The USF Bulls are goin’ to California for the first time in 18 years as a football program. They’re only favored by three touchdowns against San Jose State on Saturday night. But get used to it Bulls. There’s a good chance they’ll be favored in all 12 games this season. And if they don’t run the table, there are plenty of people who will be shocked and appalled.
No expectations here, right? Even Kirk Herbstreit of ESPN jumped on board this week, saying USF could be the program that crashes the Power 5 Conference Party this season.
Head Coach Charlie Strong has already been preaching to his senior-heavy football team.
“You know how it is with anyone, the players want to read about themselves,” Strong said before his Bulls left for the season opener. “I tell them all the time; this is why you’ve got to get off social media because that’s the driving force behind it. But what we have to do is make sure it just turns into a one-game season and just take it one game at a time.”
Boring stuff, but it’s true. Coaches have been playing that “one game at a time” cliché forever. What Strong has to do is prove what a good defensive football coach he is. The Bulls’ offense is among the best in the nation. The defense, not so much, and those defenders know it.
“We talk about it every day on the defensive side of the ball,” said Bruce Hector, a senior defensive tackle from Robinson HS in Tampa. “We have great guys on the offensive side, but this year we’re just going to show everybody that we’re one of the top defenses, and people should be worried about us also. The defensive players felt like they let the offense carry the team last season,” said Strong. “They didn’t do their part. It was just something to build on, and their whole attitude now is, ‘Coach, we want to be better.’ “
Eighteen starters return for the Bulls. That’s a lot. Their senior quarterback, Quinton Flowers, is being mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Just think about those expectations. The Bulls could go 11-1, and fans would be disappointed.
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They have the College Football stage almost to themselves Saturday night. A prime time opportunity to show the nation how good they are.
“Everybody is happy college football is back, and we’re the ones that are playing on TV,” said D’Ernest Johnson, a senior RB from Immokalee. “I’m very excited. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity since last year, after the bowl game.”
