Strength in Unity.

[Soapy]

Jim Michalczik, USF continue to recruit at a high level along the offensive line with latest commitment
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

Jim Michalczik and the University of South Florida were able to land their second commitment on the offensive line in eight days with the verbal commitment of Scottdale, Georgia four-star offensive guard Ray Anderson who picked the Bulls over offers from NC State, Wake Forest and Ohio. The Bulls also got commitments from three-star linebacker Erik Wheeler and kicker Chris Sanders.

Anderson, the fifth ranked guard, still has some growing to do at six-foot-three and 266 pounds. Ideally, he's at least in the 290-pound range before he sees the field but smaller offensive linemen have played in USF's offense in Victor Tucker, Michael Bowser and most notable Cedric George.

Tucker came in at 264 pounds and finished his senior season at 323 pounds. Bowser came in at 268 and finished at 319 pounds as a redshirt senior. George always stayed lean, even when he was 306 pounds as a senior and played in the 270-280 range for most of his early career after coming in as a true freshman at 253 pounds as a tight end.

The combo of Anderson and Steve Bailey gives USF one of the better offensive line pairings of this cycle when added on top of last year's haul where they landed the top ranked guard in Woody Humphrey and a top five tackle in Wally Bayless.

In Wheeler, USF is adding some depth to its linebacking corps that underwent a makeover in the transition to a 3-4 base scheme. Wheeler will likely be a Will linebacker at the next level after playing more of a box safety role in high school. He has a long way to go if he wants to be an every down player in the Champions Division as he's a limited athlete but a smart football player and a good tackler.

USF's class is currently ranked second, behind only Oklahoma but it could leapfrog the Sooners in the coming weeks following another big official visit weekend. The Bulls are hosting four-star Texas offensive tackle Garrett McTaggart, four-star South Carolina cornerback Travis Jones, three-star IMG linebacker Talanoa Langi, four-star Miami linebacker E.J. Young and four-star IMG linebacker Joel Espinosa.

The Bulls feel really confident with where they feel with Jones who has an official visit lined up with Purdue just before his commitment date in early December but USF's staff will surely be trying to make sure that he never gets to that official visit. They also like where they stand with the higher ranked of the IMG teammates in Espinosa who recently visited Miami and has official visits lined up to Michigan State and Missouri. The Bulls are viewed as the favorites in that recruitment.

Perhaps the jewel of the weekend will be linebacker E.J. Young, maybe the most college ready of their linebacker prospects at six-foot-five and 242 pounds with the ability to play in the box or on the edge as a stand up outside linebacker. Miami's dropped off in the recruitment of the local prospect with Florida, Florida State and Georgia Tech trying to fight off the Bulls who will surely be looking for a surprise commitment.

2039 USF Recruiting Class
HB Kellen Wright [HB #4]: 5'8", 190lbs | Tampa, FL [IMG] | 5-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 325 Squat Max
DE Ramon Hall [DE #5]: 6'2", 246lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
DT Brent Lawrence [DT #5]: 6'3", 275lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
G Ray Anderson [G #5]: 6'3", 266lbs | Scottdale, GA | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 470 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
WR Brooks Coe [WR #31]: 6'4", 195lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 225 Squat Max
G Steve Bailey [G #8]: 6'5", 311lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.72 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
DE Kareem Cunningham [DE #69]: 6'6", 266lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 375 Bench Press Max, 560 Squat Max
OLB Erik Wheeler [OLB #66]: 6'2", 211lbs | La Porte, TX | 3-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
K Chris Sanders [K #7]: 5'10", 180lbs | Pompano Beach, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max

2039 USF Recruiting Board
TE Jermaine Johnson [TE #5]: 6'4", 254lbs | Sans Souci, SC [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Florida, Tennessee, Navy
TE Jeff Rutledge [TE #10]: 6'5", 254lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Miami, USF
T Garrett McTaggart [T #2]: 6'4", 309lbs | San Antonio, TX | 4-star | Ole Miss, USF, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech
OLB E.J. Young [OLB #3]: 6'5", 242lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | USF, Florida State, Florida, Georgia Tech
G Joe Weisbecker [G #4]: 6'2", 280lbs | Rosedale, MD | 4-star | Ole Miss, USF, Rutgers, Georgia Tech
ILB Joel Espinosa [ILB #4]: 5'9", 228lbs | Manchester, IA [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri
CB Travis Jones [CB #10]: 5'11", 167lbs | Marion, SC | 4-star | USF, Purdue
CB Anthony Gunn [CB #16]: 6'1", 182lbs | Atlanta, GA | 3-star | USF, Clemson
ILB Talanoa Langi [ILB #16]: 6'1", 238lbs | Nanakuli, HI [IMG] | 3-star | Colorado, USF
P Gerald Wallace [P #6]: 6'2", 199lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 3-star | USF, Clemson

[Soapy]

Week 7 Top Stories
1. Bulls remain undefeated following their conference victory over Tennessee
2. #17 Stanford is elated following a 47-35 victory over SEC opponent Missouri
3. #8 Kansas loses a shocker to Contenders Division opponent Michigan 35-20
4. Offenses go wild as Alabama outscores Champions Division foe Clemson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 7 Champions Division Results
USF 41 - TEN 39 | STAN 47 - MIZZOU 35 | MISS 38 - ND 28
GT 31 - ORE 13 | USC 52 - MSU 35 | ALA 56 - CLEM 49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 8 Champions Division Schedule
Texas (2-4, 1-3) at #1 USF (6-0, 4-0)
#23 Missouri (3-3, 1-3) at Oregon (2-3, 1-2)
#9 Penn State (5-1, 4-1) at #4 Georgia Tech (5-1, 2-1)
Clemson (1-4, 0-3) at #20 Florida (1-4, 0-3)
#15 Stanford (4-2, 2-2) at #7 Notre Dame (4-1, 1-1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 8 Notable Games
#10 Rutgers (5-0, 3-0) at #17 Boston College (5-0, 4-0)
#16 Kansas (4-1, 1-1) at Oklahoma (4-2, 3-1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Champions Division Relegation Zone (bottom four relegated)
11. Tennessee, 2-4, 2-4
12. Oregon, 2-3, 1-2
13. Missouri, 3-3, 1-3
14. Texas, 2-4, 1-3
15. Clemson, 1-4, 0-3
16. LSU, 1-5, 0-5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contenders Division Promotion Zone (top four promoted)
1. Michigan, 5-1, 4-0
2. Kansas State, 4-1, 2-0
3. Miami, 4-2, 3-0
4. Oklahoma, 4-2, 3-1
5. Purdue, 4-1, 2-1
6. Minnesota, 3-2, 2-1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Players of the Week
QB Eric Henley (Alabama): 24 of 29, 441 yards, 7 touchdowns, 11 carries, 42 yards
DT Freddy Parker (Cincinnati): 13 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, forced fumble
-------
QB Eric Henley (Alabama): 24 of 29, 441 yards, 7 touchdowns, 11 carries, 42 yards
LB Stacy Smith (Alabama): 4 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack, 2 fumble recoveries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Patrick Sullivan [HB #1]: 5'9", 200lbs | Pensacola, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of Oregon
#3 Melvin Ingram [QB #1]: 6'3", 211lbs | Arlington Heights, IL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#11 William Powell [ATH #3]: 6'3", 192lbs | Ennis, TX | 5-star | University of Alabama
#15 Marcel Carrington [WR #6]: 6'4", 205lbs | Gardere, LA | 5-star | University of Oregon
#17 A.J. Brewer [WR #7]: 6'0", 179lbs | Wadsworth, OH | 5-star | Ohio State University
#19 Josh Henley [ATH #5]: 5'11", 191lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#24 Jeremiah Daugherty [DE #2]: 6'1", 250lbs | Monroe, LA | 5-star | Naval Academy
#26 Ryan Edwards [HB #3]: 6'2", 184lbs | Aurora, OH | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#30 Kellen Wright [HB #4]: 5'8", 190lbs | Tampa, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of South Florida
#34 Matt Christensen [ATH #9]: 6'1", 181lbs | Merced, CA | 5-star | University of California - Los Angeles
#36 Josh Jacobs [DE #3]: 6'6", 256lbs | Lancaster, TX | 5-star | University of Southern California
#38 Josh Page [ATH #10]: 6'0" 199lbs | Poquoson, VA | 5-star | Naval Academy
#40 Shaun Bullock [ATH #12]: 6'2", 306lbs | Huntington Beach, CA | 5-star | University of Texas
#44 Leon Glover [CB #3]: 5'10", 169lbs | Flower Mound, TX | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#1 Patrick Sullivan [HB #1]: 5'9", 200lbs | Pensacola, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of Oregon
#19 Josh Henley [ATH #5]: 5'11", 191lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#30 Kellen Wright [HB #4]: 5'8", 190lbs | Tampa, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of South Florida
#55 Ramon Hall [DE #5]: 6'2", 246lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#85 Brent Lawrence [DT #5]: 6'3", 275lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#143 Jesse McCoy [TE #7]: 6'6", 246lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#147 Jeremy Gould [OLB #7]: 6'0", 180lbs | Belle Glade, FL | 4-star | University of Colorado
#169 Edwin Dixon [S #6]: 6'2", 192lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#170 Brooks Coe [WR #31]: 6'4", 195lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#172 Buck Gonzales [HB #25]: 6'0", 207lbs | Bellair, FL | 4-star | University of Minnesota
#175 C.J. Graham [S #7]: 6'3", 182lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#176 Phillip Johnson [ATH #34]: 6'2", 193lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#209 Steve Bailey [G #8]: 6'5", 311lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#221 Marcus Stephens [OLB #13]: 6'1", 211lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Michigan State University
#271 Brad Pittman [ATH #41]: 6'1", 226lbs | Bartow, FL | 4-star | Georgia Tech
#285 Ryan Fernandez [G #14]: 6'1", 312lbs | Coconut Creek, FL | Florida Atlantic University

[Soapy]

Week 8 Preview: vs. Texas Longhorns
Season Record: 2-4, 1-3 Champions Division
Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury (176-82 at Texas, 20th year, 224-112)
Offensive Coordinator: Justin Daniels (Pro)
Defensive Coordinator: Eric Henley (3-4 D)

Team Leaders
Passing: John Prater (940 yards, 8 TD, 3 INT, 150.8 rating)
Rushing: Brandon Wilson (644 yards, 7.9 ypc, 8 TD)
Receiving: Darrius Harris (18 receptions, 283 yards, 3 TD)
Defense: Matt Jones (17 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 2 PBU)

Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 53rd
Total Offense: 75th
Rushing Offense: 61st
Passing Offense: 79th
Total Defense: 111th
Rushing Defense: 38th
Passing Defense: 118th
Turnover Differential: 5th

Team Schedule
vs. Clemson: W 38-6
at #12 Ole Miss: L 52-28
at #11 USC: L 41-21
at #15 Stanford: L 30-27
at Oklahoma: W 52-33
at #3 Utah: L 32-20

Team Injuries
LT #60 Corey Payne, Rs Junior | 6'7", 300lbs | 87 ovr, 89 pbk, 87 rbk, 88 str
------
USF G Chris Booker
USF RB Dionte McCarthy

Texas Longhorns Projected Starters
QB #18 John Prater, Freshman | 5'11", 213lbs | 83 ovr, 87 spd, 86 acc, 85 awr, 83 thp, 76 tha
HB #34 Brandon Wilson, Rs Sophomore | 5'10", 204lbs | 95 ovr, 92 spd, 94 acc, 91 btk, 83 car, 93 trk
FB #35 Antwan Workman, Sophomore | 5'11", 228lbs | 78 ovr, 85 spd, 81 acc, 79 btk, 80 car, 74 trk
WR #10 Darius Harris, Junior | 6'5", 218lbs | 89 ovr, 90 spd, 95 acc, 85 cth
WR #85 Brett Jackson, Rs Junior | 6'4", 200lbs | 89 ovr, 83 spd, 93 acc, 92 cth
WR #88 Derek Gross, Junior | 6'0", 187lbs | 86 ovr, 84 spd, 87 acc, 84 cth
TE #87 Joe Espinosa, Junior | 6'7", 270lbs | 86 ovr, 81 spd, 78 acc, 74 cth, 82 rbk
LT #76 Steve Bush, Rs Junior | 6'3", 302lbs | 88 ovr, 89 pbk, 85 rbk, 83 str
LG #71 Derrick White, Sophomore | 6'5", 285lbs | 85 ovr, 82 pbk, 90 rbk, 90 str
C #64 Chris Pitts, Rs Junior | 6'2", 311lbs | 99 ovr, 97 pbk, 93 rbk, 83 str
RG #77 Chris Jackson, Sophomore | 6'5", 340lbs | 84 ovr, 89 pbk, 83 rbk, 91 str
RT #65 Greg Smith, Junior | 6'4", 328lbs | 87 ovr, 93 pbk, 82 rbk, 89 str
---------------------
DE #63 Grant Hampton, Rs Sophomore | 6'1", 257lbs | 91 ovr, 86 spd, 87 acc, 83 str, 85 pmv, 72 fmv, 87 bsh
DE #94 Marcus Lowery, Rs Junior | 6'0", 250lbs | 91 ovr, 77 spd, 82 acc, 86 str, 88 pmv, 94 fmv, 96 bsh
NT #46 Jonathan Van, Senior | 6'5", 294lbs | 97 ovr, 82 acc, 89 str, 96 pmv, 89 fmv, 90 bsh
DT #98 Shawn Heard, Rs Junior | 6'4", 337lbs | 97 ovr, 87 acc, 89 str, 95 pmv, 83 fmv, 86 bsh
OLB #56 Guy Bailey, Rs Junior | 6'2", 224lbs | 90 ovr, 91 spd, 90 acc, 53 awr, 86 tkl, 91 bsh, 87 zcv, 70 pmv, 78 fmv
ILB #55 Brian Jackson, Rs Sophomore | 6'4", 239lbs | 86 ovr, 87 spd, 83 acc, 57 awr, 79 tkl, 95 bsh, 79 zcv
ILB/S #31 Kyle Winston, Rs Sophomore | 6'3", 215lbs | 85 ovr, 88 spd, 90 acc, 73 awr, 91 tkl, 70 bsh, 80 zcv
OLB #57 Shawn Jones, Rs Senior | 6'5", 216lbs | 96 ovr, 88 spd, 99 acc, 61 awr, 84 tkl, 99 bsh, 86 zcv, 85 pmv, 82 fmv
CB #49 Willie Corbett, Rs Sophomore | 5'11", 195lbs | 87 ovr, 93 spd, 91 acc, 64 awr, 96 mcv, 96 zcv, 98 press
CB #38 Larry Mitchell, Sophomore | 5'10", 183lbs | 86 ovr, 99 spd, 96 acc, 61 awr, 89 mcv, 92 zcv, 84 press
NB #30 Trey Tisdale, Freshman | 5'11", 166lbs | 83 ovr, 96 spd, 94 acc, 56 awr, 90 mcv, 94 zcv, 76 press
S #23 Matt Jones, Rs Senior | 5'11", 203lbs | 92 ovr, 95 spd, 94 acc, 78 awr, 84 tkl, 81 mcv, 85 zcv
S #20 Tyler Ferguson, Rs Freshman | 6'1", 212lbs | 80 ovr, 88 spd, 88 acc, 61 awr, 84 tkl, 70 mcv, 74 zcv
K #19 Kevin Thomas, Sophomore | 6'0", 179lbs | 71 ovr, 72 kpw, 72 kac
P #2 Chad Hall, Senior | 6'2", 201lbs | 96 ovr, 99 kpw, 94 kac

[mvp]

kicker chris sanders outta pompano get that swag boii


...kellen wright, the next college star.


...why is texas's defense so bad? looks like they got some SPEED

[Soapy]

kicker chris sanders outta pompano get that swag boii


...kellen wright, the next college star.


...why is texas's defense so bad? looks like they got some SPEED

We'll see on Wright, his physical tools are intriguing but after a few relative duds in Valentine and Sapp (5-star wise), I'll be awaiting. The main attribute I've seen that make a running back a star is acceleration and agility which with my rules of no scouting, it's tough to get an accurate read but he's got the straight line speed based on his 40-time that should at least make him a starter down the lie.

Surprised by how bad overall Texas has been, even with a true freshman QB that I even boosted

[Soapy]

Bulls land South Florida's top edge rusher in E.J. Young during official visit
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

After seemingly committing to the University of South Florida during a social media clip that was quickly deleted, Miami Northwestern High School linebacker E.J. Young made it official Saturday morning, committing to the Bulls just hours before their game against Texas.

Young posted a video on Friday night during his official visit to the university where he appeared to be committing to the Bulls and celebrating with his hosts during the visit, linebackers Brian Robinson and Noah Wester. The clip lasted just an hour and a half before it was pulled down leading fans to wonder if Young had backed off his commitment but those worries were soon lay to rest on Saturday morning.

The 3rd ranked outside linebacker in his class, Young was also considering Florida, Florida State and Georgia Tech so this was a major get for USF. Listed at six-foot-five and 242 pounds, the comparison to Adam Hughes have been plentiful as Hughes was a five-star recruit that came out of high school with NFL size at six-foot-four and 230 pounds. Young is even more rocked up and physical mature than Hughes with the only question mark being where is he best deployed.

He's used primarily as an edge rusher in high school and will likely have a similar role in USF's 3-4 scheme as a stand up edge rusher. The Bulls don't really have a true 3-4 outside linebacker on their roster, relying on transfers Alex McDaniel and Corey Caldwell during this transition period as they go from a primarily even front defense over the years to a 3-4. If the team were to go back to an even front, Young will have no problem transition to a defensive end which is essentially what he plays in high school.

It's been an impressive haul for first-year defensive coordinator Trai Martinez who also coaches and recruit the linebackers and first-year defensive line coach Taylor Fletcher. The Bulls landed the top defensive end in the state (Ramon Hall), the top interior guy (Brent Lawrence) and now the top linebacker. They'll have their work cut out for them next recruiting cycle with the Smith brothers (Brian Jr, Brandon and Marcellus) as they all figure to be top 100 guys and Brian Jr and Brandon particularly being top five guys in the state, if not the country.

2039 USF Recruiting Class
HB Kellen Wright [HB #4]: 5'8", 190lbs | Tampa, FL [IMG] | 5-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 325 Squat Max
DE Ramon Hall [DE #5]: 6'2", 246lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
OLB E.J. Young [OLB #3]: 6'5", 242lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Pres Max, 580 Squat Max
DT Brent Lawrence [DT #5]: 6'3", 275lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
G Ray Anderson [G #5]: 6'3", 266lbs | Scottdale, GA | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 470 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
WR Brooks Coe [WR #31]: 6'4", 195lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 225 Squat Max
G Steve Bailey [G #8]: 6'5", 311lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.72 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
DE Kareem Cunningham [DE #69]: 6'6", 266lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 375 Bench Press Max, 560 Squat Max
OLB Erik Wheeler [OLB #66]: 6'2", 211lbs | La Porte, TX | 3-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
K Chris Sanders [K #7]: 5'10", 180lbs | Pompano Beach, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max

2039 USF Recruiting Board
TE Jermaine Johnson [TE #5]: 6'4", 254lbs | Sans Souci, SC [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Florida, Tennessee, Navy
TE Jeff Rutledge [TE #10]: 6'5", 254lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Miami, USF
T Garrett McTaggart [T #2]: 6'4", 309lbs | San Antonio, TX | 4-star | Ole Miss, USF, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech
G Joe Weisbecker [G #4]: 6'2", 280lbs | Rosedale, MD | 4-star | Ole Miss, USF, Rutgers, Georgia Tech
ILB Joel Espinosa [ILB #4]: 5'9", 228lbs | Manchester, IA [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri
CB Travis Jones [CB #10]: 5'11", 167lbs | Marion, SC | 4-star | USF, Purdue
CB Anthony Gunn [CB #16]: 6'1", 182lbs | Atlanta, GA | 3-star | USF, Clemson
ILB Talanoa Langi [ILB #16]: 6'1", 238lbs | Nanakuli, HI [IMG] | 3-star | Colorado, USF
P Gerald Wallace [P #6]: 6'2", 199lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 3-star | USF, Clemson

[Soapy]

-----------------------------------------------
TEX (2-5, 1-4) | 0 | 7 | 3 | 8 || 18
#2 USF (7-0, 5-0) | 0 | 7 | 14 | 14 || 35
-----------------------------------------------

Bulls overcome slow start to keep rolling through their schedule, this time against Texas
It's become a tradition now with USF quarterback Jared Chavis throwing two interceptions in the first half, USF's defense allowing a few bust and finding themselves trailing or tied up at halftime with a lesser ranked team.

USF was tied up with Texas at seven points but went on a 21-3 run in the second half to put away the Longhorns 35-18 on Saturday to remain undefeated and extend their home winning streak to seventeen and their overall winning streak to twenty with the last loss being to Texas in the last SEC Championship Game.

Chavis opened the second half with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jarod Green, the Texas native. After a Texas field goal, Chavis completed another beautiful pass to Maurice Bennett to begin separating from the Bulls. Chavis finished with 236 yards passing and three touchdowns along with 24 rushing yards.

It was a mixed bag from true freshman John Prater who only threw for 97 yards but threw two touchdown passes, had no turnovers and completed 76 percent of his passes. He also led the team in rushing with 80 yards on the ground, causing fits for USF's defense as he broke six tackles on the day.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Scoring Summary
Quarter 1

Quarter 2
[TEX] G. Bennett, 6 Yd pass from J. Prater (3:01)
[USF] D. Manning, 18 Yd pass from J. Chavis (0:48)

Quarter 3
[USF] J. Green, 13 Yd pass from J. Chavis (3:11)
[TEX] K. Thomas, 40 Yd FG (1:10)
[USF] M. Bennett, 28 Yd pass from J. Chavis (0:00)

Quarter 4
[USF] W. Sapp, 1 Yd run (3:35)
[TEX] J. Avissey, 8 Yd pass from J. Prater -- 2pt (1:46)
[USF] E. Valentine, 1 Yd run (0:26)
----------------------------------------------------------------
#1 South Florida Bulls
QB Jared Chavis: 24 of 32, 236 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, sacked once
HB William Sapp: 20 carries, 85 yards, touchdown
HB Eric Valentine: 6 carries, 7 yards, touchdown
WR Maurice Bennett: 5 receptions, 62 yards, touchdown
WR Jarod Green: 5 receptions, 44 yards, touchdown
WR D.J. Manning: 3 receptions, 47 yards, touchdown
WR Joseph Moses: 3 receptions, 35 yards
LB Brian Robinson: 8 tackles, tackle for loss
DE Jordan Odom: 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
LB Alex McDaniel: 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss

Texas Longhorns
QB John Prater: 16 of 21, 97 yards, 2 touchdowns, 16 carries, 80 yards, fumble
HB Brandon Wilson: 12 carries, 42 yards, 4 receptions, 21 yards
WR Derek Gross: 2 receptions, 19 yards
CB Trey Tisdale: 10 tackles, tackle for loss, interception
CB Jason Harris: 7 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, interception

[Soapy]

Bulls impressive haul on defense continues with additions of Espinosa and Jones to the class
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

Four-star linebacker Joel Espinosa and four-star cornerback Travis Jones have committed to the South Florida Bulls over an impressive list of other schools that included Miami, Michigan, Missouri, and Purdue. They are the latest additions to USF's now top ranked class which sits with twelve commitment and nine of them being four-stars or higher and seven of them being on defense.

Both players made their announcement on Sunday with Espinosa making the announcement during the Sunday morning breakfast at head coach Malcolm Francois Sr's house and Jones waiting until he got from his flight back to South Carolina after he was on an official visit as well this past weekend.

The IMG pipeline continues for USF with Espinosa being the second IMG player in this class alone to commit to USF with a potential third on the way in fellow linebacker Talanoa Langi. The higher ranked of the two, the only negative on Espinosa is his size at five-foot-nine but he shows great instincts, athleticism and physicality that make up for his lack of prototypical size for the position. If he can ever be a true Mike linebacker remains to be seen but he'll fit in nicely in USF's defense as a Will linebacker or perhaps a sub package linebacker.

Jones is another undersized player at 167 pounds but USF has had a history of having success with smaller, lighter corners with great feet that work well in USF's off coverage scheme that favors high football IQ, closing speed and athleticism over physicality and length. He's likely two years away from being a big time contributor but he's a sneaky good pickup for the Bulls and cornerbacks coach Ray Hill out of state.

2039 USF Recruiting Class
HB Kellen Wright [HB #4]: 5'8", 190lbs | Tampa, FL [IMG] | 5-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 325 Squat Max
DE Ramon Hall [DE #5]: 6'2", 246lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
OLB E.J. Young [OLB #3]: 6'5", 242lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Pres Max, 580 Squat Max
DT Brent Lawrence [DT #5]: 6'3", 275lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
ILB Joel Espinosa [ILB #4]: 5'9", 228lbs | Manchester, IA [IMG] | 4-star | 4.58 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
G Ray Anderson [G #5]: 6'3", 266lbs | Scottdale, GA | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 470 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
WR Brooks Coe [WR #31]: 6'4", 195lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 225 Squat Max
G Steve Bailey [G #8]: 6'5", 311lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.72 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
CB Travis Jones [CB #10]: 5'11", 167lbs | Marion, SC | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 340 Bench Press Max, 270 Squat Max
DE Kareem Cunningham [DE #69]: 6'6", 266lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 375 Bench Press Max, 560 Squat Max
OLB Erik Wheeler [OLB #66]: 6'2", 211lbs | La Porte, TX | 3-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
K Chris Sanders [K #7]: 5'10", 180lbs | Pompano Beach, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max

2039 USF Recruiting Board
TE Jermaine Johnson [TE #5]: 6'4", 254lbs | Sans Souci, SC [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Florida, Tennessee, Navy
TE Jeff Rutledge [TE #10]: 6'5", 254lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Miami, USF
T Garrett McTaggart [T #2]: 6'4", 309lbs | San Antonio, TX | 4-star | USF, Ole Miss
G Joe Weisbecker [G #4]: 6'2", 280lbs | Rosedale, MD | 4-star | Ole Miss, USF, Rutgers, Georgia Tech
CB Anthony Gunn [CB #16]: 6'1", 182lbs | Atlanta, GA | 3-star | USF, Clemson
ILB Talanoa Langi [ILB #16]: 6'1", 238lbs | Nanakuli, HI [IMG] | 3-star | USF, Colorado
P Gerald Wallace [P #6]: 6'2", 199lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 3-star | USF, Clemson

[Soapy]

Week 8 Top Stories
1. Nevada hands #3 Utah their first loss of the season
2. In a battle of Big 12 opposites, Memphis shocks #8 Southern Miss
3. Stanford notches a conference win behind the arm of Bates against Notre Dame
4. #9 Penn State holds off #4 Georgia Tech in overtime 30-24
5. Scarlet Knights take care of Boston College 38-23
6. Huskies stay undefeated with win over Nebraska
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 8 Champions Division Results
USF 35 - TEX 18 | ORE 35 - MIZZOU 31 | PSU 30 - GT 24 OT
UF 45 - CLEM 28 | STAN 28 - ND 21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 9 Champions Division Schedule
#6 Penn State (6-1, 5-1) at Clemson (1-5, 0-4)
#7 Georgia Tech (5-2, 2-2) at LSU (2-5, 0-5)
#15 Michigan State (4-2, 2-2) at #9 Stanford (5-2, 3-2)
#8 USC (4-2, 3-2) at Oregon (3-3, 2-2)
Missouri (3-4, 1-4) at #12 Notre Dame (4-2, 1-2)
Tennessee (2-5, 2-4) at #11 Alabama (4-2, 4-2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Week 9 Notable Games
#4 Miami (5-2, 4-0) at Ohio State (3-3, 2-2)
#21 Kansas State (5-1, 3-0) at #23 Oklahoma (5-2, 4-1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
- 11th seed of the Champions Division vs. 5th seed of the Contenders Division play in a play-in game following the regular season
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Champions Division Leaders
East
1. USF, 7-0, 5-0
2. Penn State, 6-1, 5-1
3. Alabama, 4-2, 4-2
4. Florida, 5-3, 4-3
West
1. Ole Miss, 5-2, 5-1
2. Stanford, 5-2, 3-2
3. USC, 4-2, 3-2
4. Michigan State, 4-2, 2-2
5. Oregon, 3-3, 2-2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Champions Division Relegation Zone
11. Notre Dame, 4-2, 1-2
12. Tennessee, 2-5, 2-4
13. Missouri, 3-4, 1-4
14. Texas, 2-5, 1-4
15. LSU, 2-5, 0-5
16. Clemson, 1-5, 0-4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contenders Division Promotion Zone
1. Michigan, 6-1, 5-0
2. Kansas State, 5-1, 3-0
3. Miami, 5-2, 4-0
4. Oklahoma, 5-2, 4-1
5. Purdue, 5-1, 3-1
6. Minnesota, 3-3, 2-1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
College Football Playoff Rankings
1. USF, 7-0 (automatic bid slot)
2. Penn State, 6-1 (automatic bid slot)
3. Ole Miss, 5-2 (automatic bid slot)
4. Alabama, 4-2 (automatic bid slot)
5. Contenders Division Champion (currently projected: Michigan vs. Kansas State) (automatic bid slot)
6. Washington, 7-0
7. Miami, 5-2
8. Rutgers, 6-0
---------------
9. Purdue, 5-1
10. Georgia Tech, 5-2
11. USC, 4-2
12. Notre Dame, 4-2
13. South Alabama, 5-2
14. Miami University, 6-1
15. Utah, 6-1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Players of the Week
QB Ray Gray (Kansas State): 15 of 25, 246 yards, 22 carries, 112 yards, 5 total touchdowns
S Mike Arnold (South Alabama): 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack, forced fumble, 2 interceptions
-------
QB Josh Stephens (Florida): 7 of 12, 112 yards, 22 carries, 107 yards, 3 total touchdowns
DE Doug Howell (Florida): 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Patrick Sullivan [HB #1]: 5'9", 200lbs | Pensacola, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of Oregon
#3 Melvin Ingram [QB #1]: 6'3", 211lbs | Arlington Heights, IL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#5 Alan Pitts [ATH #1]: 6'2", 225lbs | Madison, NJ | 5-star | Rutgers University
#9 Charles Henry [WR #3]: 6'0", 192lbs | North Hickory, NC [IMG] | 5-star | University of Southern California
#10 Brady Mixon [ATH #2]: 5'11", 101lbs | Bradford, PA | 5-star | University of Alabama
#11 William Powell [ATH #3]: 6'3", 192lbs | Ennis, TX | 5-star | University of Alabama
#15 Marcel Carrington [WR #6]: 6'4", 205lbs | Gardere, LA | 5-star | University of Oregon
#17 A.J. Brewer [WR #7]: 6'0", 179lbs | Wadsworth, OH | 5-star | Ohio State University
#19 Josh Henley [ATH #5]: 5'11", 191lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#24 Jeremiah Daugherty [DE #2]: 6'1", 250lbs | Monroe, LA | 5-star | Naval Academy
#26 Ryan Edwards [HB #3]: 6'2", 184lbs | Aurora, OH | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#30 Kellen Wright [HB #4]: 5'8", 190lbs | Tampa, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of South Florida
#31 Glenn Thurman [ATH #7]: 6'2", 203lbs | Rochester, MN | 5-star | University of Oregon
#34 Matt Christensen [ATH #9]: 6'1", 181lbs | Merced, CA | 5-star | University of California - Los Angeles
#36 Josh Jacobs [DE #3]: 6'6", 256lbs | Lancaster, TX | 5-star | University of Southern California
#38 Josh Page [ATH #10]: 6'0" 199lbs | Poquoson, VA | 5-star | Naval Academy
#40 Shaun Bullock [ATH #12]: 6'2", 306lbs | Huntington Beach, CA | 5-star | University of Texas
#44 Leon Glover [CB #3]: 5'10", 169lbs | Flower Mound, TX | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#1 Patrick Sullivan [HB #1]: 5'9", 200lbs | Pensacola, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of Oregon
#19 Josh Henley [ATH #5]: 5'11", 191lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#30 Kellen Wright [HB #4]: 5'8", 190lbs | Tampa, FL [IMG] | 5-star | University of South Florida
#55 Ramon Hall [DE #5]: 6'2", 246lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#84 E.J. Young [OLB #3]: 6'5", 242lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#85 Brent Lawrence [DT #5]: 6'3", 275lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#143 Jesse McCoy [TE #7]: 6'6", 246lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#147 Jeremy Gould [OLB #7]: 6'0", 180lbs | Belle Glade, FL | 4-star | University of Colorado
#169 Edwin Dixon [S #6]: 6'2", 192lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#170 Brooks Coe [WR #31]: 6'4", 195lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#172 Buck Gonzales [HB #25]: 6'0", 207lbs | Bellair, FL | 4-star | University of Minnesota
#175 C.J. Graham [S #7]: 6'3", 182lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#176 Phillip Johnson [ATH #34]: 6'2", 193lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#209 Steve Bailey [G #8]: 6'5", 311lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#221 Marcus Stephens [OLB #13]: 6'1", 211lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Michigan State University
#271 Brad Pittman [ATH #41]: 6'1", 226lbs | Bartow, FL | 4-star | Georgia Tech
#285 Ryan Fernandez [G #14]: 6'1", 312lbs | Coconut Creek, FL | Florida Atlantic University

[Soapy]

Bye Week Report: The ever confident Malcolm Francois Sr. cautions Bulls fans with championship aspirations
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

University of South Florida head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. is not one to mince words about how good his teams usually are, proudly wearing the badge that it's championship or bust when it comes to his football program and the expectations around it with the team losing just once in the last three seasons.

He's pumping the breaks, however, on calling this team the favorite to win it all.

"I don't think we're whooping people," said Francois Sr. when informed by the media that the College Football Playoff committee put them atop its initial rankings for the season, "We're winning games and we're not losing them but we're surely not dominating and I haven't seen anything yet on the field, whether on practice or game day, that says that this is championship winning team. We're not there yet."

Francois Sr. would know, having won five national championships and a Champions Division championship last season. The Bulls have escaped with wins against inferior teams -- on paper -- such as LSU, Tennessee and even Texas.

Team Leaders
Passing: Jared Chavis (72% completion, 2019 yards, 17 TD, 9 INT, 157.5 QB rating)
Rushing: Dionte McCarthy (465 yards, 5.9 ypc, 5 TD)
Receiving: Maurice Bennett (36 receptions, 369 yards, 6 TD)
Defense: Brian Robinson (56 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INT)

Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 7th -- 40.3 PPG
Total Offense: 11th -- 471.1 YPG
Rushing Offense: 79th -- 176.9 YPG
Passing Offense: 8th -- 294.3 YPG
Scoring Defense: 9th -- 21.0 PAPG
Total Defense: 25th -- 359.1 YAPG
Rushing Defense: 9th -- 150.3 YAPG
Passing Defense: 59th -- 209.7 YAPG
Turnover Differential: 75th -- (-1)

Team Schedule
vs. #17 Florida (5-3) -- W 59-16
at #4 Miami (5-2) -- W 44-13
vs. #14 South Alabama (5-2) -- W 34-10
at LSU (2-5) -- W 24-17
OPEN
vs. #11 Alabama (4-2) -- W 45-34
at Tennessee (2-5) -- W 41-39
vs. Texas (2-5) -- W 35-18
OPEN
vs. #7 Georgia Tech (5-2)
vs. Clemson (1-5)
at Missouri (3-4)
at #6 Penn State (6-1)
vs. UCF (6-1)

Biggest positives from first half of the season

• Jared Chavis is not a stop gap quarterback, he's a legitimate one
  It was all decided that after Joey Spence left for the draft, his replacement would be another top ranked quarterback in Charlie Cooke that beat Texas as a true freshman.
  
  Jared Chavis threw a wrench in there, outperforming Cooke in the off-season and then creating a gap in the season opener and since then, completing 72 percent of his passes for 288.4 yards per game and seventeen touchdowns. He needs to do a better job of protecting the football, both with his nine interceptions and his eighteen sacks with seven fumbles but overall, he's been a positive asset for the Bulls and a potential NFL candidate.
  -
• Bulls defense learning to play in Martinez' scheme
  Even with the transition to a 3-4 defense and starting several first time starters on a defense that lost eight key players on defense to the draft and graduation, USF's defense is still a top 25 unit that has potential to be a top ten unit if they can eliminate the bust plays.
  
  Brian Robinson is emerging into a true star at linebacker and even without an elite pass rush, USF is getting it done with a mash unit of veterans and unproven young players with six players with at least two sacks on the season, led by sophomore Cory Smith and senior defensive tackle Michael Williams at three apiece.
  
  With so many young guys in the secondary, the bust plays are bound to happen but if they can limit them and continue to improve the pass rush, this unit can be a scary one come the playoffs.
  -
• The offense is finding its groove by committee
  Last season, the bulk of USF's offense was wrapped up in tight end Chris Wallace, running back/receiver Derek Young and deep threat receiver Jason McDowell.
  
  With the lack of elite top end talent, at least proven ones, USF has instead opted to do it by committee at both receivers and running back, mainly due to injuries. Five receivers already have over 22 receptions this season with both Dionte McCarthy and William Sapp having over ten receptions as well.
  
  Only two players finished with over 65 carries last season and already, USF is at three with McCarthy, Sapp and Chavis along with Eric Valentine whose at 22, nearly matching his total from last season. Even when McCarthy is fully healthy again from that ankle, it's likely that USF will continue this committee approach as they try to maximize the talent on their roster.

Biggest concerns heading into the second half of the season

• The bookend tackles have been a concern in the passing game
  Some of it has to do with Chavis hanging on to the ball too long but left tackle Kyle Everett has already surrendered four sacks this season after surrendering just three last season as a true freshman and Adam Clemons, a first time starter at right tackle, leads the team with six sacks given up.
  
  With a talented true freshman in Wally Bayless waiting in the wing, they'll need to step it up as USF has already shown that they're not afraid to play young guys along its offensive line with Woody Humphrey playing two games in the absence of the injured Chris Booker.
  -
• Who will emerge as the team's leader?
  They've done plenty well without one but one of these days, USF will need someone to make a big play to either close out a game or get them back into a game and they don't really have 'that' guy on offense or on defense.
  
  It was Wesley Adams the past few years on defense who had plenty of other playmakers as well capable of doing that but that defense, while still efficient, is void of top end talent and the same can be said on offense where it should be McCarthy or Maurice Bennett but they've just been 'guys' this season.