The Bullpen: As the college football season has taken its shape, how are the former USF transfers performing with their new teams?
Jonathan Bright -- BullsNation.com Football Reporter
With a 34-14 loss to Virginia Tech, UCF loss its ninth straight game of the season, not having won a game since the season opener against Tulsa where they beat the Golden Hurricanes 45-31.
Former USF quarterback Bandon Riley threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns in that game. Since then, it's been tough sledding for Riley and the Knights offense, coordinator by former USF offensive coordinator DeMarcus Bennett who took the head coaching job last season and almost got UCF promoted into the Champions Division with a Heisman quarterback in Charlie Cooke, another former USF player.
On the season, Riley has seventeen interceptions to his 15 touchdowns, completing just 49.2 percent of his passes. Former USF receiver Billy Matthews is having a solid season for the Knights with 34 receptions for 426 yards, averaging 42.6 yards per game.
Another transfer from that 2041 season was defensive tackle Nick Brown who went to Houston after not playing much his freshman season. Brown was a semi-finalist for the Lombardi, leading the Cougars with 5.5 sacks and second on the team with fourteen tackles for loss. Brown is draft eligible as a redshirt sophomore but figures to be a potential first round pick if he returns for his fourth college season.
The Bulls had six players transfer last season in receivers Brooks Coe, Tracy Brooks and Mike Thomas, running back Dominique Shelton, linebacker Jason Gold Jr. and defensive tackle Rahmod Carter.
Coe followed former USF offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee to Texas A&M and has found great success, posting career numbers with 56 receptions for 906 yards and nine touchdowns. While the Aggies haven't been playing winning football, the gamble has certainly paid of for Coe who was a starter on last year's team at USF.
The same can be said for Tracy Brooks who is third on Wake Forest's team with 32 receptions for 402 yards and while those numbers aren't jaw dropping, he was able to secure a much larger role in the Demon Deacons offense than would have been the case at USF as he was likely looking at being a special teams player. Dropping down a level or two has worked wonders for Mike Thomas, transferring to Texas State to be their top receiver with 56 receptions for 929 yards and 9 touchdowns.
It hasn't been as smooth going for Dominique Shelton, the former five-star who transferred to Georgia Tech. Shelton could potentially face his former team in the playoffs but not as a starter as he's behind senior running back Tim Mapps and quarterback Isaac Rose in terms of carries. Shelton has found some success in his limited touches, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and scoring four times this season on his seventy carries, bringing his rushing total to 375 on the year. With Rose and Mapps set to graduate, Shelton figures to have a prominent role next season.
Defensively, Jackson Gold Jr. has been a solid player for Florida head coach Mario Greer, a former USF player and offensive coordinator. He's third on the team in tackles (59) and tackles for loss (11). The Gators are in prime position to be promoted into the Champions Division next season but unfortunately for Gold Jr, he's ran out of eligibility.
Rejoining former USF defensive coordinator Gary Prince at UCLA, it hasn't been all roses for defensive tackle Rahmod Carter whose struggled to get on the field, failing to record a sack or a tackle for loss. He does have sixteen tackles on the year and another year of eligibility to justify his four star ranking coming out of high school
It remains to be seen if the success of the USF transfers leads to another mass exodus of current USF players buried in the depth chart with another elite recruiting class on the way.
‣ Mailbag from James: Seems like a lot of sacks and fumbles from Cunningham recently. Is this an O-Line problem or a Cunningham problem?
In the last two games, USF has started true freshmen Nick Ryan and Sam Jefferson at left guard and right tackle respectively but it would be unfair to blame all of the problems on the two freshmen. Against Purdue and BYU, neither surrendered a sack before Ryan surrendered his first sack of the season against Texas. To add salt to the wound, the freshmen would suffer a leg injury later in the game that kept him out.
The biggest issue has frankly been left tackle Steve Bailey, the converted guard who has struggled at time with speed rushers and generally playing in space at his newfound position which can leave him isolated.
Mark Cunningham did a better job of scrambling and evading pressure against Texas but it was also out of necessity as he was getting beat up when trying to stay in the pocket. With plenty of talent at receiver, Cunningham sometimes stays in the pocket for a bit too long in trying to let his playmakers on the outside make something happen and get open. The Bulls offense was at its best earlier in the season with a quicker, more efficient passing game that also hit the occasional long developing play.
‣ Clarence Sullivan, Marcellus Smith, Chris Sanders among finalists for college football awards
USF defensive back Clarence Sullivan has been named one of three finalists for the Bednarik Award and Thorpe Award with defensive end Marcellus Smith being among the final three for the Lombardi Award and ditto for kicker Chris Sanders and the Lou Groza Award.
Missouri linebackers Joel Griffin (93 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions) and Michael Washington (66 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions) are the other finalists for the Bednarik. Minnesota defensive backs Brian Golden (5 interceptions, 3 pass breakups) and Mike Patton (4 interceptions, 3 pass breakups) are the finalists for the Thorpe.
Eastern Michigan defensive end J.P. Brigham (21 tackles for loss, 5 sacks) and Northwestern defensive end Vincent Kennedy (15 tackles for loss, 6 sacks) are competing with Marcellus Smith for the Lombardi.
USF freshman guard Nick Ryan to miss rest of the season following surgery to repair broken femur
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles
University of South Florida starting left guard Nick Ryan will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on Wednesday morning to repair a broken femur he suffered against Texas last week as confirmed by USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr.
Ryan, a true freshman, started eight games for the Bulls at left guard and played in all nine. He surrendered his first sack of the season against the Longhorns, the last starter to do so along the offensive line. He frequently rotated with junior Jake Thompson at left guard in his first two career starts before becoming a full time starter.
Thompson figures to replace Ryan at left guard having started one game at that position and two more at right tackle. True freshman Sam Jefferson and senior Cole Britton have been the other starters at right tackle.
Week 13 Preview: vs. Oregon Ducks
Record: 3-6, 2-5 Champions Division
Head Coach: Mark Helfrich (268-131 at Oregon, 30th year)
Offensive Coordinator: Kyle Roland (Spread)
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Williams (4-3 D)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 95th
Total Offense: 68th
Rushing Offense: 16th
Passing Offense: 111st
Total Defense: 82nd
Rushing Defense: 99th
Passing Defense: 52nd
Turnover Differential: 50th
Team Schedule
vs. Eastern Washington: W 42-3
vs. #3 Alabama: L 45-31
at Syracuse: L 27-14
vs. #10 Stanford: L 38-14
vs. #8 Michigan: L 24-21
at #18 Oklahoma: L 38-24
at BYU: W 31-24
vs. Purdue: W 24-21
at Michigan State: L 30-23
USF's tenth win not without a hiccup as starting quarterback Mark Cunningham benched in fourth quarter
USF junior quarterback Mark Cunningham might be having nightmares about ducks for the rest of his life.
A year removed from suffering a concussion in Eugene in USF's 45-23 win over Oregon last year, Cunningham was benched this time around after throwing two red zone interceptions, replaced by sophomore quarterback Rashad Woodard who replaced Cunningham last season when he suffered his concussion, throwing for 220 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman.
Woodard rushed for two touchdowns, including a 53-yard run in the fourth quarter to beat the Ducks 31-10 on Saturday as USF clinched the top seed in the Champions Division.
On Woodard's second play of the game, he handed it off to Justin Thomas who ripped off a 46-yard touchdown. USF defensive back Anthony Gunn would intercept Oregon's Joe Frazier for the second time and on the very next play, Woodard ripped off a 53-yard run to take the 24-3 lead with 7:07 remaining.
Oregon would score a touchdown to make it more respectable, only for USF to answer with a touchdown of their own behind the legs of Woodard.
USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. confirmed after the game that Cunningham was replaced due to performance but was bullish on Cunningham starting USF's next game against Florida State in Tallahassee.
"The game just ended," Francois Sr. said of the decision, "We need to watch film, go through practice, install but yeah, I expect [Cunningham] to start next week."
Prior to his benching, Cunningham was 16 of 23 for 191 yards but had thrown two interceptions. USF had another drive end in the red zone with a turnover as Eddie Shaw fumbled the ball following a catch.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[ORE] I. Kelly, 37 Yd FG (5:59)
[USF] C. Sanders, 28 Yd FG (2:34)
Quarter 2
[USF] J. Thomas, 4 Yd run (3:23)
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
[USF] J. Thomas, 46 Yd run (7:23)
[USF] R. Woodard, 53 Yd run (7:07)
[ORE] N. Treggs, 29 Yd pass from J. Frazier (4:13)
[USF] R. Woodard, 3 Yd run (2:49)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #1 South Florida Bulls
QB Mark Cunningham: 16 of 23, 191 yards, 2 interceptions, sacked twice
QB Rashad Woodard: 8 of 10, 75 yards, 8 carries, 96 yards, 2 touchdowns
HB Jacob Wheeler: 13 carries, 98 yards
HB Justin Thomas: 8 carries, 76 yards, 2 touchdowns
WR Scott Price: 8 receptions, 103 yards
TE Taylor Smith: 5 receptions, 39 yards
WR Eddie Shaw: 4 receptions, 47 yards
WR Carl Graham: 4 receptions, 36 yards
S Anthony Gunn: 9 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 interceptions
LB Ryan Robinson: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
DT Brandon Smith: 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack
DE Marcellus Smith: 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
Oregon Ducks
QB Joe Frazier: 15 of 30, 166 yards, touchdown, 2 interceptions, sacked 4 times, 15 carries, 15 yards, fumble (recovered)
HB Nicholas Hill: 9 carries, 72 yards
HB Patrick Sullivan: 4 carries, 8 yards (left game in 1st qtr with injury)
TE Ryan Wood: 4 receptions, 48 yards
WR Glenn Thurman: 3 receptions, 27 yards
WR Nick Treggs: 1 receptions, 29 yards, touchdown
S Fred George Jr: 12 tackles
CB Cliff Cox: 8 tackles, interception
LB Brandon Rice: 5 tackles, interception
Week 13 Top Stories
1. Purdue's upset of Alabama raises some eyebrows around the league.
2. Spirits are high in Piscataway as their Scarlet Knights beat #19 Navy 31-21.
3. The Hawkeyes defeat of #8 Michigan in a historic upset for Iowa.
4. Miami University squeaks by Northwestern in conference play to remain in playoff picture
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 13 Champions Division Results
USF 31 - ORE 10 | PUR 38 - ALA 28 | TEX 42 - MSU 21 | OU 52 - BYU 45
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 14 Champions Division Schedule
#20 Purdue (6-4, 4-3) at Texas (3-7, 2-5)
Michigan State (4-6, 1-6) at BYU (2-9, 0-8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 14 Notable Games
#19 Michigan (7-3, 6-2) at #15 Ohio State (9-2, 7-2)
#18 Georgia (7-3, 5-2) at #4 Georgia Tech (10-1, 7-1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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
1. USF, 10-0, 8-0 (clinched playoff spot)
2. Alabama, 9-2, 6-2
3. Michigan, 7-3, 6-2
4. Stanford, 8-3, 5-3
5. Purdue, 6-4, 4-3
---------------
6. Oklahoma, 7-4, 5-4
7. Texas, 3-7, 2-5
8. Oregon, 3-7, 2-6
9. Michigan State, 4-6, 1-6
---------------
10. BYU, 2-9, 0-8 (relegated)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contenders Division Promotion Zone
1. Virginia Tech, 9-2, 8-1
2. Georgia Tech, 10-1, 7-1
3. Ohio State, 9-2, 7-2
4. Minnesota, 10-2, 7-2
5. Georgia, 7-3, 5-2
6. Wisconsin, 8-3, 5-3
7. LSU, 6-5, 4-4
8. Auburn, 6-6, 4-5
9. USC, 5-6, 4-5
10. Miami, 6-4, 3-4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rising Division Promotion Zone
1. Missouri, 9-2, 7-1
2. Florida, 8-4, 7-2
3. Tennessee, 9-3, 7-2
4. Iowa, 7-4, 6-3
5. Pittsburgh, 8-4, 5-4
6. Colorado, 5-6, 5-4
7. UCLA, 5-6, 4-4
8. Ole Miss, 5-6, 4-4
9. Arkansas, 4-8, 4-5
10. Mississippi State, 7-4, 4-5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- College Football Playoff Rankings
1. USF, 10-0
2. Toledo, 11-0
3. Rutgers, 10-1
4. Georgia Tech, 8-3
5. Army, 9-1
6. Stanford, 8-3
7. Alabama, 9-2
8. Michigan, 7-3
---------------
9. Fresno State, 9-2
10. Southern Miss, 10-1
11. Ohio State, 9-2
12. Virginia Tech, 9-2
13. Miami University, 10-1
14. San Diego State, 9-2
15. Georgia, 7-3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heisman Watch
QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): W 31-21 vs. Navy - 19 of 30, 268 yards, 3 touchdowns, 15 carries, 46 yards
QB Justin Weeks (San Diego State): W 48-37 vs. Oregon State - 20 of 27, 379 yards, 28 carries, 159 yards, 5 total touchdowns
QB Macan Anderson (Tennessee): W 44-28 at Vanderbilt - 22 of 31, 239 yards, 20 carries, 107 yards, 5 total touchdowns
QB Melvin Ingram (Alabama): L 38-28 vs. Purdue - 21 of 32, 260 yards, 3 touchdowns, 7 carries, 38 yards
QB Vincent Pleasant (Virginia Tech): L 34-28 at Georgia - 20 of 25, 218 yards, 2 touchdowns, 20 carries, 99 yards
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Justin Weeks (San Diego State): W 48-37 vs. Oregon State - 20 of 27, 379 yards, 28 carries, 159 yards, 5 total touchdowns
CB Nick Palmer (USC): 3 tackles, 3 interceptions
-------
QB Nick Wade (Texas): 8 of 15, 154 yards, 17 carries, 78 yards, 4 total touchdowns
S Anthony Gunn (USF): 9 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 interceptions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Aaron Dukes [ATH #1]: 6'3", 187lbs | Brownsville, TX [IMG] | 5-star | University of Michigan
#2 Antonio Craft [TE #1]: 6'7", 243lbs | Hanahan, SC | 5-star | University of Alabama
#4 Ryan Murray [WR #1]: 6'0", 180lbs | Springdale, OH | 5-star | University of South Florida
#5 Maurice Darby [ATH #2]: 5'10", 191lbs | Van Wert, OH | 5-star | Ohio State University
#8 Craig Butler [ATH #5]: 5'11", 177lbs | Coppell, TX | 5-star | Michigan State University
#9 Corey Wheeler [HB #2]: 6'2", 182lbs | Immokalee, FL | 5-star | University of Texas
#11 Junior Johnson [ATH #6]: 6'0", 220lbs | University Heights, VA [IMG] | 5-star | Georgia Tech University
#12 Kelly Brown [WR #3]: 6'0", 188lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#13 Rashad Mirvil [WR #4]: 6'2", 180lbs | Holyoke, MA | 5-star | Michigan State University
#15 Seth Doyle [ATH #7]: 6'2", 223lbs | The Village, OK | 5-star | University of Oregon
#16 Brian Townes [QB #1]: 6'4", 246lbs | Burbank, CA | 5-star | Iowa State University
#18 Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#19 Jayson Sanders [ATH #10]: 6'4", 297lbs | Columbia, SC [IMG] | 5-star | Louisiana State University
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#9 Corey Wheeler [HB #2]: 6'2", 182lbs | Immokalee, FL | 5-star | University of Texas
#12 Kelly Brown [WR #3]: 6'0", 188lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#18 Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#48 Brandon Bryant [CB #1]: 6'1", 179lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#65 Darnell Norwood [ATH #20]: 6'2", 190lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#84 Russell Arrington [TE #5]: 6'6", 270lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#89 Seth Whitaker [ATH #28]: 6'1", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#90 Doug Miller [HB #10]: 6'1", 211lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Washington
#97 Dante Avery [DE #9]: 6'2", 255lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#107 Drew Ryan [WR #22]: 6'4", 205lbs | Quincy, FL | 4-star | University of Pittsburgh
#108 Cameron Stokes [ATH #31]: 6'3", 205lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#109 Jeff Schultz [ATH #32]: 6'6", 265lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#121 Brian Jackson [G #36]: 6'3", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#132 Aaron Stewart [ATH #34]: 6'1", 216lbs | Haines City, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#133 Alfred Robbins [T #1]: 6'5", 329lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#144 T.J. Richard [S #3]: 6'3", 199lbs | Deltona, FL | 4-star | Boston College
#149 James Boyd [ATH #35]: 6'4", 275lbs | Largo, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#158 Nate Jacobs [ILB #6]: 6'5", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#172 Waylon Gates [C #4]: 6'1", 285lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Stanford University
#189 Anthony Sharp [CB #7]: 5'9", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#217 Charles Harris [ATH #47]: 6'4", 226lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | Clemson University
#219 Oliver Colvin [OLB #13]: 6'3", 232lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#220 Duane Smith [S #6]: 6'1", 205lbs | Highpoint, FL | 4-star | Northwestern University
#241 Chris Davis [TE #11]: 6'6", 248lbs | Ensley, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#243 Tim Baker [ILB #9]: 6'2", 240lbs | Bartow, FL | 4-star | Mississippi State University
#270 Eric Hardy [WR #56]: 6'4", 231lbs | Cutler, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#274 Chad McGrew [ATH #51]: 6'4", 202lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
The Bullpen: USF offensive coordinator Peter Nicholson throws cold water on quarterback battle
Jonathan Bright -- BullsNation.com Football Reporter
USF offensive coordinator Peter Nicholson had his first availability with the press on Wednesday after practice and was quick to shoot down any notions that there is a quarterback battle, announcing that junior quarterback Mark Cunningham will get the start.
Nicholson was non-committal when asked about if sophomore Rashad Woodard, who replaced Cunningham in the 34-10 win over Oregon last week, will play in the game.
Cunningham continued his streak of throwing at least two interceptions for the sixth straight game against Texas prior to being benched in the fourth quarter. Woodard rushed for two touchdowns and led three scoring drives for USF in the fourth quarter.
USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. provided some more insight but spoke generally, saying that USF will try to get as many players in the game as they can in the final two games of the game with their playoff spot clinched.
"The object is to win the game and that's always the first and main priority," Francois Sr. added, "We'll try to get some of the younger guys in if we can and the game situation allows it but we'll see."
Anthony Washington of the Tampa Bay Chronicles reported on Tuesday that sophomore quarterback Rashad Woodard took several first team reps in Monday's practice period. Both Francois Sr. and Nicholson refused to comment on any splits at practice.
‣ Some clarity on Jonathan Brown's recruitment as he pushes back announcement date
With 24 committed players in USF's recruiting class, USF has one more scholarship remaining in this cycle and it's certainly reserved for Jonathan Brown, the four-star corner out of Texas that has been the subject of much conjecture and controversy for the past few weeks.
Two weeks ago, Brown made a surprise commitment to the University of Stanford, picking them over USF, Oklahoma and Purdue. By the next morning, the post had been deleted with many suspecting that Brown had backed off his commitment only for his father to reassert later that day that Brown was committed to Stanford. Brown would later announce that he would be holding off on announcing his college decision.
This was all happening on the same week that Brown was scheduled to make his final official visit to USF. While it hadn't been made public at the time, 247 Sports and The Athletic have since confirmed that Brown did come down for the official visit but notably missing was his father.
Brown was initially expected to make an announcement this past Friday but it was cancelled with no new date provided. While drama filled, this isn't a terrible unique situation with Brown seemingly leaning towards USF or perhaps even Oklahoma according to their recruiting insiders but Brown's parents -- specifically his father -- favoring Stanford for potential academic and cultural reasons.
According to 247 Sports USF Insider Eddie Fernandez, USF remains in communication with Brown since his visit and are confident that the longer this drags on, the better their chances to eventually get the parents' approval.
‣ WR Joshua Butler back practicing but no return timeline provided
USF wide receiver's coach Jimmy Marks confirmed to the media during Wednesday's availability that freshman receiver Joshua Butler is back practicing and was a limited participant in Sunday's freshman scrimmage after missing the past five games with a collarbone injury.
"He's looking good," Marks added, "He's done a great job of staying in shape, staying engaged and he got some good work at the scrimmage on Sunday so it's definitely a positive sign. We'll take it day by day and see where we are at and make a decision."
Prior to the injury, the former five-star receiver had caught eleven passes for 158 yards. In those six games, another five-star freshman in Eddie Shaw has been elevated to full time starter, catching 17 passes for 179 yards in those six games.
The more explosive of the two freshman, Butler's return will another dynamic playmaker on the outside for USF's offense which is uber reliant on Scott Price for explosive plays. He's the only receiver on the the team -- outside of Butler -- averaging over thirteen yards per receptions.
Speaking of which.....
‣ WR Scott Price's Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist snub becoming more egregious by the week
USF receiver Scott Price was not among the twelve receivers that were named semi-finalist for the Biletnikoff Award a few weeks ago and since then, the finalist have been named in Rutgers' Caleb Silcox (86 receptions, 1302 yards, 15 touchdowns), Pittsburgh's Kurt Wood (87 receptions, 1502 yards, 13 touchdowns) and Alabama's Tyler Wade (74 receptions, 1155 yards, 12 touchdowns).
While Price certainly has a strong argument for being a semi-finalist, he even has one as well for being a finalist with similar numbers to Wade's with 82 receptions for 1116 yards and nine touchdowns while playing tougher competition than Silcox and Wood and on college football's top ranked team.
Price had more receptions than seven of the twelve semi-finalists and more receiving yards than six of them.
Week 14 Preview: at Florida State Seminoles
Record: 4-7, 2-7 Contenders Division
Head Coach: Phil Ward (14-10 at Florida State, 2nd year, 50-35)
Offensive Coordinator: Eric Morris (Air Raid)
Defensive Coordinator: Art Hall (3-4 D)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 69th
Total Offense: 97th
Rushing Offense: 46th
Passing Offense: 102nd
Total Defense: 104th
Rushing Defense: 60th
Passing Defense: 112th
Turnover Differential: 101st
Team Schedule
at #16 Wisconsin: L 38-7
vs. Oklahoma State: W 40-31
vs. Penn State: L 46-34
vs. #18 Georgia: L 27-20
at Auburn: L 38-10
at Miami: L 47-44 OT
vs. #11 Virginia Tech: L 38-24
at UCF: W 28-14
vs. Indiana: W 31-17
at #4 Georgia Tech: L 41-24
vs. Florida Atlantic: W 42-20
USF empties their bench in 41-3 rout of Florida State as Seminoles eye potential demotion
USF's scrimmages on Sundays -- consisting of the team's reserve players -- are stuff of legends where many of college football's future stars cut their teeth and fine tune their skills before unleashing it onto the college football world at an elite level.
On Saturday, Florida State got a taste of that with USF playing their backups for most of the second half in the team's 41-3 blowout win over the Seminoles.
The game wasn't without incident as junior Mark Cunningham got the start for USF and threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Scott Price in the first quarter before being replaced by Rashard Woodard while the first team offense was still out there.
Woodard had replaced Cunningham last week in the team's win over Oregon after Cunningham was benched for throwing two interceptions. Woodard threw two touchdown passes but then suffered an injury in the second quarter and didn't return.
Woodard finished 5 of 8 for 29 yards and rushed for 54 yards. Cunning went 16 of 22 for 166 yards with two touchdowns himself before Jacob Venckus finished the game with the backups.
USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. said after the game that the plan was to get Woodard some snaps with the first team offense but that Cunningham remains the starter. He also added that the extent of Woodard's upper body injury is currently unknown until further testing.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] C. Sanders, 21 Yd FG (4:58)
[USF] C. Price, 30 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (1:56)
Quarter 2
[USF] J. Wheeler, 7 Yd pass from R. Woodard (6:25)
[USF] C. Graham, 3 Yd pass from R. Woodard (2:40)
Quarter 3
[USF] S. Price,12 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (5:50)
[FSU] B. Roland, 30 Yd FG (4:25)
[USF] C. Sanders, 40 Yd FG (1:49)
Quarter 4
[USF] J. Wilson, 3 Yd pass from J. Venckus (7:21)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #1 South Florida Bulls
QB Mark Cunningham: 16 of 22, 166 yards, 2 touchdowns, sacked 3 times
QB Jacob Venckus: 4 of 5, 49 yards, touchdown, sacked once
QB Rashad Woodard: 5 of 8, 29 yards, 2 touchdowns, sacked 2 times, 9 carries, 54 yards
HB Justin Thomas: 13 carries, 143 yards, fumble (recovered
HB Jacob Wheeler: 10 carries, 70 yards
WR Scott Price: 9 receptions, 120 yards, 2 touchdowns
WR Carl Graham: 5 receptions, 39 yards, touchdown
LB Damon Hill: 5 tackles
CB Ernest Jones: 3 tackles, interception
DT Shawn Thomas: 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack
OLB James Scott: 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack
CB Ronald Berry: 1 tackle, tackle for loss, interception
Florida State Seminoles
QB Steve Stegall: 17 of 25, 173 yards, 2 interceptions, sacked 2 times
HB Mark Richards: 12 carries, 4 yards
WR Jed Moore: 5 receptions, 68 yards
WR/QB Greg Clayton: 4 receptions, 41 yards
WR Allen Daniel: 3 receptions, 47 yards
S Mario Hawkins: 12 tackles (former USF recruiting target)
LB Paul Brewster: 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack
Week 14 Top Stories
1. Ohio's upset of Miami University ends their playoff chances.
2. All is well in Atlanta as Yellow Jackets down Contenders Division rival Georgia.
3. USC edges Notre Dame, keeps the power of USC Stadium alive.
4. The Hurricanes defense let them down as they lose to conference foe Penn State.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 14 Champions Division Results
USF 41 - FSU 3 | MSU 42 - BYU 20
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 15 Champions Division Schedule
Michigan State (5-6, 2-6) at #1 USF (11-0, 8-0)
#8 Alabama (9-2, 6-2) at Michigan (7-4, 6-2)
#16 Purdue (7-4, 5-3) at #6 Stanford (8-3, 5-3)
Texas (3-8, 2-6) at Oregon (4-7, 2-6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 15 Notable Games
#20 Navy (8-3, 6-3) at #5 Army (9-1, 0-0)
New Mexico (8-3, 3-0) at #21 Wyoming (8-2, 3-0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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
1. USF, 11-0, 8-0 (clinched playoff spot)
2. Alabama, 9-2, 6-2 (clinched playoff spot)
3. Michigan, 7-4, 6-2 (clinched playoff spot)
4. Stanford, 8-3, 5-3 (clinch playoff spot with win vs. Purdue)
5. Purdue, 7-4, 5-3 (clinch playoff spot with win vs. Stanford)
---------------
6. Oklahoma, 7-4, 5-4
7. Texas, 3-8, 2-6
8. Michigan State, 5-6, 2-6
9. Oregon, 4-7, 2-6
---------------
10. BYU, 2-10, 0-9 (relegated)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contenders Division Standings
1. Virginia Tech, 9-2, 8-1
2. Georgia Tech, 11-1, 8-1
3. Ohio State, 10-2, 7-2
4. Minnesota, 10-2, 7-2
5. Georgia, 7-4, 5-5
6. LSU, 7-5, 5-4
7. Wisconsin, 8-4, 5-4
8. Auburn, 6-6, 4-5
9. USC, 6-6, 4-5 (relegated)
10. Penn State, 6-6, 4-5 (relegated)
11. Oklahoma State, 5-6, 4-5 (relegated)
12. Miami, 6-5, 3-5 (relegated)
13. Washington, 5-7, 3-6 (relegated)
14. Nebraska, 5-7, 2-7 (relegated)
15. Florida State, 4-8, 2-7 (relegated)
16. UCF, 1-11, 0-9 (relegated)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rising Division Standings
1. Missouri, 10-2, 8-1 (promoted)
2. Florida, 8-4, 7-2 (promoted)
3. Tennessee, 9-3, 7-2 (promoted)
4. Iowa, 7-5, 6-3 (promoted)
5. UCLA, 6-6, 5-4 (promoted)
6. Pittsburgh, 8-4, 5-4 (promoted)
7. Colorado, 6-6, 5-4 (promoted)
8. Arkansas, 4-8, 4-5 (promoted)
9. Kansas State, 6-6, 4-5
10. Notre Dame, 4-8, 4-5
11. Mississippi State, 7-5, 4-5
12. Ole Miss, 5-7, 4-5
13. Kansas, 4-8, 3-6
14. Texas A&M, 4-8, 3-6
15. West Virginia, 5-7, 2-7
16. Indiana, 1-11, 1-8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- College Football Playoff Rankings
1. USF, 11-0
2. Toledo, 12-0
3. Rutgers, 11-1
4. Georgia Tech, 11-1
5. Army, 9-1
6. Stanford, 8-3
7. Alabama, 9-2
8. Michigan, 7-4
---------------
9. Southern Miss, 11-1
10. Fresno State, 10-2
11. Ohio State, 10-2
12. Virginia Tech, 9-2
13. San Diego State, 10-2
14. South Alabama, 10-2
15. Minnesota, 10-2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heisman Watch
QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): W 41-10 at Syracuse - 27 of 34, 387 yards, 5 touchdowns, 8 carries, 20 yards
QB Justin Weeks (San Diego State): W 49-29 at Nevada - 17 of 34, 239 yards, 20 carries, 103 yards, 5 total touchdowns
QB Macan Anderson (Tennessee): Bye Week
QB Melvin Ingram (Alabama): Bye Week
QB Vincent Pleasant (Virginia Tech): Bye Week
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Justin Weeks (San Diego State): W 49-29 at Nevada - 17 of 34, 239 yards, 20 carries, 103 yards, 5 total touchdowns
LB Melvin Manning (San Diego State): W
-------
HB Patrick Sullivan (Oregon): 17 carries, 180 yards, 3 touchdowns
DE Jake Hack (Oregon): 5 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Aaron Dukes [ATH #1]: 6'3", 187lbs | Brownsville, TX [IMG] | 5-star | University of Michigan
#2 Antonio Craft [TE #1]: 6'7", 243lbs | Hanahan, SC | 5-star | University of Alabama
#4 Ryan Murray [WR #1]: 6'0", 180lbs | Springdale, OH | 5-star | University of South Florida
#5 Maurice Darby [ATH #2]: 5'10", 191lbs | Van Wert, OH | 5-star | Ohio State University
#8 Craig Butler [ATH #5]: 5'11", 177lbs | Coppell, TX | 5-star | Michigan State University
#9 Corey Wheeler [HB #2]: 6'2", 182lbs | Immokalee, FL | 5-star | University of Texas
#11 Junior Johnson [ATH #6]: 6'0", 220lbs | University Heights, VA [IMG] | 5-star | Georgia Tech University
#12 Kelly Brown [WR #3]: 6'0", 188lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#13 Rashad Mirvil [WR #4]: 6'2", 180lbs | Holyoke, MA | 5-star | Michigan State University
#14 Jesse Morrow [WR #5]: 6'2", 209lbs | Columbus, GA | 5-star | Ohio State University
#15 Seth Doyle [ATH #7]: 6'2", 223lbs | The Village, OK | 5-star | University of Oregon
#16 Brian Townes [QB #1]: 6'4", 246lbs | Burbank, CA | 5-star | Iowa State University
#18 Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#19 Jayson Sanders [ATH #10]: 6'4", 297lbs | Columbia, SC [IMG] | 5-star | Louisiana State University
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#9 Corey Wheeler [HB #2]: 6'2", 182lbs | Immokalee, FL | 5-star | University of Texas
#12 Kelly Brown [WR #3]: 6'0", 188lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#18 Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#48 Brandon Bryant [CB #1]: 6'1", 179lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#65 Darnell Norwood [ATH #20]: 6'2", 190lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#84 Russell Arrington [TE #5]: 6'6", 270lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#89 Seth Whitaker [ATH #28]: 6'1", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#90 Doug Miller [HB #10]: 6'1", 211lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Washington
#97 Dante Avery [DE #9]: 6'2", 255lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#107 Drew Ryan [WR #22]: 6'4", 205lbs | Quincy, FL | 4-star | University of Pittsburgh
#108 Cameron Stokes [ATH #31]: 6'3", 205lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#109 Jeff Schultz [ATH #32]: 6'6", 265lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#121 Brian Jackson [G #36]: 6'3", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#132 Aaron Stewart [ATH #34]: 6'1", 216lbs | Haines City, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#133 Alfred Robbins [T #1]: 6'5", 329lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#144 T.J. Richard [S #3]: 6'3", 199lbs | Deltona, FL | 4-star | Boston College
#149 James Boyd [ATH #35]: 6'4", 275lbs | Largo, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#158 Nate Jacobs [ILB #6]: 6'5", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#172 Waylon Gates [C #4]: 6'1", 285lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Stanford University
#189 Anthony Sharp [CB #7]: 5'9", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#217 Charles Harris [ATH #47]: 6'4", 226lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | Clemson University
#219 Oliver Colvin [OLB #13]: 6'3", 232lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#220 Duane Smith [S #6]: 6'1", 205lbs | Highpoint, FL | 4-star | Northwestern University
#241 Chris Davis [TE #11]: 6'6", 248lbs | Ensley, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#243 Tim Baker [ILB #9]: 6'2", 240lbs | Bartow, FL | 4-star | Mississippi State University
#270 Eric Hardy [WR #56]: 6'4", 231lbs | Cutler, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#274 Chad McGrew [ATH #51]: 6'4", 202lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
Oklahoma really on the edge there. They have bounced back after some early losses. I think if they have to fight to stay in a bowl game they can probably win
