The Bullpen: USF tried to break up with their girlfriend only for their next girlfriend to leave the country
Jonathan Bright -- BullsNation.com Football Reporter
USF finds itself in an uncomfortable situation at quarterback following the latest reports from the Tampa Bay Chronicles, stating that the Bulls were prepared to move on from junior Mark Cunningham in favor of Rashad Woodard prior to Woodard's season ending injury.
Now, USF is stuck with a quarterback it clearly isn't all-in on and a quarterback that knows it and is leaking confidence, evident by the putrid showing on offense against Michigan State.
Despite their lowly record, the Spartans are a good football that just got ravaged by injuries and the tough Champions Division schedule as they beat their out of conference opponents Wyoming, Missouri and Cal by at least nine points. But the team that played against Michigan State is liable to lose to Michigan or any of the other CFP teams in a few weeks when the playoffs kick off.
‣ USF expects to have Joshua Butler, Scott Price available for the playoffs
USF receiver Scott Price left the Michigan State with a back injury in the second quarter and did not return. USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. downplayed the severity of the injury after the game and said that he doesn't expect Price to miss any games especially with the added rest period.
"If we were playing next week, I'd be worried about it. You never want to see one of your players go down," said Francois Sr. after the game, "But he's in good spirits, walking around, taking it easy so we'll go from there."
Francois Sr. also confirmed that receiver Joshua Butler, who hasn't played for nearly two months with a collarbone injury, was 'available' to play on Saturday but the team ultimately decided not to dress him. This bodes well for Butler's chances to return to action in the playoffs.
‣ Travis Jones, Charlie Robinson continue to hawk down interception record
With an interception apiece on Saturday, Charlie Robinson and Travis Jones intercepted their twelveth and eleventh interceptions of their USF careers as they continue to track down J.R. Reed's school record of eighteen career interceptions.
In the beginning of the season, both players openly spoke about wanting to attain the record and while their interception rate will need to kick up, it is within reason now for both players should they decide to return for a senior season.
While that doesn't seem likely for the six-foot-four Robinson who might be a first round pick, the undersized Jones said once more on Saturday that the record being within reach is a reason why he might return for his senior season.
"If I only need like four or five," Jones said of the record, "I'll definitely come back, that's for sure going to impact my decision. A lot of great players have come through here, a lot of great defensive backs so to be in the record book, you're immortalized."
‣ USF defensive coordinator Trai Martinez taking some time off but expected to be back with the team next week
As first reported by the Tampa Bay Times, USF defensive coordinator Trai Martinez will not be on campus this week due to a personal matter.
Martinez was not at practice on Monday nor Tuesday and Francois Sr. confirmed on Wednesday that Martinez is currently on a brief leave of absence but will be back with the team by the end of the week in preparation for the college football playoffs.
The 64-year old is coordinating one of the best defenses of his tenure, allowing just 16.7 points per game, the lowest in the nation.
Notable Coaches on the Hot Seat
1. Brenton Nicholas (4-8, 18-19 at Texas, 3rd year)
2. DeMarcus Bennett (1-11, 9-17 at UCF, 2nd year)
3. Chase Murphy (1-11, 9-27 at Indiana, 3rd year)
4. Ryan Day (4-8, 7-17 at Arkansas, 2nd year)
5. Lane Kiffin (6-6, 304-148 at USC, 34th year)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Coaches on the Rise
1. Roger Dunn (10-3 at Missouri, 1st year)
2. Mario Greer (9-4, 55-45 at Florida, 8th year)
3. Richard Owens (8-4, 47-29 at Louisville, 6th year)
4. Mike Brittain (10-3, 20-7 at SMU, 3rd year)
5. J.B. Wilson (10-2, 38-14 at Fresno State, 4th year)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conference Championship Results Champions Division Winner
#1 USF (12-0, 9-0)
Contenders Division Championship Game
#14 Ohio State (10-3, 7-3) -- 28
#9 Virginia Tech (10-2, 9-1) -- 31
Malcolm Francois Jr. spotted on USF's campus following resignation from Navy offensive coordinator role
Johnny Murray -- The Tampa Bay Times Sports Columnist
Former Naval Academy offensive coordinator Malcolm Francois Jr. was recently spotted at USF's campus with a recent picture of him near the athletic center spreading like wildfire on social media.
Francois Jr. is the son of USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. and played college football for the Bulls at safety and wide receiver before beginning his coaching career with the Bulls. Francois Jr. spent several seasons as the team's receiver's coach before being elevated to offensive coordinator prior to the 2033 season where Francois Jr. coordinated one of the highest scoring offenses in college football history.
Since then, Francois Jr. has spent time at Kentucky as a head coach and most recently at Navy, where he spent six seasons with the Midshipmen as their OC following his firing in Lexington. Francois Jr. resigned from the position following the end of the regular season despite Navy's 10-3 record, citing personal reasons.
USF offensive coordinator Peter Nicholson has already interviewed for the head coaching job at Cal and is expected to be a top candidate for several other openings as the coaching carrousel plays out, including a potential opening at UCF following DeMarcus Bennett's disastrous second season for the Knights.
Could Nicholson's departure potentially open the door for Francois Jr. to return to USF in an offensive coordinator and possibly even head-coach-in-waiting role? It's unclear if Francois Jr. is looking to coach next season giving his abrupt departure from Navy but those close to the situation indicate that the 37-year old would be open to coaching under the right circumstances.
Las Vegas Bowl
#15 Oklahoma (8-4, 5-4)
LSU (7-5, 5-4)
*winners of promotional bowls will play the 2043 season in the Champions Division
2043 ANAC Membership Champions Division
USF
Alabama
Michigan
Stanford
Virginia Tech
Georgia Tech
Winner of Purdue vs. Georgia
Winner of Oklahoma vs. LSU
Winner of Texas vs. Minnesota
Winner Michigan State vs. Ohio State
Contenders Division
Loser of Texas vs. Minnesota
Loser of Michigan State vs. Ohio State
Loser of Purdue vs. Georgia
Loser of Oklahoma vs. LSU
Oregon
BYU
Auburn
Wisconsin
Missouri
Florida
Tennessee
Iowa
UCLA
Pittsburgh
Colorado
Arkansas
Rising Division
USC
Penn State
Oklahoma State
Miami
Washington
Nebraska
Florida State
UCF
Kansas State
Notre Dame
Mississippi State
Ole Miss
Kansas
Texas A&M
West Virginia
Indiana
Notable Bowls Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
#11 South Alabama (11-2, 8-1)
Penn State (6-6, 4-5)
Rutgers' Alan Pitts wins second Heisman as he chases after second national championship
Jessica West -- SI.com
Rutgers University senior quarterback Alan Pitts won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, the second of his career as he edged out San Diego State's Justin Weeks.
Pitts dazzled in the AAC Championship Game, throwing for 263 yards and scoring five total touchdowns in the 56-10 beatdown of South Carolina to punch Rutgers' ticket into the College Football Playoffs for the third time in Pitts' run at Rutgers.
The All-American quarterback won the award last year and while his yardage totals are down compared to last season, Pitts improved on his efficiency, throwing just two interceptions on the season and scored seven more total touchdowns.
If the New Jersey native is able to lead the Scarlet Knight to a second championship, he'd the best first modern player in college football history to win two Heisman trophies and two national championships.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- CFB Awards Heisman: QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): 3836 passing yards, 187 carries, 807 yards, 57 total touchdowns Maxwell: QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): 3836 passing yards, 187 carries, 807 yards, 57 total touchdowns Walter Camp: QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): 3836 passing yards, 187 carries, 807 yards, 57 total touchdowns Bednarik: LB Joel Griffin (Missouri): 114 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions Nagurski: LB Joel Griffin (Missouri): 114 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions O'Brien: QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): 3836 passing yards, 187 carries, 807 yards, 57 total touchdowns Walker: HB Stephen Mason (Miami University): 199 carries, 1491 yards, 19 touchdowns, 16 receptions, 406 yards, 2 touchdowns Biletnikoff: WR Caleb Silcox (Rutgers): 94 receptions, 1409 yards, 18 touchdowns Mackey: TE Stephon Johnson (South Alabama): 68 receptions, 937 yards, 11 touchdowns Outland: G Trent Jennings (Alabama): 27 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed Rimington: C Tedrick Choloh Jr. (TCU): 35 pancakes, sack allowed Lombardi: DE Marcellus Smith (South Florida): 42 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 9 sacks Butkus: LB Joel Griffin (Missouri): 114 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions Thorpe: S Clarence Sullivan (South Florida): 77 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions Groza: K Chris Sanders (South Florida): 19 of 21 FG, Long of 54, 52/52 XP Guy: P James White (Alabama): 39 punts, 34.8 Yd Net, Long of 74, 15 downed inside the 20 Jet: HB Ernesto Kallenberger (Navy): 861 kick return yards, 367 punt return yards, touchdown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- AP First Team All-Americans
QB Alan Pitts, Rutgers (Sr)
HB Stephen Mason, Miami University (Sr)
HB Evan Kruse, Southern Mississippi (Sr)
WR Marcel Cleveland, South Alabama (Sr)
WR Caleb Silcox, Rutgers (Sr)
TE Stephon Johnson, South Alabama (Sr)
T Brian Smith Jr, Southern Mississippi (Jr)
T Taylor Devers, Army (Sr)
G Damien Washington, Oklahoma (Sr)
G Trent Jennings, Alabama (Sr)
C Tedrick Choloh Jr, TCU (Sr)
--------------
DE Marcellus Smith, South Florida (Jr)
DE Vincent Kennedy, Northwestern (Jr)
DT Brent Lawrence, South Florida (Sr)
DT Brandon Smith, South Florida (Jr)
LB Joel Griffin, Missouri (Jr)
LB Julian Harrell, South Florida (So)
LB Michael Washington, Missouri (Sr)
CB Travis Jones, South Florida (Jr)
CB Akeem Smith, South Florida (Jr)
S Anthony Gunn, South Florida (Jr)
S Clarence Sullivan, South Florida (So)
K Chris Sanders, South Florida (Sr)
P James White, Alabama (So)
R Kyle Henley, SMU (So)
College Football Playoffs Quarterfinals Preview: vs. #8 Michigan Wolverines
Record: 7-5, 6-3 Champions Division
Head Coach: Major Applewhite (41-24 at Michigan, 5th year, 162-164)
Offensive Coordinator: Steven Davis (Spread)
Defensive Coordinator: John Papuchis (4-3 D)
Team Leaders
Passing: Bubba Hennessy (1982 yards, 20 TD, 8 INT, 166.7 rating)
Rushing: Dalton Williams (389 yards, 5.4 ypc, 5 TD)
Receiving: Travis Ware (64 receptions, 812 yards, 7 TD)
Defense: Jonathan Jones (49 tackles, 4 INT, 10 PBU)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 47th
Total Offense: 79th
Rushing Offense: 97th
Passing Offense: 44th
Total Defense: 108th
Rushing Defense: 118th
Passing Defense: 80th
Turnover Differential: 83rd
Team Schedule
vs. Youngstown State: W 66-7
vs. #15 Oklahoma: L 38-31
at BYU: W 24-13
at #1 USF: L 63-16
at Oregon: W 24-21
vs. #5 Stanford: W 34-32
at Michigan State: W 31-27
at Texas: W 43-39
vs. Purdue: W 32-24
vs. Iowa: L 24-17
at #16 Ohio State: L 31-14
vs. #7 Alabama: L 31-24
USF QB Rashad Woodard back practicing with the team, will likely dress for CFP Quarterfinals
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles
USF quarterback Rashad Woodard's attendance in Wednesday's practice was a noticeable one as the sophomore was not present at all for Monday or Tuesday's practice according to reports.
From the portion that was open to the media, Woodard appeared to be a full participant, donning the same red, non-contact jersey as the other quarterbacks.
Woodard missed the final games of the regular season with a back injury after appearing in two games this season against Oregon in relief of a benched Mark Cunningham and against Florida State before leaving that game with an injury.
While Cunningham has taken all of the first team reps since, Woodard is expected to be available for the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals against Michigan with Jacob Venckus likely serving as the team's official backup behind Cunningham.
Some other notes leading up to the Michigan rematch:
Smith triplets make history with All-American selections, hoping to face off in the playoffs
USF is scheduled to play Southern Mississippi next season in Hattiesburg as part of a home-and-home with the Golden Eagles that began two seasons ago but the two teams could meet up in a week if USF is able to beat Michigan in their rematch and Southern Miss takes care of Stanford in a game where the Cardinal are the heavy favorites.
If that does happen, USF's Brandon and Marcellus Smith along with Southern Miss' Brian Smith Jr. would not only be the first triplets to be named All-Americans but also the first to play in a college football playoff game.
"It'd be dope for sure," says Marcellus, who would likely line up against Brian at left tackle, "[Brian] has been wanting his [revenge] since we beat him so it'll be a movie for sure."
USF beat Southern Miss 52-10 two seasons ago when the brothers were freshmen with USF's defense grounding the Golden Eagles to just 194 yards of total offense and just 16 yards on the ground.
-
Malcolm Francois Jr. to serve in an advisory role in playoffs, talks in progress for long term role
Former USF receiver, assistant coach and Navy offensive coordinator Malcolm Francois Jr. is officially listed on USFs football directory as a Special Advisor to the Head Coach.
Francois Jr. recently resigned from the offensive coordinator job at Navy despite the team's success in recent years and rumors that head coach Scott Hazelton could be retiring following the conclusion of the season. This has led to speculation that Francois Jr. was potentially going to be passed over for the promotion to head coach although sources close to the situation say that Francois Jr's desire to raise his family closer to home in Tampa has more to do with the decision to leave Annapolis.
"I don't know if it was ever a cultural fit," added the source, "It was a good reset place after [Kentucky] but ultimately, USF and the state of Florida is where he wants to coach."
Francois Jr's role beyond the playoffs is still up in the air as current USF offensive coordinator Peter Nicholson is likely going to land a head coaching job, clearing the runway for Francois Jr. to return to his former job.
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WRs Scott Price and Joshua Butler full participants in practice
USF will have two of its more explosive receivers in Scott Price and Joshua Butler on the field against Michigan with the receivers being full participants in this week's practice.
Butler has not played since early in the season when he broke his collarbone, putting a hold on his freshman campaign that was off to a good start with eleven receptions, averaging 14.4 yards per reception and 31.6 yards per game. Butler will likely rotate at Z receiver alongside another five-star freshman in Eddie Shaw who caught 48 passes for 528 yards as a full time starter in Butler's absence.
Price's return is much needed as USF's offense struggled when he left the Michigan State with a back injury. Price leads the team in every receiver category with 97 receptions for 1,296 yards and eleven touchdowns.
Wolverines upset Bulls in rematch, intercept Mark Cunningham five time en route to rout
USF quarterback Mark Cunningham has been part of two national championship teams, being the full time starter in last year's championship squad for the Bulls.
He'll always be remembered, however, for that one January night in Miami, Florida.
The Michigan Wolverines, who many took issue with making the playoffs coming off three straight losses, avenged their 63-16 loss to USF earlier in the season with a 44-21 victory in the Orange Bowl to advance to the College Football Quarterfinals, upsetting the favorites to win the entire thing.
Cunningham threw four first half interceptions and ended the night with five interceptions as the Wolverines were able to use the short fields to jump out an early 34-7 lead at halftime. Despite his struggles, Cunningham remained in the game, throwing a touchdown pass to Scott Price in the third quarter to help make the score more respectable.
"It wouldn't be fair to our other guys to throw them in there," USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. said after the game when asked if he considered replacing Cunningham.
While Cunningham struggled, Michigan's Drew Reid shined, despite coming into the game with a shoulder injury. The running back rushed for 240 yards and three touchdowns, toting the ball 30 times and shouldering Michigan's offense.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[MICH] R. Johnson, 1 Yd run (5:35)
Quarter 2
[MICH] D. Brown, 30 Yd FG (7:57)
[MICH] N. Guerrero, 18 Yd pass from B. Hennessy (5:52)
[USF] J. Butler, 8 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (3:46)
[MICH] D. Reid, 18 Yd run (2:35)
[MICH] D. Reid, 14 Yd run (2:22)
[MICH] D. Brown, 39 Yd FG (0:08)
Quarter 3
[MICH] D. Brown, 46 Yd FG (6:39)
[USF] S. Price, 6 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (3:09)
[MICH] D. Reid, 52 Yd run (0:01)
Quarter 4
[USF] J. Thomas, 1 Yd run (3:53)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #1 South Florida Bulls
QB Mark Cunningham: 27 of 38, 251 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, sacked 3 times
HB Jacob Wheeler: 6 carries, 21 yards
HB Justin Thomas: 3 carries, 11 yards, touchdown
WR Scott Price: 11 receptions, 122 yards, touchdown
WR Carl Graham: 5 receptions, 36 yards
S Clarence Sullivan: 11 tackles, 5 tackles for loss
DT Brandon Smith: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack
#8 Michigan State Spartans
QB Bubba Hennessy: 9 of 16, 100 yards, touchdown, sacked twice, 6 carries, 20 yards
HB Drew Reid: 30 carries, 240 yards, 3 touchdowns, 4 receptions, 29 yards
WR Calvin Nicholson: 2 receptions, 34 yards
TE Travis Ware: 2 receptions, 19 yards
LB Sheldon Bell: 6 tackles
DE Tyrone Love: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
S Seth Thomas: 4 tackles, interception
CB Chris McCullough: 4 tackles, tackle for loss, interception
CB Jonathan Jones: 4 tackles, tackle for loss, interception
S Will Choudja: 4 tackles, 2 interceptions
2042 USF All-Americans First Team
DE Marcellus Smith
DT Brent Lawrence
DT Brandon Smith
LB Julian Harrell
CB Travis Jones
CB Akeem Smith
S Anthony Gunn
S Clarence Sullivan
K Chris Sanders
Second Team
CB Charlie Robinson
Freshman
HB Justin Thomas
G Nick Ryan
T Sam Jefferson
S Mike Mason
2042 USF All-Champions First Team
WR Scott Price
DE Marcellus Smith
DT Brent Lawrence
DT Brandon Smith
LB Julian Harrell
CB Travis Jones
CB Akeem Smith
S Anthony Gunn
S Clarence Sullivan
K Chris Sanders
Second Team
HB Jacob Wheeler
C Kyle Jones
G Ray Anderson
T Cole Britton
LB Damon Hill
CB Charlie Robinson
S Mike Mason
2042 South Florida Bulls Stats Passing
QB Mark Cunningham, Junior: 337 of 453, 3794 yards, 25 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, 153.7 passer rating, sacked 33 times
QB Rashard Woodard, Sophomore: 15 of 23, 126 yards, 2 touchdowns, 139.9 passer rating, sacked 3 times
QB Jacob Venckus, Rs Senior: 4 of 5, 49 yards, touchdown, 228.3 passer rating, sacked once
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