SB Nation Tampa Bay - Bulls Fall To Gators 38-14https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49019/tb-fave.png2010-09-11T16:28:19-04:00http://tampabay.sbnation.com/rss/stream/14381002010-09-11T16:28:19-04:002010-09-11T16:28:19-04:00Gators 38, Bulls 14
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlPUf0ehTFoOiFlLADBIPosvqRo=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828137/large_tampabay.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><strong>Final Score: (8) Florida 38, South Florida 14 </strong></p>
<p>Gainesville, FL (Sports Network) – John Brantley shook off a rough early start to throw for 173 yards and two touchdowns, while the two-headed monster of Jeffery Demps and Emmanuel Moody combined for 176 rushing yards, as eighth- ranked Florida pulled away for a 38-14 victory over South Florida.</p>
<p>Brantley completed 18-of-32 passes, six of them to Deonte Thompson, who compiled 83 yards receiving in the victory. Demps ran for 122 yards, including a 62-yard touchdown scamper that broke the game open, and Moody added 54 tough yards on 14 carries for the Gators (2-0), who trailed for most of the first half.</p>
<p>B.J. Daniels used his feet effectively, rushing for 107 yards, but wasn’t nearly as successful through the air, completing just 5-of-20 passes for 84 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. Demetris Murray added 62 yards on the ground and a touchdown for the Bulls (1-1).</p>
<p>The Bulls went on a journey through the Swamp, navigating 96 yards on 17 plays to the game’s first score. Daniels and Moise Plancher moved <span class="caps">USF</span> out of dangerous territory deep in its own end, including a pair of third-and-short conversions. After yet another third-down conversion, the Bulls quickly faced another, and Lindsey Lamar easy picked it up with a 21-yard jaunt through the heart of the Gators defense.</p>
<p>After a pass interference penalty kept the drive alive inside the Gators 10- yard line, Daniels found Andrew Ketchel for a two-yard scoring connection.</p>
<p>The Gators’ longest march of the first half ended without points. Brantley completed an early third-down pass deep in the Gators own end then connected with Demps on a 21-yard pitch-and-catch down the right sideline that would have been longer if not for a holding penalty nullifying some of the yards after the catch. The 15-play drive stalled just outside the Bulls’ red zone, but Caleb Sturgis missed wide on a 39-yard boot.</p>
<p>South Florida, trying to shut out the Gators and take the touchdown lead into the locker room, made an error in judgment prior to the half. Daniels, trying to find his running back on a screen pass, errored high and wide, instead hitting Florida defender Ahmad Black between the numbers.</p>
<p>The interception triggered the Gators’ first scoring drive, as Brantley threw an 11-yard dart over the middle to Carl Moore to square the contest late in the half.</p>
<p>The Gators took their second-quarter momentum into the third, as Demps scampered down the left sideline, bobbed and weaved between a pair of <span class="caps">USF</span> defensive backs and outran the rest for a 62-yard scoring run and 14-7 edge.</p>
<p>Florida continued to open massive holes for its running backs in the third period. A 30-yard punt return set the Gators up in <span class="caps">USF</span> territory, and four plays later they were in the end zone. After a 15-yard completion, Moody ran for seven and nine yards before Mike Gillislee scored from four yards out.</p>
<p>The close game turned into a three-score affair as Daniels was intercepted by Justin Trattou on the next series, and he sprinted 35 yards for a touchdown and a 28-7 lead.</p>
<p>The Bulls responded with a 69-yard jaunt capped by Murray’s four-yard plunge. The big play on the march was Daniels’ 51-yard strike to Evan Landi.</p>
<p>Florida tacked on to its lead early in the fourth quarter on a 22-yard field goal by Sturgis. A 57-yard drive culminated in another Gators touchdown inside the four-minute mark of the fourth quarter. Brantley found Jordan Reed for a two-yard score and a 38-14 advantage.</p>
<p>Game Notes</p>
<p>This was the first-ever meeting between the two schools…Florida wide receiver Chris Rainey left the game in the first half with a concussion…Each team racked up the rushing yards, as <span class="caps">USF</span> finished with 239 and Florida with 238.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/11/1682846/gators-38-bulls-14Gregg Burrage2010-09-11T11:53:00-04:002010-09-11T11:53:00-04:00Bulls At Gators: Live Blogging
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlPUf0ehTFoOiFlLADBIPosvqRo=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828137/large_tampabay.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Game Day threads have opened at both <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2010/9/11/1682102/game-two-usf-vs-florida-gators-the">Alligator Alley</a> and <a href="http://www.voodoofive.com/2010/9/11/1682230/game-thread-bulls-at-gators">voodooFIVE</a>. You can keep track of both at the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/events/57765/ingame">SB Nation In-Game update</a> page.</p>
<p>And, of course, there is the <a href="http://twitter.com/sbntampabay/bulls-v-gators">twitterfight, Bulls V. Gators</a>.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/11/1682479/bulls-at-gators-live-bloggingGregg Burrage2010-09-11T10:41:24-04:002010-09-11T10:41:24-04:00Gator Fan Looks At USF Vs. Florida
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlPUf0ehTFoOiFlLADBIPosvqRo=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828137/large_tampabay.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a> is the preferred blogger of Florida Gator sports. They offer a <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2010/9/10/1680634/gameday-preview-usf">preview of the game from a Gator perspective</a>. Here’s the nutshell, but I encourage you to read the whole thing:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The success of <span class="caps">USF</span> is reliant on two things; quarterback B.J. Daniels and their defense.</p>
<p>Florida’s secondary should lock up USF’s receivers, so Daniels [and the backs] will have to run.</p>
<p>Should Florida execute and Mike Pouncey not roll snaps to John Brantley, <span class="caps">USF</span> could be up Hogtown Creek without a paddle.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For a little further insight into GatorLand, check out this quote from the Alligator Army in <a href="http://www.voodoofive.com/2010/9/8/1677446/bulls-recon-alligator-army-talks">an interview with USF’s voodooFIVE</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I worry about Saturday because I was at USF’s win over <span class="caps">FSU</span> and I remember their win at Auburn. As a Tampa resident, I know a lot of the kids at <span class="caps">USF</span> are only there because UF, <span class="caps">FSU</span> or a Southern powerhouse didn’t have room for them. For some reason, <strong><span class="caps">USF</span> gets better talent than the other Florida schools not in Gainesville, Coral Gables or Tallahassee</strong>. The Gators realize that, but I don’t think the fans do as much.</p>
<p>I think UF will win, but it will be a game for three quarters. I don’t see UF covering the 15.5 point spread.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I highlighted that interesting line. Do you agree with that statement?</p>
<p>For all Gators all the time, remember <a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/">Alligator Army</a>.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/11/1682396/gator-fan-looks-at-usf-vs-floridaGregg Burrage2010-09-11T10:26:15-04:002010-09-11T10:26:15-04:00Bulls At Gators: Keys To USF Victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlPUf0ehTFoOiFlLADBIPosvqRo=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828137/large_tampabay.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>SB Nation <span class="caps">USF</span> blogger Voodoo5 over at voodooFIVE offers his <a href="http://www.voodoofive.com/2010/9/10/1681172/friday-five-plus-one-keys-usf-at">six keys to a <span class="caps">USF</span> win</a> against the Florida Gators. Here are five of them:</p>
<p>1. Don’t give the ball away<br>
2. Don’t miss tackles.<br>
3. Own the red zone.<br>
4. Keep the Gators offense out of rhythm.<br>
5. Take chances, but not stupid chances.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.voodoofive.com/">voodooFIVE</a> to keep up with everything <span class="caps">USF</span>.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/11/1682380/bulls-at-gators-keys-to-usf-victoryGregg Burrage2010-09-10T12:28:21-04:002010-09-10T12:28:21-04:00Bulls At Gators: Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlPUf0ehTFoOiFlLADBIPosvqRo=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828137/large_tampabay.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><strong>South Florida (1-0) at (8) Florida (1-0)</strong></p>
<p>
</p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget events clearfix">
<div class="next_game">
<h3>Next Game</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a> <br><span>@ <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/events/57765">Saturday, Sep 11, 2010, 12:21 PM EDT</a><br>Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida FIeld</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/events/57765">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<br id="1284135936683"><em>By Pat Taggart, Associate College Football Editor - The Sports Network</em>
<p><strong>GAME NOTES</strong>: The eighth-ranked Florida Gators struggled a bit in their season opener, and they are undoubtedly eager to get back on the field this weekend against the South Florida Bulls in a non-conference affair from The Swamp.</p>
<p>USF is led by Skip Holtz, who became the new leader of the program in January, and his debut was a memorable one. Last weekend, the Bulls crushed Stony Brook by a 59-14 final, but the level of competition in that tilt was a far cry from what the squad will face on Saturday.</p>
<p>"The goal was 1-0, and we are 1-0," said Holtz after his debut. "I'm proud of the way this team competed, proud of the way we went out there and the way we played."</p>
<p>As for Florida, it beat Miami-Ohio by a 34-12 final in the opener, but the performance of the Gators was a bit concerning. They were held scoreless in the first quarter and did very little offensively in the first game of the post-Tim Tebow era.</p>
<p>"I'm very disappointed with our performance; that's obvious," said head coach Urban Meyer. "I told the team I don't mind coaching guys that want to work. It's when you coach entitlement where it's hard to get guys to react."</p>
<p>Florida returns plenty of talent from a team that went 13-1 in 2009, and the Gators are the first team in FBS history to capture 13 victories in back-to- back campaigns.</p>
<p>Last season, USF finished 8-5 overall, including a win in the Independence Bowl over Northern Illinois, but the Bulls were just 3-4 against Big East Conference opposition and want to prove that they are contenders in that league.</p>
<p>This game marks the first-ever meeting between USF and Florida on the gridiron.</p>
<p>Last season, BJ Daniels was forced to start at quarterback for USF as a freshman because of an injury to the team's veteran starter. That experience proved to be invaluable, and Daniels impressed everyone with his play. In the opener against Stony Brook, the now-sophomore completed 15-of-22 passes for 264 yards with a pair of touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for a score, showing off his versatility.</p>
<p>"You've got to treat every game just like the other, but Florida is a great team," said Daniels, looking forward to this weekend's showdown. "They're athletic and they're fast. It will definitely be exciting to go down to Gainesville next week."</p>
<p>Evan Landi, who Daniels calls "Mr. Surehands," made six catches for 104 yards against Stony Brook, while Marcus Shaw paced the ground attack with 86 yards and a score. Moise Plancher, another talented tailback for the squad, has a shoulder injury that has him questionable for this weekend. The Bulls posted 563 total yards against Stony Brook and easily overcame a pair of fumbles.</p>
<p>On the defensive side of the ball, Holtz has to be proud of the way that his team played in the opener. Sure, the Bulls did allow Stony Brook to score a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter, but considering the fact that the TD drives covered just 35 and 27 yards, it is hard to pin too much blame on the defense. After those touchdowns, USF shut the door for the rest of the contest.</p>
<p>In total, USF allowed 254 total yards and 12 first downs. The Bulls limited Stony Brook to 2-of-11 success on third down conversion attempts and intercepted an impressive total of four passes. Four different players were responsible for those picks, and while no single player stepped forward with a monumental performance, the overall effort of the defense was strong.</p>
<p>There is no player in the nation that will be more heavily scrutinized this season than Florida quarterback John Brantley, who is replacing Tebow under center in Gainesville. In the opener against Miami-Ohio, Brantley completed 17-of-25 passes with two touchdowns and no interceptions, but his 17 completions covered just 113 yards, proof that few big plays were made through the air. Also, there were major snap issues between Brantley and center Mike Pouncey.</p>
<p>"We have a long way to go as an offense," said Pouncey. "We did some good things, but everybody watching the obvious stuff knows we did terrible."</p>
<p>Jeff Demps ran for 98 yards and a touchdown for the Gators on just eight carries, and Chris Rainey caught a touchdown pass. Florida finished the tilt with a mere 212 total yards and 12 first downs. The squad held possession of the ball for barely over 25 minutes and was 3-of-12 on third-down conversion attempts.</p>
<p>The Florida defense certainly played better than the team's offense, limiting Miami-Ohio to 212 total yards and preventing the RedHawks from scoring a single touchdown. Miami was just 4-of-15 on third-down conversion attempts, a credit to the Gators.</p>
<p>Ahmad Black came through with 12 total tackles, seven more than his closest teammate, and he finished with 1.5 TFLs and an interception. Janoris Jenkins returned an interception 67 yards for a touchdown.</p>
<p>Florida fumbled the ball eight times versus Miami-Ohio, and three of those miscues resulted in turnovers. There are many problems to fix, and Meyer is too good a coach to allow the problems to continue. Expect a tremendous effort by the Gators this weekend.</p>
<p><strong>Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Florida 38, South Florida 17</strong></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/10/1680836/bulls-at-gators-matchupGregg Burrage2010-09-10T11:17:14-04:002010-09-10T11:17:14-04:00Why Root For The Bulls?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlPUf0ehTFoOiFlLADBIPosvqRo=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828137/large_tampabay.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>SB Nation Tampa Bay writer Clark Brooks makes the case for <a href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/9/1675768/he-says-go-bulls">rooting for the hometown <span class="caps">USF</span> Bulls</a> against the Florida Gators in Gainesville this Saturday, even though he went to neither school.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/10/1680682/why-root-for-the-bullsGregg Burrage2010-09-10T11:15:39-04:002010-09-10T11:15:39-04:00Why Root For The Gators?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlPUf0ehTFoOiFlLADBIPosvqRo=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828137/large_tampabay.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>SB Nation Tampa Bay writer Jane Graves explains that <a href="http://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/9/1678334/she-says-go-gators">it’s great to be a Florida Gator</a>. Especially when hosting the <span class="caps">USF</span> Bulls in Gainesville this Saturday. Even though she went to both schools.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/10/1680678/why-root-for-the-gatorsGregg Burrage2010-09-07T10:03:08-04:002010-09-07T10:03:08-04:00USF Bulls At Florida Gators: Measuring Up
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlPUf0ehTFoOiFlLADBIPosvqRo=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828137/large_tampabay.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>This upcoming weekend, your University of South Florida Bulls finally get their first chance at the vaunted Florida Gators. This may be the most talked-about game of the season for Bulls fans, but head coach Skip Holtz has been drilling it into his kids' heads that this is <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/article1119860.ece"><u><font color="#800080">just another game</font></u></a>.</p>
<p>But it's not.</p>
<p>This will be an excellent test for the Bulls. The first game ever against the Gators, rounding out their inaugural tour of the state's Big Three college teams.</p>
<p>Some in the USF camp would like us to think that they should now be included in national discussion of the state's best college teams, expanding it to the Big Four. There was even a <a href="http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/oct/06/070600/leavitt-denounces-usf-marketings-big-4-billboard/sports-colleges-bulls/">marketing push to make that claim</a> last year leading up to the game against the Florida State Seminoles. Then, those <a href="http://www.gousfbulls.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7700&ATCLID=204802119">Bulls went and beat the Florida State Seminoles (watch the auto-play volume)</a>.</p>
<p>But Bulls fans might also remember they have <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/usf-bulls-loss-to-miami-hurricanes-shows-how-far-program-really-has-to-go/1055133">gotten whooped by the Miami Hurricanes</a> twice.</p>
<p>Still, there is nothing wrong with striving for excellence. And scheduling games against perennial top 25 teams such as the Seminoles, Gators and Hurricanes will continue to provide an excellent measuring stick. And the matchup this Saturday against the <b>No. 4 team in the nation</b> should give us an idea of how the Bulls are coming along.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2010/9/7/2320588/usf-bulls-at-florida-gators-measuring-upGregg Burrage