Charlie Strong could not have landed in a better situation as head coach of Tampa's USF Bulls for the 2017 season. Then again, it could be Strong’s toughest assignment. This Bulls’ team is loaded with talent and expected to win just about everything. If they don’t, then Strong will have done something wrong. Poised to be the best college football team in AAC East, here's why we believe this team will succeed.
USF Bulls Expected to Win ACC East
The expectations are as high as they’ve ever been for the football team on Fowler. At the American Athletic Conference’s Media Days in Newport, R.I., the media not only voted the Bulls to win the East Division but to convincingly win the AAC conference championship, with 26 of 30 first-place votes.
And so far, eight current Bulls have been named to 12 pre-season watch lists. Those don’t mean anything, but they are an indication of the talent level of a team, and what is expected in the season.
Let’s face it. Tampa's USF Bulls are riding a wave, and they’re poised to crest this season. They’re coming off an 11-win season, and a bowl game victory with most of the players returning. Of the eight players named to those watch lists, seven of them are seniors… including QB Quinton Flowers from Miami, who is coming off the best offensive season in USF’s 20-year history.
Linebacker Auggie Sanchez has been named to two of those watch lists. The senior from Northeast HS in St. Petersburg, is just 64 tackles away from becoming the all-time Bulls’ leader. “When I first got to USF, we were in the rebuilding stages, and many people wrote us off,” Sanchez told the Tampa Bay Times. “I think what you’re seeing now is a product of hard work, a lot of people coming together, and a senior-run team.”
Lots of Bulls’ fans remember their team is just four years removed from a 2-win AAC season. But when they step on the practice field Monday for the first day of fall practice, they know another 11-win season… at least 11 wins… is expected.
Read additional articles like: Why Tampa's USF Bulls Are Poised to be the Best in AAC East by local sportswriter Dave Wirth on our Sports Page and on Dave's 813area Local Contributor Page. Register on 813area to stay connected to sports and activities, things to do and events in your area. (Cover photo by LK Smalley)
