SB Nation Tampa Bay: All Posts by Chris Hatcherhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49019/tb-fave.png2011-11-21T08:01:52-05:00https://tampabay.sbnation.com/authors/chris-hatcher/rss2011-11-21T08:01:52-05:002011-11-21T08:01:52-05:002011 Bowl Predictions: Florida Teams
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<p>Even with the announcement Sunday that Miami would not be accepting a bowl invitation, the state of Florida still has several bowl-eligible and bowl-bound teams. Florida State, though not living up to their lofty pre-season expectations, will be going to a bowl game. A middle-tier ACC bowl like the Champs Sports Bowl is probably the best they can hope for at this point.</p>
<p>The University of Florida is also now bowl eligible with their win over Furman on Saturday. They will probably be playing in one of the SEC's lesser bowl tie-ins, but in new coach Will Muschamp's first season at the helm, that's probably par for the course.</p>
<p>In the Big East, South Florida can also punch their ticket to bowl eligibility with a win in their next two games (Louisvllle and West Virginia). Florida International out of the Sun Belt is also bowl eligible, but they will not win their conference, so it is unlikely they will warrant anything but a bottom-level bowl.</p>
<p>For further coverage of the bowl prospects of Florida schools, stay tuned to <a href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">SB Nation Tampa Bay.</a></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-st-seminoles/2011/11/21/2577154/bowl-predictions-2011-miami-florida-state-florida-usf-Chris Hatcher2011-11-21T00:09:07-05:002011-11-21T00:09:07-05:00College Football Rankings: Florida State Out Of Week 13 BCS Poll
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<p>The Week 13 BCS Poll is out, and after the Seminoles' loss to Virginia, there are no Florida teams in the poll once again.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-st-seminoles/2011/11/21/2577144/college-football-rankings-florida-state-out-of-week-13-bcs-pollChris Hatcher2011-11-20T20:29:25-05:002011-11-20T20:29:25-05:00Bulls Lose Low-Scoring Affair With Penn State
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<p>The University of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/south-florida-bulls" class="sbn-auto-link">South Florida Bulls</a> men's basketball team was denied a second consecutive opportunity to win their fourth game of the season Sunday afternoon, losing to Penn State in a low-scoring affair, 53-49, in their second game of the <a href="http://www.halloffametipoff.com/schedule.php" target="_blank">2011 Basketball Hall Of Fame Tip-Off Tournament</a>. With the loss, the Bulls fall to 3-2 on the young season.</p>
<p>The hot-shooting <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99917/tim-frazier" class="sbn-auto-link">Tim Frazier</a> scored 27 of the Nittany Lions' 53 points on 8-of-15 from the floor, 1-of-3 from 3-point range and 10-of-15 from the foul line. The remainder of Penn State's starters scored a total of five points on 1-of-11 shooting from the field. Both teams struggled in the assist-to-turnover department, as USF totaled 19 turnovers to only four assists and Penn State managed only five assists, but committed five fewer turnovers than the Bulls.</p>
<p>None of the Bulls' starters scored in double digits, though bench players <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146117/blake-nash" class="sbn-auto-link">Blake Nash</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101760/toarlyn-fitzpatrick" class="sbn-auto-link">Toarlyn Fitzpatrick</a> scored 11 and 14 points respectively. Fitzpatrick also had 10 of the team's 27 total rebounds. Penn State shot 37 percent to USF's 34 percent from the field. Both teams shot a measly 25 percent from 3-point range. The Bulls shot a better percentage from the free throw line with more attempts, but were unable to overcome Frazier's hot-shooting game.</p>
<p>The Bulls will again look to hit win number four on the season Wednesday against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/georgia-southern-eagles" class="sbn-auto-link">Georgia Southern Eagles</a>.</p>
<p>For more coverage of the USF Bulls, flock to <a href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">SB Nation Tampa Bay</a>.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/south-florida-bulls/2011/11/20/2576647/usf-vs-penn-state-final-score-bulls-tim-frazier-Chris Hatcher2011-11-19T23:33:41-05:002011-11-19T23:33:41-05:00Virginia Vs. Florida State Final Score: Cavaliers Pull Off 14-13 Upset With Dustin Hopkins Missed Field Goal
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<p>In a chaotic last couple of minutes that is sure to make this game a classic, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/virginia-cavaliers">Virginia Cavaliers</a> sacked the 'Noles out of field goal range, took the ball almost the length of the field to score the go-ahead touchdown, stopped Florida State despite penalties and an overturned completion that would have sealed the game and then watched <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85815/dustin-hopkins">Dustin Hopkins</a> push a field goal wide to hold on to a 14-13 win.</p>
<p>The game was declared over after a pass by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36085/e-j-manuel">E.J. Manuel</a> was ruled complete and short of the first down in bounds with eight seconds left, but after a lengthy review, the officials determined the pass was incomplete and both teams were called back to the field. After a penalty on UVA for inducing a snap from the offense, Hopkins missed the 43-yard field goal wide left just beyond the uprights. The ensuing kneel of the ball by the Cavs officially ended the game.</p>
<p>With the loss, the Seminoles are no longer able to tie Clemson for a division crown. With the win, the Cavaliers still control their own destiny in the ACC Championship race and can clinch a championship game berth next week with a win over rival Virginia Tech at home.</p>
<p><br>For more on the Seminoles keep coming back to <a target="_blank" href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Tampa Bay</a>.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-st-seminoles/2011/11/19/2574691/virginia-cavaliers-florida-state-seminoles-14-13-dustin-hopkins-Chris Hatcher2011-11-19T22:22:14-05:002011-11-19T22:22:14-05:00Third Quarter Update: Seminoles Extend Lead, 13-7
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<p>After three quarters of play, the Florida State Seminoles still lead the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/virginia-cavaliers" class="sbn-auto-link">Virginia Cavaliers</a> 13-7. The only score coming in the third quarter was another <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85815/dustin-hopkins" class="sbn-auto-link">Dustin Hopkins</a> field goal, this time from 21 yards.</p>
<p>The Seminoles have had several promising drives stall inside their opponents territory, two of which were inside the red zone. The result of both of those drives were Hopkins field goals from 26 yards and in. The Virginia defense is making Florida State grind it out and not letting them get big plays. All three scoring drives for the Seminoles have been six plays or longer and all three scores have come from inside the 10-yard line.</p>
<p>Although the Seminoles have out-gained the Cavaliers by over 100 yards, the visiting team continues to stick in there. A strong performance by the Cavs' quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114641/michael-rocco" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Rocco</a> has helped to balance out the ineffectiveness of the running game, as the Cavs have only totaled 32 yards on the ground.</p>
<p>Stay here on <a href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">SB Nation Tampa Bay</a> as this one goes final.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-st-seminoles/2011/11/19/2574584/virginia-cavaliers-florida-state-seminoles-score-update-dustin-hopkins-Chris Hatcher2011-11-19T21:22:11-05:002011-11-19T21:22:11-05:00Virginia Vs. Florida State Score Update: Seminoles Pull Ahead 10-7 On Hopkins Field Goal
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<p>The Florida State Seminoles hold a 10-7 lead at halftime over the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/virginia-cavaliers">Virginia Cavaliers</a> after a 26-yard field goal by kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85815/dustin-hopkins">Dustin Hopkins</a> broke a 7-7 tie with less than a minute remaining in the first half.</p>
<p>After a scoreless first quarter, the Cavaliers got on the board first on a 7-yard touchdown pass by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114641/michael-rocco">Michael Rocco</a> to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76646/perry-jones">Perry Jones</a>. The 'Noles responded with a 1-yard touchdown pass from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36085/e-j-manuel">E.J. Manuel</a> to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36111/ja-baris-little">Ja'Baris Little</a> to tie the game at 7-7.</p>
<p>The Seminoles have out-gained the Cavaliers 212 to 146, but suffered a costly fumble in the first quarter in Cavalier territory after driving the ball down the field. Their first half play has also been littered with penalties as they have racked up five penalties for a total of 45 yards.</p>
<p>Both quarterbacks have a touchdown and no interceptions, but Rocco has been the more effective to this point, passing for 139 yards on 12-of-18 passing.</p>
<p>For more updates on this game, keep your eyes glued to <a target="_blank" href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Tampa Bay</a>.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-st-seminoles/2011/11/19/2574401/virginia-vs-florida-state-score-update-seminoles-pull-ahead-10-7-onChris Hatcher2011-11-19T20:43:04-05:002011-11-19T20:43:04-05:00Skip Holtz Drawing Interest From North Carolina
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<p>The South Florida coach is drawing some interest from an ACC school as a potential hire.</p> <p>According to a <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/CharlesRobinson/status/138058864217161728" target="_blank">tweet</a> by Yahoo sports writer Charles Robinson, North Carolina is looking into South Florida coach Skip Holtz as a potential hire to replace interim coach Everett Withers.</p>
<p>Withers has coached the Tar Heels to a 6-5 (2-5) record in 2011 amid an NCAA investigation of the program that began last year, after it was alleged that some players had received impermissible benefits. Withers replaced embattled coach Butch Davis after he was fired in July in the wake of the potential violations.</p>
<p>Holtz, the son of former college coach and ESPN pundit Lou Holtz, has coached the Bulls to a 13-10 record and a 4-8 Big East conference record since his hire in 2010. Previous to his time at USF, Holtz served as the coach at East Carolina and Connecticut. He posted a 38-27 record at ECU in five seasons and a 34-23 record at Connecticut, also in five seasons.</p>
<p>For more updates on this evolving situation, keep tabs on <a href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">SB Nation Tampa</a>.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2011/11/19/2574415/south-florida-north-carolina-skip-holtzChris Hatcher2011-11-13T22:52:42-05:002011-11-13T22:52:42-05:00Florida State Sneaks Into BCS Rankings
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<p>The week 12 BCS rankings have been released, and the Florida State Seminoles have worked their way back up into the rankings after their embarrassing start to the season.</p> <p>The Florida State Seminoles have made their way all the way back into the Week 12 BCS Standings after their 23-19 win over Miami. The 'Noles took the No. 25 spot in the poll and become the third ACC team in the poll behind No. 7 Clemson and No. 8 Virginia Tech.</p>
<p>The Seminoles, who started the season ranked in the Top-10, were losers of three of their first five games. Since their home loss to Wake Forest, however, Florida State has racked up five-straight wins to take their record to 7-3 (5-2). Georgia Tech, who was previously in the poll, fell out this week after their 37-26 loss to Virginia Tech at home Thursday night. The rest of the poll is listed below.</p>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>LSU</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>Oklahoma State</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
</tr>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>Oklahoma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>Arkansas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
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<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>Virginia Tech</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>Stanford</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>Houston</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>South Carolina</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>Kansas State</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
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<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>TCU</td>
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<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>Southern Miss</td>
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<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
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<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>Texas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>Auburn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2011/11/13/2560100/college-football-rankings-bcs-poll-florida-state-sneaks-into-rankingsChris Hatcher2011-11-13T08:01:22-05:002011-11-13T08:01:22-05:00Texans Vs. Buccaneers Odds And Ends
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<p>The <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> are still trying to stay relevant in the NFC South at 4-4 and two games behind New Orleans in the win column. After a hot start of 3-1, the Bucs have lost three of their last four. Their task won't be easy though, as they host the AFC South leading <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a>.</p>
<p>The Texans, at 6-3, have a stranglehold in one of the NFL's weakest divisions, but would still like to finish the season out strong and guarantee a playoff berth as early as possible. In previous years, the Texans were picked to finish well by many pundits, only to fumble (metaphorically) down the stretch and miss the playoffs each year. The franchise is still looking for its first playoff berth.</p>
<p><b>Game Date/Time</b>: Sunday, November 13, 2011, 1:00 PM ET</p>
<p><b>Location</b>: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL</p>
<p><b>TV Schedule</b><br>National: CBS with Marv Albert on the call and Rich Gannon providing color commentary<font size="2" face="Arial"><br></font></p>
<p><b>TV Distribution Map</b>: <a href="http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/">The506.com</a></p>
<p><b>Radio Schedule</b><br>Buccaneers: WDAE 620<br>Texans: Sports Radio 610</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2011/11/13/2557943/buccaneers-vs-texans-2011-nfl-schedule-week-10Chris Hatcher2011-11-07T13:00:50-05:002011-11-07T13:00:50-05:00BCS Rankings Week 11: Florida State Still Unranked
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<p>The Week 11 BCS Rankings were released Sunday night with a flurry of movement in the Top 10. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../ncaa-football/teams/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a> retained their top spot in the rankings after a 9-6 overtime win over previously No. 2 Alabama. The Oklahoma State Cowboys jumped the Crimson Tide to claim the No. 2 spot in the rankings after their shootout 52-45 win over Kansas State, to achieve their highest ranking in school history. Alabama only fell one spot in the poll to No. 3.</p>
<p>Stanford, Boise State and Oklahoma all stayed put at Nos. 4-6, while Oregon jumped Arkansas to claim the the No. 7 spot, despite the Razorbacks beating ranked South Carolina. The Razorbacks only fall one spot to No. 8. Clemson, Virginia Tech and Houston all jumped two spots apiece to occupy Nos. 9-11. Penn State had the second-biggest jump among the previously ranked teams in the poll, jumping from No. 16 to No. 12 in the latest poll.</p>
<p>South Carolina fell to No. 13 with the loss to Arkansas, followed by Kansas State who didn't move following their seven-point loss to new No. 2 Oklahoma State. Georgia climbed three spots to No. 15. Texas jumped up five spots to No. 16 while Michigan State stayed put at No. 17. Wisconsin climbed two spots to No. 18. Nebraska fell all the way from No. 10 to No. 19 after a loss to unranked Northwestern.</p>
<p>Auburn and Georgia Tech each climbed two spots to No's. 20 and 21 respectively. Southern Miss climbed three spots to No. 22. Cincinnati enters the poll at No. 23, while Michigan fell nine spots to No. 24 after their loss to unranked Iowa. Baylor closes out the poll at No. 25 after being previously unranked.</p>
<p>Despite a 38-7 thrashing of Boston College and sitting at 6-3 (4-2) after four-straight wins, the Florida State Seminoles still are on the outside looking in. The 'Noles are listed as others receiving votes in both the AP and USA Today Poll. The pollsters are apparently not ready to forgive the Seminoles for their poor play after their lofty rankings to start the season.</p>
<p>For more coverage on the BCS Rankings, stay tuned to <a href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">SB Nation Tampa Bay</a>.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2011/11/7/2543481/bcs-rankings-week-11-florida-state-unrankedChris Hatcher