College football

Louisville QB presents big test for USF defense

By Times staff writers
Published September 22, 2005

TAMPA - Coming along with Saturday's Big East opener for the Bulls will be one of the most talked-about and proficient quarterbacks in college football.

USF, with the eighth-ranked total defense and the fifth-ranked pass defense in the nation, will face Louisville sophomore Brian Brohm, Conference USA's freshman of the year in 2004 who brings the second-most efficient pass offense.

"We're going against one of the top (quarterbacks) in the country," co-defensive coordinator Rick Kravitz said. "We've played some decent ones, but (he) is one you can measure on how good you really are."

Brohm is third in the country in quarterback rating (198.87) after passing for 368 yards and five touchdowns in a 63-27 win over Oregon State.

Kravitz knows defending him won't just be about taking care of his targets, but getting to the passer behind a good offensive line that has also allowed running back Michael Bush to rush for 185 yards and four touchdowns.

"It's not just our secondary, because at times, they have done a good job," Kravitz said. "But if we are going to have any success (against Brohm), it's going to be because of the linebackers and the front (line)."

- MIKE CAMUNAS, Times correspondent

GAINESVILLE - The No. 1 rule for Urban Meyer's offense is simple.

Hold on to the ball.

"The premium of the offense is taking care of the ball," he said.

Meyer will sit players who haven't held on to the ball in practice.

That is the main reason freshman quarterback Josh Portis didn't play against Tennessee, Meyer said.

That is also why running backs Skyler Thornton and Markus Manson have dropped on the depth chart.

All three are doing better and may play this weekend, Meyer said.

WATCH OUT: Kentucky's kickoff return team is described as "unbelievable" by Meyer. Kentucky averages 35.14 yards per return, third in the nation. UF is 58th in kickoff returns against. Kentucky's punt return is ranked fourth in the country.

- IAN FISHER, Times correspondent

Florida State's short week of practice was cut even shorter by inclement weather, forcing practice to end about 25 minutes early. FSU will practice today then get the weekend off with a bye week.

Linebacker Ernie Sims sat out practice with a twisted ankle, but like receiver Willie Reid (knee), should be ready for next week's Syracuse game.

FUTURE SCHEDULES: Athletic director Dave Hart said FSU will play host to Rice and Western Michigan next season, giving the Seminoles a record eight home games (ACC teams Clemson, Virginia, Boston College and Wake Forest and two other nonconference opponents, Troy and Florida).

"My plan is to reach a point where we play seven home and five away games each year now that we have the 12-game format," he said, adding that he doesn't intend on scheduling Division I-AA teams any time soon.

UAB will come to Tallahassee in 2007, which leaves FSU with one spot to fill that season. That could be Alabama; the schools have been discussing a matchup in Jacksonville.

- D.C. REEVES, Times correspondent and BRIAN LANDMAN, Times staff writer

CORAL GABLES - Long-range forecasts suggest that Saturday will be steamy in South Florida, with midday temperatures in the upper 80s and accompanied by plenty of humidity for the Hurricanes' home opener against Colorado.

"As we say on our staff, a little toasty," Miami coach Larry Coker said.

"It'll probably be about close to 100 degrees," Miami linebacker Jon Beason said. "We know for a fact we'll probably be in better shape."

- TIMES WIRES

[Last modified September 22, 2005, 01:04:14]