Week 14 Top Stories
1. The Cardinal fall for the first time in 2041 against Notre Dame 26-21.
2. All is well in East Lansing as Spartans down Oklahoma.
3. Middle Tennessee State proves once again that games aren't played on paper, beating Southern Miss.
4. Sun Devils remain undefeated following their conference victory over Arizona.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 14 Champions Division Results
MICH 41 - tOSU 36 | MIA 31 - PUR 29 | MSU 41 - OU 35
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 15 Champions Division Schedule
#2 USF (9-2, 6-2) at #22 Michigan State (6-5, 3-5)
#13 Stanford (10-1, 8-0) at Purdue (6-5, 3-5)
Oregon (4-7, 3-5) at #18 Miami (7-4, 4-4)
#5 Michigan (8-3, 5-3) at #16 Alabama (6-5, 3-5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 15 Notable Games
#17 Oklahoma (7-4, 5-4) at #25 Oklahoma State (9-2, 8-1)
#10 Army (8-3, 0-0) at Navy (7-4, 7-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Champions Division and College Football Playoffs Guidelines
- The top four teams from the Champions Division will be awarded an automatic bid into the College Football Playoffs. The remaining four spots are voted upon by the committee and can contain non ANAC members
- Once the teams are selected, the committee votes on the seeding as well
- ANAC members that are selected for the playoffs are automatically promoted or retain their place within the Champions Division for next season
- The bottom team in the Champions Division is automatically relegated and the top team in the Contenders Division is automatically promoted
- The remaining non-playoff teams in the Champions Division will compete in a play-in bowl with top seeded, non-playoff Contenders Division members for the right to play in the Champions Division the next season
- Bottom eight finishers in the Contenders Division are relegated and replaced with the top eight finishers in the Rising Division
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Champions Division Standings Playoff Zone
1. Stanford, 10-1, 8-0 (clinched playoff spot)
2. USF, 9-2, 6-2 (clinched playoff spot)
3. Michigan, 8-3, 5-3
4. Oklahoma, 7-4, 5-4
--------- Promotional Play-In Bowl Zone
5. Miami, 7-4, 4-4
6. Alabama, 6-5, 3-5
7. Oregon, 4-7, 3-5
8. Purdue, 6-5, 3-5
9. Michigan State, 6-5, 3-5
--------- Relegation Zone
10. Ohio State, 3-8, 1-8 (relegated)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contenders Division Standings Promotional Zone
1. BYU, 10-2, 7-2
------------- Promotional Play-In Bowl Zone
2. UCF, 8-4, 7-2
3. Georgia, 9-3, 6-3
4. USC, 7-5, 6-3
5. LSU, 9-3, 6-3
6. Texas, 8-4, 6-3
7. Penn State, 6-6, 5-4
8. Georgia Tech, 8-4, 5-4
------------- Relegation Zone
9. Tennessee, 7-5, 5-4
10. Florida, 7-5, 5-4
11. Kansas, 6-6, 3-6 (relegated)
12. Pittsburgh, 5-7, 3-6 (relegated)
13. Ole Miss, 4-8, 2-7 (relegated)
14. Mississippi State, 5-7, 2-7 (relegated)
15. Notre Dame, 4-8, 2-7 (relegated)
16. Kansas State, 2-10, 2-7 (relegated)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rising Division Promotional Zone
1. Virginia Tech, 11-1, 8-1 (promoted)
2. Oklahoma State, 9-2, 8-1 (promoted)
3. Florida State, 9-3, 7-2 (promoted)
4. Nebraska, 8-4, 7-2 (promoted)
5. Wisconsin, 6-6, 6-3 (promoted)
6. Washington, 8-4, 6-3 (promoted)
7. Minnesota, 7-5, 6-3 (promoted)
8. Auburn, 5-7, 5-4 (promoted)
9. Iowa, 4-8, 3-6
10. Arkansas, 4-8, 3-6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- College Football Playoff Rankings
1. Arizona State, 12-0
2. USF, 9-2
3. ECU, 11-1
4. Fresno State, 10-2
5. Michigan, 8-3
6. BYU, 10-2
7. Stanford, 10-1
8. Oklahoma, 7-4
---------------
9. Rutgers, 10-2
10. Virginia Tech, 11-1
11. Southern Miss, 9-2
12. LSU, 9-3
13. Army, 8-3
14. Georgia, 9-3
15. Texas, 8-4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heisman Watch
QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): Last Game - W 45-14 vs. Syracuse - 22 of 30, 332 yards, 20 carries, 96 yards, 6 total touchdowns
QB Charlie Cooke (UCF): Last Game L 52-3 vs. USF - 19 of 35, 149 yards, 3 interceptions
QB John Prater (Texas): Last Game W 45-20 at Kansas State - 18 of 28, 286 yards, 22 carries, 95 yards, 4 total touchdowns
QB Kaleb McCauley (Penn State): Last Game W 56-17 vs. Pittsburgh - 20 of 24, 343 yards, 19 carries, 107 yards, 7 total touchdowns
QB Macan Anderson (Tennessee): Bye Week
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Kaleb McCauley (Penn State): 20 of 24, 343 yards, 19 carries, 107 yards, 7 total touchdowns
CB Charlie Robinson (USF): 2 tackles, 3 interceptions
-------
QB Jaylen Dana (Michigan): 13 of 26, 224 yards, 12 carries, 162 yards, 5 total touchdowns
CB Charlie Robinson (USF): 2 tackles, 3 interceptions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Justin Thomas [HB #1]: 5'9", 180lbs | Chattahoochee, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#2 Jared Wright [DE #1]: 6'6", 257lbs | Violet, LA | 5-star | University of Alabama
#4 Joel Forte [HB #2]: 6'1", 244lbs | Fremont, CA | 5-star | Ohio State University
#5 Marcus Morris [ATH #2]: 6'2", 215lbs | Richfield, MN | 5-star | Pennsylvania State University
#6 Nick Wade [ATH #3]: 6'3", 194lbs | Cleburne, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#11 Craig Weaver [QB #1]: 6'1", 209lbs | Mt. Gay-Shamrock, WV [IMG] | 5-star | University of Texas
#14 Ryan White [QB #2]: 6'1", 196lbs | Vineland, NJ | 5-star | Virginia Tech University
#15 T.J. Slaughter [WR #3]: 6'0", 180lbs | Channelview, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#16 Eddie Shaw [WR #4]: 6'2", 225lbs | Greenville, MS | 5-star | University of South Florida
#17 Randy Garrison [ATH #7]: 5'10", 200lbs | Long Beach, NC | 5-star | North Carolina State University
#20 Erik Brothers [ATH #10]: 5'11", 187lbs | East Lasing, MI | 5-star | Michigan State University
#22 Mike Morris [TE #1]: 6'1", 218lbs | Lancaster, OH | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#23 Justin Palmer [ATH #11]: 6'0", 223lbs | Pecos, TX | 5-star | Southern Methodist University
#24 Mike Dortch [WR #5]: 6'6", 226lbs | Duluth, GA | 5-star | University of Mississippi
#26 John Potts [DE #2]: 6'4", 257lbs | Sidney, NE | 5-star | University of South Florida
#27 Spencer Scott [CB #1]: 6'1", 191lbs | Weatherford, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#29 John Langford [WR #6]: 6'3", 186lbs | Wekiva Springs, FL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#30 Travis Romero [ATH #12]: 6'1", 193lbs | River Ridge, LA | 5-star | Pennsylvania State University
#31 Brian Wright [ATH #13]: 5'11", 189lbs | White River Junction, VT | 5-star | Nebraska University
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#1 Justin Thomas [HB #1]: 5'9", 180lbs | Chattahoochee, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#29 John Langford [WR #6]: 6'3", 186lbs | Wekiva Springs, FL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#34 Jasper Nobles [C #1]: 6'1", 259lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of Oregon
#49 Kyle Walton [G #4]: 6'1", 267lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#55 Andrew Anderson [WR #11]: 5'11", 187lbs | Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#66 Mike Stewart [S #1]: 6'1", 212lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Air Force Academy
#80 Jamie Davis [ATH #25]: 6'1", 195lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 4-star | Georgia Tech University
#93 Mike Mason [S #2]: 6'4", 212lbs | Venice, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#115 Larry Dennis [CB #6]: 5'9", 173lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#118 Marcus Smith [WR #18]: 6'1", 190lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | University of Washington
#134 Brent Tyler [S #4]: 6'1", 208lbs | Sunset, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#165 Anthony Howard [DE #16]: 6'2", 235lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#171 Brent Craft [DT #14]: 6'2", 280lbs | Sanford, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#206 Joe Jackson [OLB #9]: 6'1, 217lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Oklahoma
#213 Derek Lewis [DT #20]: 6'1", 292lbs | North Naples, FL | 4-star | University of Colorado
#239 John Hansen [T #9]: 6'6", 281lbs | Ensley, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#251 Paris Weaver [DT #21]: 6'4", 288lbs | Glenvar Heights, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama - Birmingham
#254 Jason Brown [HB #25]: 5'11", 186lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#271 Craig Young [S #7]: 6'1", 192lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama
#280 Josh Gilliam [QB #10]: 6'6", 220lbs | Leisure City, FL | 4-star | University of Texas
#283 Joe Wilson [TE #12]: 6'6", 243lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
Bulls suffer another loss on the recruiting trail as four-star OL Kyle Walton commits to the Trojans
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Recruiting is often about momentum and as early signing period is approaching, USF finds themselves on the wrong side of it as four-star guard Kyle Walton committed to USC over USF, Texas and Boston College.
The fourth-ranked guard in the cycle, Walton was a top target for the Bulls who recently lost out on their top center target as well earlier in the week with Jasper Nobles committing to another west coast team in Oregon.
The Trojans might not be done beating up on the Bulls just yet as IMG prospect Nick Ryan released a recent top two graphic with just the Trojans and the Miami Hurricanes. It's unclear if Ryan is going to sign during the early signing period or wait until February but either way, the Bulls are still recruiting with him and are in communication with him.
This is also the case for receiver Frank Paris who flirted with a potential commitment to the Utah Utes on social media before taking the post down. Paris posted a picture in the Utes uniform while on his official visit this past weekend with the caption '#committed' but it was taken down within a few minutes. Paris hasn't done interviews since and has not commented on the situation. In speaking to those familiar with Paris' recruitment, he is still deciding between Utah, Stanford and USF and that he likely got carried away with the premature announcement while on his visit.
USF recently offered offensive tackle Tony Daniel out of Georgia, a three-star prospect, and unranked Jupiter offensive linemen Garrett Britton, a sign of just how bad the state of USF's recruiting is currently along the offensive line under second year coach Ryan Williams.
2042 USF Recruiting Class
HB Justin Thomas [HB #1]: 5'9", 180lbs | Fort Myers, FL | 5-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 330 Squat Max
WR Eddie Shaw [WR #4]: 6'2", 225lbs | Greenville, MS | 5-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
DE John Potts [DE #2]: 6'4", 257lbs | Sidney, NE [IMG] | 5-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
S Mike Mason [S #2]: 6'4", 212lbs | Venice, FL | 4-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press Max, 390 Squat Max
CB Thomas Felder [CB #5]: 6'1", 180lbs | Bowling Green, KY | 4-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 295 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
DT Brent Craft [DT #14]: 6'2", 280lbs | Sanford, FL | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
CB Lamar McNair [CB #9]: 5'9", 192lbs | Fenton, MI | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
TE Joe Wilson [TE #12]: 6'6", 243lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 350 Bench Press Max, 295 Squat Max
T Kyle Wilson [T #20]: 6'7", 275lbs | North Druid Hills, GA | 3-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
ILB Eric Robinson [ILB #35]: 6'0", 216lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 560 Squat Max
OL Josh Henry [ATH #72]: 6'4", 278lbs | Belle Glade FL | 3-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 400 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
QB Justin Ingram [QB #34]: 6'5", 227lbs | Gainesville, FL | 3-star | 5.02 40-yd dash, 340 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
T Blake Mitchell [T #65]: 6'3", 288lbs | Delray Beach, FL | 3-star | 4.90 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
2042 USF Recruiting Board
WR Joshua Butler [WR #1]: 6'3", 202lbs | Belton, SC | 5-star | USF, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Florida
WR Frank Paris [WR #2]: 6'2", 196lbs | El Campo, TX | 5-star | USF, Stanford, Utah
G Nick Ryan [G #1]: 6'2", 291lbs | Plymouth, NH [IMG] | 5-star | USF, USC, Miami
T Sam Jefferson [T #6]: 6'4", 272lbs | Thomaston, GA | 4-star | Florida, USF, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Georgia Tech
QB Chris Price [QB #9]: 6'2", 216lbs | Indianola, Iowa | 4-star | USC, USF, Michigan State, Stanford, Purdue
--------------------
TE Mike Morris [TE #1]: 6'1", 218lbs | Lancaster, OH | 5-star | Committed to Oklahoma
C Jasper Nobles [C #1]: 6'1", 259lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Committed to Oregon
G Kyle Walton [G #4]: 6'1", 267lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Committed to USC
OLB Joe Jackson [OLB #9]: 6'1", 217lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Committed to Oklahoma
Week 15 Preview: at #22 Michigan State Spartans
Record: 6-5, 3-5 Champions Division
Head Coach: Josh Heupel (228-87 at Michigan State, 24th year, 238-91)
Offensive Coordinator: Bo Gore (Multiple)
Defensive Coordinator: Matt House (4-3 D)
Team Leaders
Passing: Suddin Baggett (3204 yards, 33 TD, 7 INT, 172.7 rating)
Rushing: Deonne White (759 yards, 6.0 ypc, 4 TD)
Receiving: Matt Gibbs (44 receptions, 659 yards, 8 TD)
Defense: Chris Delance (19 tackles, TFL, 3 INT)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 11th
Total Offense: 12th
Rushing Offense: 87th
Passing Offense: 6th
Total Defense: 82nd
Rushing Defense: 68th
Passing Defense: 85th
Turnover Differential: 81st
Team Schedule
vs. Minnesota: W 31-28
at #16 Alabama: W 34-30
vs. Wyoming: W 52-23
at #13 Stanford: L 37-35
vs. Northwestern: W 56-27
at Purdue: L 36-29
at #5 Michigan: L 24-21
vs. Ohio State: L 31-28
at Oregon: L 38-37
at #18 Miami: W 45-17
vs. #17 Oklahoma: W 41-35
Bulls wrap up regular season with impressive win over surging Spartans
Another top offense, another impressive performance from USF's defense.
Even with the Michigan State Spartans scoring thirty points and quarterback Suddin Baggett throwing for 392 yards, it was USF's defense who won the matchup with three turnovers, including two pick sixes, in the 55-30 win on Saturday in snowy East Lansing.
Two of Baggett's interceptions went to Kyle Locher, who returned the first one for a touchdown. Locher needs only one more interception to tie Ben Lewis' record for most interceptions in a season by a USF player with nine. USF sophomore Charlie Robinson also has eight interceptions on the season.
The winter weather didn't seem to bother the warm weather Bulls as USF outgained the Spartans offense on the ground and quarterback Mark Cunningham threw four touchdowns in one of his best performances of the season, completing 76 percent of his passes for 270 yards and no turnovers.
It was a clean game from USF's offense who stumbled out of the gate in the second half but then caught fire with back to back drives that ended with touchdown catches by Scott Price to extend their lead in the fourth quarter. The true freshman receiver posted another 100-yard performance along with ten catches.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] K. Locher, returned interception 69 Yds (7:26)
[MSU] S. Baggett, 2 Yd run (6:09)
[USF] K. Wright, 1 Yd run (3:25)
[MSU] E. Bravard, 43 Yd FG (1:51)
Quarter 2
[MSU] D. White, 3 Yd run (7:48)
[USF] J. Rutledge, 5 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (5:39)
[USF] C. Sanders, 35 Yd FG (2:01)
[USF] C. Graham, 28 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (0:19)
Quarter 3
[USF] C. Sanders, 41 Yd FG (1:10)
[USF] S. Price, 22 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (0:37)
Quarter 4
[MSU] B. Moody, 22 Yd pass from S. Baggett -- 2pt failed (7:14)
[USF] S. Price, 3 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (3:52)
[USF] T. Jones, returned interception 87 Yds (3:05)
[MSU] M. Gibbs, 19 Yd pass from S. Baggett (1:47)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #2 South Florida Bulls
QB Mark Cunningham: 26 of 34, 270 yards, 4 touchdowns, sacked once
HB Kellen Wright: 16 carries, 78 yards, touchdown
HB Jacob Wheeler: 13 carries, 94 yards
WR Scott Price: 10 receptions, 107 yards, 2 touchdowns
WR Carl Graham: 5 receptions, 70 yards
WR Brooks Coe: 5 receptions, 51 yards
S Joel McDonald: 11 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack
LB Kyle Locher: 5 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, touchdown
CB Travis Jones: 4 tackles, interception, touchdown
S Clarence Sullivan: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
#22 Michigan State Spartans
QB Suddin Baggett: 34 of 47, 392 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, sacked once, 4 carries, -10 yards, touchdown
HB Deonne White: 16 carries, 84 yards, touchdown, 5 receptions, 31 yards
WR Bobby Moody: 10 receptions, 98 yards, touchdown
WR Lee White: 7 receptions, 103 yards
WR Matt Gibbs: 6 receptions, 87 yards
WR Dominic Peterson: 4 receptions, 57 yards
S Tahj Jenkins: 14 tackles
LB Ben Fitzpatrick: 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
DE Cian Allen: 3 tackles, tackle for loss, sack
Big XII Championship Game
SMU (8-4, 6-3)
#8 Southern Miss (9-2, 8-1)
C-USA Champions
Connecticut (8-4, 3-1)
MAC Championship Game
#24 Toledo (9-3, 5-3)
#19 Kent State (8-4, 7-1)
MWC Champions
Utah State (8-3, 3-1)
Pac-12 Championship Game
Air Force (8-4, 5-3)
#1 Arizona State (12-0, 8-0)
Sun Belt Championship Game
Texas State (9-3, 6-2)
#25 South Alabama (10-2, 6-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heisman Watch
QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): 272 of 366, 4032 yards, 41 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 163 carries, 824 yards, 4 touchdowns
QB Charlie Cooke (UCF): 286 of 388, 3799 yards, 40 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 198 carries, 816 yards, 9 touchdowns
QB John Prater (Texas): 217 of 308, 3009 yards, 30 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 248 carries, 1140 yards, 14 touchdowns
QB Kaleb McCauley (Penn State): 255 of 340, 3409 yards, 36 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 197 carries, 968 yards, 13 touchdowns
QB Macan Anderson (Tennessee): 208 of 315, 276 yards, 35 touchdowns, interception, 247 carries, 1123 yards, 9 touchdowns
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Justin Thomas [HB #1]: 5'9", 180lbs | Chattahoochee, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#2 Jared Wright [DE #1]: 6'6", 257lbs | Violet, LA | 5-star | University of Alabama
#4 Joel Forte [HB #2]: 6'1", 244lbs | Fremont, CA | 5-star | Ohio State University
#5 Marcus Morris [ATH #2]: 6'2", 215lbs | Richfield, MN | 5-star | Pennsylvania State University
#6 Nick Wade [ATH #3]: 6'3", 194lbs | Cleburne, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#8 Joshua Butler [WR #1]: 6'3", 202lbs | Belton, SC | 5-star | University of South Florida
#11 Craig Weaver [QB #1]: 6'1", 209lbs | Mt. Gay-Shamrock, WV [IMG] | 5-star | University of Texas
#14 Ryan White [QB #2]: 6'1", 196lbs | Vineland, NJ | 5-star | Virginia Tech University
#15 T.J. Slaughter [WR #3]: 6'0", 180lbs | Channelview, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#16 Eddie Shaw [WR #4]: 6'2", 225lbs | Greenville, MS | 5-star | University of South Florida
#17 Randy Garrison [ATH #7]: 5'10", 200lbs | Long Beach, NC | 5-star | North Carolina State University
#20 Erik Brothers [ATH #10]: 5'11", 187lbs | East Lasing, MI | 5-star | Michigan State University
#22 Mike Morris [TE #1]: 6'1", 218lbs | Lancaster, OH | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#23 Justin Palmer [ATH #11]: 6'0", 223lbs | Pecos, TX | 5-star | Southern Methodist University
#24 Mike Dortch [WR #5]: 6'6", 226lbs | Duluth, GA | 5-star | University of Mississippi
#26 John Potts [DE #2]: 6'4", 257lbs | Sidney, NE | 5-star | University of South Florida
#27 Spencer Scott [CB #1]: 6'1", 191lbs | Weatherford, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#29 John Langford [WR #6]: 6'3", 186lbs | Wekiva Springs, FL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#30 Travis Romero [ATH #12]: 6'1", 193lbs | River Ridge, LA | 5-star | Pennsylvania State University
#31 Brian Wright [ATH #13]: 5'11", 189lbs | White River Junction, VT | 5-star | Nebraska University
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#1 Justin Thomas [HB #1]: 5'9", 180lbs | Chattahoochee, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#29 John Langford [WR #6]: 6'3", 186lbs | Wekiva Springs, FL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#34 Jasper Nobles [C #1]: 6'1", 259lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of Oregon
#49 Kyle Walton [G #4]: 6'1", 267lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#55 Andrew Anderson [WR #11]: 5'11", 187lbs | Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#66 Mike Stewart [S #1]: 6'1", 212lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Air Force Academy
#80 Jamie Davis [ATH #25]: 6'1", 195lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 4-star | Georgia Tech University
#93 Mike Mason [S #2]: 6'4", 212lbs | Venice, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#115 Larry Dennis [CB #6]: 5'9", 173lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#118 Marcus Smith [WR #18]: 6'1", 190lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | University of Washington
#134 Brent Tyler [S #4]: 6'1", 208lbs | Sunset, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#165 Anthony Howard [DE #16]: 6'2", 235lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#171 Brent Craft [DT #14]: 6'2", 280lbs | Sanford, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#206 Joe Jackson [OLB #9]: 6'1, 217lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Oklahoma
#213 Derek Lewis [DT #20]: 6'1", 292lbs | North Naples, FL | 4-star | University of Colorado
#226 Anthony Callahan [T #8]: 6'4", 305lbs | Fort Myers, FL | 4-star | University of Michigan
#239 John Hansen [T #9]: 6'6", 281lbs | Ensley, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#251 Paris Weaver [DT #21]: 6'4", 288lbs | Glenvar Heights, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama - Birmingham
#254 Jason Brown [HB #25]: 5'11", 186lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#267 Skyler Yates [WR #38]: 6'1", 176lbs | Port Charlotte, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#271 Craig Young [S #7]: 6'1", 192lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama
#280 Josh Gilliam [QB #10]: 6'6", 220lbs | Leisure City, FL | 4-star | University of Texas
#283 Joe Wilson [TE #12]: 6'6", 243lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
Five-star receiver Joshua Butler, four-star quarterback Chris Price make it official with commitment to USF
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
At the eleventh hour of the early signing period, USF landed two huge gets with five-star receiver Joshua Butler and four-star quarterback Chris Price committing and signing with the Bulls.
The nation's top receiver since reclassifying into the 2042 class, the sixteen year old prospect is oozing with potential at six-foot-three and elite top end speed. Despite his young age (he won't turn seventeen until March), Butler is one of the more developed receivers in the 2042 crop of receivers in terms of the variety of his releases, his comfortability in running different routes both at the high school level and on the 7-on-7 circuit, a wide catch radius and reliable hands.
No prospect is perfect and Butler is no different as his main weakness is some stiffness when coming in and out of his breaks which is expected with a receiver his size. Butler joins another five-star receiver in Eddie Shaw that are only separated by eight spots in the rankings and are similar prospects in terms of talent although Butler is the faster player and just a bit more refined while Shaw is the smoother of the two athletes as he does a great job of creating separation at the top of his routes.
USF is still involved in the recruitment of another five-star receiver in Frank Paris who they view as their next big slot receiver, following the footsteps of Joseph Moses. USF's pitch to all three has been Butler and Shaw on the outside with Paris in the slot. It remains to be seen if Paris, who currently exclusively plays outside receiver in high school, views himself as such.
Throwing to at least two five-stars in the same class will be Chris Price, who joins three-star quarterback Justin Ingram as the other arm in the class. Price is an exciting prospect with a 4.6 40-yard dash on the laser as a junior and some impressive testing numbers in terms of broad jump, vertical jump, 3-cone, etc. that are aligned with prospects such as cornerback Thomas Felder and safety Mike Mason.
More of an athlete than a quarterback at this point in his development, Price has a ways to go in terms of accuracy and decision making but if he's able to put it altogether, the potential is certainly there. In terms of a comp, Jared Chavis or Thomas Jackson is a good one as well as a bigger Jay Jackson although Jay Jackson might have had more natural arm talent than Price.
It won't be an easy road to the starting spot for Price as the team is high on Ingram as well whose in the same class but a lower rated prospect. Both will need to either beat out or wait out Rashad Woodard, the true freshman that showed flashes this season and was a higher rated prospect coming out of high school than both Price and Ingram.
2042 USF Recruiting Class
HB Justin Thomas [HB #1]: 5'9", 180lbs | Fort Myers, FL | 5-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 330 Squat Max
WR Joshua Butler [WR #1]: 6'3", 202lbs | Belton, SC | 5-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
WR Eddie Shaw [WR #4]: 6'2", 225lbs | Greenville, MS | 5-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
DE John Potts [DE #2]: 6'4", 257lbs | Sidney, NE [IMG] | 5-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
S Mike Mason [S #2]: 6'4", 212lbs | Venice, FL | 4-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press Max, 390 Squat Max
CB Thomas Felder [CB #5]: 6'1", 180lbs | Bowling Green, KY | 4-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 295 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
DT Brent Craft [DT #14]: 6'2", 280lbs | Sanford, FL | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
CB Lamar McNair [CB #9]: 5'9", 192lbs | Fenton, MI | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
QB Chris Price [QB #9]: 6'2", 216lbs | Indianola, Iowa | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 375 Bench Press Max, 330 Squat Max
TE Joe Wilson [TE #12]: 6'6", 243lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 350 Bench Press Max, 295 Squat Max
T Kyle Wilson [T #20]: 6'7", 275lbs | North Druid Hills, GA | 3-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
ILB Eric Robinson [ILB #35]: 6'0", 216lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 560 Squat Max
OL Josh Henry [ATH #72]: 6'4", 278lbs | Belle Glade FL | 3-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 400 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
QB Justin Ingram [QB #34]: 6'5", 227lbs | Gainesville, FL | 3-star | 5.02 40-yd dash, 340 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
T Blake Mitchell [T #65]: 6'3", 288lbs | Delray Beach, FL | 3-star | 4.90 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
2042 USF Recruiting Board
WR Frank Paris [WR #2]: 6'2", 196lbs | El Campo, TX | 5-star | Utah, Stanford, USC
G Nick Ryan [G #1]: 6'2", 291lbs | Plymouth, NH [IMG] | 5-star | USC, USF, Miami
T Sam Jefferson [T #6]: 6'4", 272lbs | Thomaston, GA | 4-star | Florida, USF, Georgia, Florida
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TE Mike Morris [TE #1]: 6'1", 218lbs | Lancaster, OH | 5-star | Committed to Oklahoma
C Jasper Nobles [C #1]: 6'1", 259lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Committed to Oregon
G Kyle Walton [G #4]: 6'1", 267lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Committed to USC
OLB Joe Jackson [OLB #9]: 6'1", 217lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Committed to Oklahoma
A conference championship week rooting guide for USF fans as Bulls await playoff selections
Johnny Murray -- The Tampa Bay Times Sports Columnist
USF's spot in the College Football Playoffs were secured a few weeks ago when the Bulls clinched a top four finish in the Champions Division, earning them a playoff berth. The only thing they don't know is where they'll be ranked, who they will be playing and what the rest of the field will look like.
Stanford, Michigan and Oklahoma are the other three that have clinched spots with the Bulls losing to Stanford earlier in the season, narrowly beating Michigan and blowing out Oklahoma. While the Bulls players, coaches and Bulls fans might be keen on getting a rematch with Stanford to right the wrong, it might be in their best interest to avoid that matchup at least until the semi-finals.
Here's what Bulls fans should be watching for as the playoffs get decided this week.
AAC Championship: #6 Rutgers vs. #3 East Carolina
In the latest College Football Playoffs Rankings, voted on by the same committee that will pick the final seeding, East Carolina came in fourth and Rutgers was ninth, narrowly missing the playoffs.
The Bulls played the Scarlet Knights earlier in the season and easily took care of them 55-7. A win for the Pirates most likely secures them a top three spot, leapfrogging either Stanford or USF or maybe even both. Even with a loss, the Pirates might still make the playoffs as an eight seed but it'll be a tough sell with their strength of schedule as they've only beaten two teams with a winning record.
While a win doesn't guarantee that the Scarlet Knights make it, it'll give them a hell of a case over East Carolina or even two-loss Fresno State, BYU. Rutgers can also use some help UCF and/or Southern Miss to help clear the runway and solidify their case for one of the remaining four spots.
USF fans shouldn't sweat either teams but in terms of wanting a higher seed, Rutgers' winning would secure that as there wouldn't be challenger for the Bulls to be the third seed.
Pac-12 Championship Game: Air Force (8-4, 5-3) vs. #1 Arizona State (12-0, 8-0)
The Pac-12 still remembers being left out of the ANAC and what sweet revenge would it be to send not only an undefeated team as the top seed but win the whole thing. The Sun Devils will have a chance at that if they can avoid losing to Air Force, who they beat two weeks ago by eighteen points.
From a rooting perspective, an Arizona State loss does give USF a chance at being a top two seed and playing a lesser ranked opponent, potentially even Oklahoma in a rematch which they would of course welcome or Rutgers or even Arizona State as the committee might still award them for a great season.
Rising Division Championship Game: Oklahoma State (9-3, 8-1) vs. #7 Virginia Tech (11-1, 8-1)
It would be a hell of a statement from the ANAC if they not only got the four guaranteed spots but also a fifth ANAC member to make the playoffs and even more impressive considering that it would be coming from their third division.
Under ANAC promotional guidelines, Virginia Tech making the playoffs would grant them a spot in the Champions Division next season and relegate Michigan State to the Contenders Division and Georgia Tech to the Rising Division. For that alone, USF fans might want to root for the Hokies as that would be a cool story and the first of its kind.
The Hokies are currently ninth in the latest CFP rankings and would need more than just a win to guarantee themselves a spot as they likely need BYU to also falter as well as Rutgers.
Contenders Division Championship Game: #23 UCF (8-4, 7-2) vs. #5 BYU (10-2, 7-2)
USF fans probably aren't ever rooting for the Knights but this is probably a good week to do so, for a few reasons.
A win for the Knights grants them promotion into the Champions Division instead of having to play in a promotional bowl against either Michigan State (if Virginia Tech doesn't make the playoffs) or Purdue, two games that the Knights aren't likely to be favored to win. USF and UCF haven't shared a conference in nearly two decades ever since the Bulls bolted for the SEC, leaving the Knights in the Big XII and then the ACC.
From a playoff picture standpoint, BYU secures their spot not only in the Champions Division next season with a win but also the playoffs as they are the current sixth seed. A win would also improve their ranking potentially into fifth place, leapfrogging Fresno State and even East Carolina if the Pirates lose. If the playoff seeding was to hold, the Bulls are currently scheduled to play the Cougars in what could be an interesting game with BYU's high potent offense.
Big XII Championship Game: SMU (8-4, 6-3) vs. #8 Southern Miss (9-2, 8-1)
The Eagles were ranked eleventh in the last CPF ranking so the playoffs are a long shot but they have a shot, especially with an impressive win. If the Knights beat the Cougars and Rutgers beats East Carolina, Southern Miss could make the playoffs as a seventh or eight seed.
This would be a welcomed sight for the Bulls as they beat the Eagles badly last season and would offer a fun matchup with USF defensive tackle Brandon Smith and USF defensive end Marcellus Smith playing their brother Brian Smith Jr, the Eagles' prized left tackle who spurned USF for Southern Miss. The Smith triplets are the sons of former USF great, Brian Smith.
Notable Coaches on the Hot Seat
1. Eric Alexander (2-10, 12-24 at West Virginia, 3rd year)
2. Jim Harding (2-10, 16-22 at Colorado, 3rd year)
3. Peter Nicholson (4-8, 17-20 at Missouri, 3rd year)
4. Brian Doucette (2-10, 22-28 at Kansas State, 4th year)
5. Michael Hart (4-8, 9-16 at Notre Dame, 2nd year)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Coaches on the Rise
1. Matt Canada (7-5, 45-31 at North Texas, 6th year)
2. Buster Faulkner (9-3, 35-15 at Georgia, 4th year)
3. Zach Newberry (7-5, 16-9 at San Diego State, 2nd year)
4. P.J. Fleck (10-3, 49-19 at South Alabama, 5th year)
5. Kevin Weldon (9-3, 29-19 at Bowling Green, 4th year)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conference Championship Results Champions Division Winner
#12 Stanford (11-1, 9-0)
Rutgers' Alan Pitts narrowly edges out Texas' John Prater to win Heisman
Jessica West -- SI.com
Alan Pitts shocked the college football word when as a five-star recruit, he chose to play for in-state Rutgers instead of a powerhouse college program. A few months later, he shocked the world once more, leading the Scarlet Knights to a national championship, the first in school history in the modern era. Two years later, he became the school's first ever Heisman winner, narrowly beating out Texas' John Prater.
A mere ten votes separated the two as Pitts was aided by his last performance in the AAC Championship Game, throwing five touchdowns against East Carolina to earn Rutgers a spot in the College Football Playoffs for the second time in three years. Pitts finished the season with 4,405 passing yards and 46 touchdowns compared to Prater's 3,009 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. Prater rushed for 1,140 yards and fourteen touchdowns on the ground while Pitts fell short there with 866 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
With Pitts winning, it marked the second straight season that the Heisman winner came from a non-ANAC conference with SMU's Dustin Caldwell winning last season.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- CFB Awards Heisman: QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): 4405 passing yards, 173 carries, 866 rushing yards, 50 total touchdowns Maxwell: QB Charlie Cooke (Central Florida): 4236 passing yards, 215 carries, 845 rushing yards, 53 total touchdowns Walter Camp: QB Kaleb McCauley (Penn State): 3409 passing yards, 197 carries, 968 rushing yards, 49 total touchdowns Bednarik: LB Kyle Locher (South Florida): 124 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 touchdowns, 8 interceptions Nagurski: LB Kyle Locher (South Florida): 124 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 touchdowns, 8 interceptions O'Brien: QB Charlie Cooke (Central Florida): 4236 passing yards, 215 carries, 845 rushing yards, 53 total touchdowns Walker: HB Sidney Greene (East Carolina): 206 carries, 1290 yards, 17 touchdowns Biletnikoff: WR Austin Dueitt (Rutgers): 95 receptions, 1525 yards, 19 touchdowns Mackey: TE Tom Scott (Rutgers): 103 receptions, 1442 yards, 15 touchdowns, 68 carries, 327 yards Outland: C Albert Holloway (Arizona State): 19 pancakes, 10 sacks allowed Rimington: C Albert Holloway (Arizona State): 19 pancakes, 10 sacks allowed Lombardi: DE Maurice McIntosh (LSU): 49 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles Butkus: LB Kyle Locher (South Florida): 124 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 touchdowns, 8 interceptions Thorpe: CB Matt Williams (North Texas): 39 tackles, 8 interceptions, touchdown, 19 pass breakups Groza: K Greg Chavez (Stanford): 16 of 18 FG, Long of 53, 61/61 XP Guy: P Joe Rowell (Georgia Tech): 55 punts, 35.3 Yd Net, Long of 76, 18 downed inside the 20 Jet: HB Kenneth Howard (Arizona State): 968 kick return yards, 2 touchdowns, 342 punt return yards
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP First Team All-Americans
QB Alan Pitts, Rutgers (Jr)
HB Sidney Greene, East Carolina (Sr)
HB Keon Brun, Penn State (Sr)
WR Austin Dueitt, Rutgers (Sr)
WR Bruce Sherman, New Mexico State (Sr)
TE Tom Scott, Rutgers (Sr)
T Ajene White, Alabama (Sr)
T Troy Padgett, Michigan (Sr)
G Quardraiz Reynolds, BYU (Sr)
G Jermaine Thomas, South Alabama (Sr)
C Albert Holloway, Arizona State (Sr)
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DE Maurice McIntosh, LSU (Jr)
DE Diego Gibson, South Alabama (Sr)
DT Paris Murphy, Rutgers (So)
DT Antwan Hargrove, BYU (So)
LB E.J. Young, USF (Jr)
LB Kyle Locher, USF (Sr)
LB Brandon Walker, Ohio (Sr)
CB Charlie Robinson, USF (So)
CB Matt Williams, North Texas (Sr)
S Kerry White, ECU (Sr)
S Joel McDonald, USF (Sr)
K Kevin Derrick, Rutgers (Sr)
P Tre'mon Lenton, Eastern Michigan (Sr)
R Kenneth Howard, Arizona State (Sr)
