TAMPA - Signs point to South Florida bringing in Florida A&M to fill one of the two remaining dates on its 2005 schedule.
FAMU athletic director Joseph P. Ramsey II , whose school has been in discussions with the Bulls about a trip to Tampa, had a somewhat telling nonanswer when asked about the prospects of playing at USF.
"I really can't say anything, but USF is going to let everyone know whether a game with us might be happening, or not," Ramsey said. "If you check with them soon, they might have some news."
USF isn't in the habit of announcing games it isn't playing, so Ramsey's words point toward the Bulls bringing in the Division I-AA Rattlers. USF athletic director Doug Woolard , reached Monday night, said he wouldn't confirm any opponents until an official announcement.
USF will play seven conference games against Big East opponents and is scheduled to play at Penn State and at home against Central Florida.
Tampa hosted the Florida Classic,FAMU's annual rivalry with Bethune-Cookman, from 1978-96, drawing more than 30,000 fans to Tampa Stadium. A USF-FAMU game, given the Rattlers' strong following in the Tampa area, could put it among USF's biggest home crowds since its first game in 1997.
"Tampa was always a good market for us years ago, and I would hope that's still the case," Ramsey said.
The USF game might not be FAMU's only trip to Raymond James Stadium. Ramsey confirmed he has been in discussions with Florida Atlantic about the schools playing in Tampa in what would serve as a home game for the fledgling Owls. The strong attendance would be a boost for FAU, which is averaging fewer than 11,000 in three home games this season.
"If we know we can get 40,000 fans in Tampa for a game vs. 10,000 to play here in Boca, it could be worth it to do that one time," FAU athletic director Craig Angelos said.
SCHEDULE CHANGE: The kickoff for USF's season finale against Pittsburgh on Dec.4 at Raymond James Stadium has been moved to 11 a.m. to accommodate ESPN2's national broadcast. It will be USF's second morning kickoff in a row after an unprecedented switch for Saturday's home game against Memphis.
