stepped every question regarding potential changes to the staff after the season but behind the scenes, there are plenty of reports that some changes are expected to be made on the offensive side of the ball.
  
  USF offensive coordinator DeMarcus Bennett isn't a man of many words but even he added on media day that input from Francois Sr. is not only welcomed but something he looks forward to.
  
  "I think [Francois Sr.] gets a lot of credit for his recruiting and program building but he's also a great offensive mind," Bennett said on Wednesday, "That's definitely a resource I want to lean on more and I think it'll definitely help the offense moving forward."
  
  At least two different sources with intimate knowledge of the staff structure say they expect Francois Sr. to have a bigger voice in not only the offensive identity but the week-to-week offensive install and gameday play calling next season. The same sources wouldn't rule out a scenario where Bennett would be 'encouraged' to take an offensive coordinator gig elsewhere with Francois Sr. serving as the de-facto OC in 2040.
  -
• Millines to get the start at quarterback once more
  Bennett and Francois Sr. confirmed to the media that Jet Millines will start at quarterback after being benched for the past three games in favor of redshirt freshman Jacob Venckus with both quarterbacks expected to play at least one quarter according to Francois Sr.
  
  Millines lost the starting job to Venckus earlier in the season but led the Bulls to a comeback victory against UCF in the last game of the regular season, throwing for four touchdowns and over 400 yards in the win over the Knights to halt the four game losing streak.
  
  On the season, Millines has thrown for 2,748 yards and twenty touchdowns to eleven interceptions, adding 437 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. In four games and three starts, Venckus threw for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns to three interceptions.