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Emotions in check for Bulls

TAMPA - South Florida coach Jim Leavitt said his team was focused Wednesday in its preparation for Saturday's first Conference USA home game against Louisville.

"There wasn't a lot of emotion, yelling and screaming, it was a more business-like demeanor," Leavitt said.

Louisville (4-0) is favored by two points, according to one Las Vegas bookmaker, to snap the Bulls' 20-game home win streak. The Cardinals have quality road wins at Syracuse (30-20) and Kentucky (40-24).

"I know the guys are excited about the opportunity," Leavitt said.

ALMOST: Wednesday's two-minute drill resulted in a win for the first-team defense.

"The offense didn't make it but they got down there," Leavitt said. "(Cornerback) D'Juan Brown batted the ball down from (slot receiver) Travis Lipp (on the final play)."

MIA: Running back Billy Henderson (shoulder) and defensive lineman Scott Wolf (shoulder stinger) did not practice. Defensive end Jon Simmons (hand) did not participate in contact drills.

"You get to this point in the year and you start to see who has depth and who doesn't," Leavitt said.

- PETE YOUNG

GAINESVILLE - Florida hasn't scored a first-half touchdown in its two SEC games. The search for answers is not producing much.

"I don't know what to attribute that to," offensive lineman Max Starks said. "Every game we execute assignments. Are we thinking too much early in the game? I don't know. We just go out and try to execute the assignment."

Against Tennessee, the Gators nursed a 3-0 lead until before the half, when a last-second desperation pass put the Vols ahead 7-3. Last week, Florida trailed 14-3 at halftime and needed its biggest road comeback to defeat Kentucky 24-21.

IN THE DOG HOUSE: Tailback Ciatrick Fason has seen his number of carries drop recently. While he played on special teams a week ago and figures to Saturday as well, Fason did not carry the ball against Kentucky and will not line up at tailback against Ole Miss, Coach Ron Zook said.

Zook said last week's lack of playing time had more to do with the game plan and Fason's slow progression on blocking schemes. But he said minor disciplinary problems with the sophomore will keep him from seeing time in the backfield Saturday.

- Associated Press, BRIAN SHAFFER

TALLAHASSEE - Coach Bobby Bowden was pleased with the intensity of practice despite the fact that No.5 FSU will not play until Oct.11.

But a lot of that had to do with who is next on the schedule: second-ranked Miami.

"The boys were very spirited," Bowden said. "You know, if you were playing somebody next week and were a 30-point favorite you probably wouldn't have a lot of spirit out here."

Still, Bowden does not want the restlessness of an off-week or the overexuberance that sometimes comes with playing a rival to take its toll.

"I don't want them fired up yet," Bowden said. "We don't want them killing each other and getting everybody hurt for the game."

ROAD TO RECOVERY: They may feel like baby steps, but Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker are getting closer to game shape. The tailbacks practiced extensively without contact and have pleased Bowden with their progress. Washington, Greg Jones' sophomore backup and primary kick and punt return threat, has been out since early in the season opener at North Carolina when he dislocated his elbow. Booker hasn't played since straining a knee ligament against Maryland.

- ZACHARY SPAIN