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Bulls offense, defense improve

TAMPA - South Florida had one practice session Thursday, and coach Jim Leavitt said the Bulls looked good on both sides of the ball.

"Both the offense and defense did some good things," Leavitt said. "We scrimmaged some, moved the ball some. It was a good practice. Things are going well. But by no means are we where we need to be."

The first scrimmage is Saturday. Leavitt said it will last about 100 plays and cover all aspects, including goal-line situations and special teams.

"It's just the quiet before the storm right now," Leavitt said. "Just two weeks from Saturday we play Alabama. It's coming up fast."

MANY NICKS, ONE KNOCK: While several players have missed practice with minor injuries or been unable to go full tilt, Leavitt said Chris Iskra's dislocated elbow is the lone major injury. The senior receiver was hurt Aug.6 when he leaped to catch a pass and landed on his left arm. He is expected to return in September.

GO DEEP: Chad Harris, a 2003 Clearwater High graduate, has walked on. The receiver was a Times honorable mention all-Pinellas choice last season.

- PETE YOUNG

TALLAHASSEE - Former St. Petersburg Catholic standout Chris Davis caught three passes during Florida State's hour-long scrimmage.

With Dominic Robinson sidelined by a strained hamstring, Davis worked with the first-team offense, gaining 28 yards on a pass from Chris Rix and breaking a tackle with a quick change in direction.

"I sure hope he can stay healthy," coach Bobby Bowden said of the redshirt freshman, who sat out last season because of an ACL injury. "He has just got some ability. He is super quick."

Davis also caught a 45-yard pass from Fabian Walker over the middle before losing his footing making a cut on the Doak Campbell Stadium turf.

SCRIMMAGE: Rix had consecutive interceptions to Pat Watkins and Claudius Osei on the opening drive.

Guard Eric Broe returned to the offensive line, spending time with the first and second teams and helping slow the defense, which on Wednesday had 12 sacks.

"I thought the offense won more of the battles today," Bowden said.

During goal-line drills, the offense scored on 4 of 8 attempts. Receiver P.K. Sam had two touchdowns.

INJURIES: Defensive end Willie Jones was carted off after injuring his left ankle.

- ZACHARY SPAIN

GAINESVILLE - One day after giving up some long runs during a scrimmage, the Florida defensive line was not down.

"We have most definitely seen improvement," junior defensive end Travis Harris said. "We just got to gel, be able to work together. That's all it takes."

Former offensive lineman Mo Mitchell has impressed coaches.

"I've been switching a lot of these guys around just trying to see what the combinations are," defensive line coach Red Anderson said. "Mo has done really well. He had a heck of a scrimmage. He came in there and really made some plays. He was a pretty good force there in the middle. Hopefully, we can keep him healthy and keep him progressing."

INJURY NEWS: Senior defensive end Bobby McCray continues to be hampered by a turf toe. Senior safety Daryl Dixon was held out because of a bruised quadricep.

Linebacker Taurean Charles left practice early with a shoulder stinger.

- BRIAN SHAFFER

CORAL GABLES - Tailback Jarrett Payton was one of four Hurricanes to miss practice after he was hit in the head during Wednesday's scrimmage.

The injury does not appear to be major, but coach Larry Coker said he expects Payton to miss a couple of days.

Safety Sean Taylor sat out after injuring his knee while trying to recover a fumble Wednesday. Tests showed no structural damage.

Receiver Jason Geathers and defensive end Vince Wilfork missed practice with hamstring injuries. Geathers had an MRI, but results are not available yet. Coaches do not expect him to play in the opener Aug.28. Wilfork is expected to recover.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS