USF Progresses Through 2000
(November 21, 2000)

It was hard to predict what type of season the University of South Florida football would have. In a preview of the 2000 season, I felt the team's record could be anywhere between 5-6, the record of the first USF team, or 8-3, the Bulls best record so far. To go 7-4 does show how far this program has progressed.

This was a transitional year for USF, not yet Division I-A, but they could no longer qualify for the Division I-AA playoffs. In just four seasons, the Bulls have proven they are a top Division I-AA program, but have a ways to go on the I-A level. The 2000 season exemplified this fact.

South Florida defeated all the Division I-AA teams on the schedule, including then top ranked Troy State, a highly ranked Western Kentucky team and a ranked James Madison team. Last year, the lost to Troy State and James Madison. The Bulls also rolled over the likes of Jacksonville State, Liberty and Austin Peay.

On the Division I-A level, results showed that improvement is necessity. While all the Division I-AA games were at home, and USF went 6-0 in those contests, the roads games were all against Division I-A schools. The Kentucky game was respectable at 27-9, but losses at Southern Miss 41-7 and Middle Tennessee State 45-9 were embarrassing. Turnovers killed the Bulls and they failed to post their first I-A win at Baylor in a game they lost 28-13, but could have easily won. The only road victory and first I-A win came in Storrs, Connecticut. UConn is also on a transition to Division I-A, but like the 2000 Bulls, they are considered I-A opponents. The 21-13 victory will be considered USF's against a I-A team.

There is plenty to look back on over the first four years of USF football. Thanks go out to the group of fourteen original Bulls who were there for the first practice in 1996. This year's 25 seniors included 22 who were on board for all four seasons. Thanks for the memories and laying the groundwork that will move South Florida into the future.

The future has two seasons as a Division I-A independent, then Conference USA in 2003. The 2001 season opens at Northern Illinois on Thursday August 30. Trips to Pittsburgh, Memphis and Utah follow. Home games include Houston, Akron, Connecticut, Utah State, North Texas and Liberty. One game is to be announced. Can't wait.