2007 South Florida Football Predictions & Season Preview
June 15, 2008
South Florida returns 18 starters from a 9-4 season that saw the Bulls win their first bowl game in school history, but they are looking for even more in 2007. The Bulls have firepower to get that done, even in a competitive Big East. Matt Grothe returns at quarterback after earning Big East Rookie of the Year honors. Grothe rushed for a team-best 622 yards and threw for 2,567 yards as well. His 3,198 yards of total offense were a league high.
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Grothe will have three of his top four targets back in the no-huddle spread offense. Junior receivers Taurus Johnson and Marcus Edwards team up with senior Amarri Jackson as Grothe’s playmakers on the outside. Getting more out of the running game is a priority for new offensive coordinator Greg Gregory. Juniors Benjamin Williams and Ricky Ponton return at running back, but freshmen Mike Ford and Aston Samuels finished the spring strong and will push these returnees in the fall. All five starters, led by senior center Nick Capogna, return on the offensive line.
The Bulls ranked second last year behind Rutgers in total defense by allowing less than 300 yards per game. Eight starters return, so a repeat performance near the top of the Big East is not out of the question. The key will be replacing linebackers Stephen Nicholas and Pat St. Louis. Senior linebacker Ben Moffit is back and will be flanked by sophomore Chris Robinson and junior Brouce Mompremier. Robinson is an effective pass rusher with seven sacks last season and can play up front, too.
Sophomore end George Selvie had an outstanding debut season, leading all linemen with 84 tackles. The injury-plagued senior Jarriett Buie was a part-time starter last year. Senior Richard Clebett and sophomore Aaron Harris man the interior. The new line coach is Dan McCarney, a former head coach at Iowa State. Mike Jenkins toyed with the idea of entering the NFL draft, but decided wisely to return for his senior season at cornerback. Trae Williams is an outstanding corner as well with seven interceptions in 2006. Juniors Carlton Williams and Danny Verpaele, who shared a starting spot at safety last season, fill out the secondary.
The Bulls know early they stand with games against Aurburn, North Carolina and West Virginia. No matter what happens in that stretch though, USF is a near lock for its third consecutive bowl appearance. The Bulls could contend in the conference race if many breaks go their way because they have the talent to do so in 2007. Unfortunately, this amazing talent doesn’t stack up well against the likes of Louisville and West Virginia.
Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:
300-1
Bodog:
75-1
BetUS:
+1200 (Field)