College football

Leavitt can't get over Pitt loss

By Times staff writers
Published November 3, 2005

TAMPA - It's tough enough to go three weeks without a game during the season, but more difficult when you spend that extended hiatus after a disappointing effort like USF's Oct. 15 loss at Pittsburgh, a game that has lingered with Bulls coach Jim Leavitt.

"That was such a sad game. We really should have beaten them," Leavitt said after Wednesday's practice. "As bad as it got, in the fourth quarter we drove it down there inside the 30 three times and got no points. If we would have had some things going at all. ... We just didn't have that spark."

Leavitt has been pleased with how his players have handled the unusually long break, caused when the Oct. 22 homecoming game with West Virginia was postponed by the threat of Hurricane Wilma.

"They've all done well. Our guys have done a good job of staying on top of their game and working," Leavitt said. "I'm real proud of how the team has practiced."

CAPTAINS: Three seniors - running back Andre Hall, tight end Derek Carter and safety Johnnie Jones - and junior linebacker Stephen Nicholas will be captains for Saturday's game at Rutgers. It's the first such honor for Carter, a Jesuit grad who caught a touchdown pass against Louisville.

"He's always solid," Leavitt said. "He's had a good four years."

- GREG AUMAN, Times staff writer

GAINESVILLE - Florida wide receiver Dallas Baker missed practice again with a sprained ankle sustained against Georgia.

Baker was on crutches and his status for Vanderbilt is very questionable, coach Urban Meyer said. "I thought he'd be out here today, but ankles are amazing things," Meyer said.

Others who have been hobbled are linebacker Brandon Siler, safety Jarvis Herring (thigh) and safety Reggie Nelson (hamstring), but they all practiced.

Meyer said receiver Chad Jackson's hamstrings were better after being sore last week.

SPREAD OPTION? Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said he was going to have trouble planning for UF's offense this week because he didn't know what to expect.

"That's the trouble you have when you prepare for Florida," Meyer said. "They can do both and we have to prepare for both."

With UF altering Meyer's spread offense against Georgia, Johnson isn't sure if the Gators will switch back or use a mixture.

WILBUR IN THE RUNNING: Punter Eric Wilbur is one step closer to the most prestigious award for punters. Wilbur was announced as a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award.

The list was narrowed from 58 to 10 Wednesday. Gordon Ely-Kelso, from Georgia, was the only other SEC representative.

- IAN FISHER, Times correspondent

TALLAHASSEE - This wasn't the way Leon Washington planned it.

The senior tailback has an ankle sprain and will spend Saturday's home finale, his last as a Seminole, on the sideline.

"It's kind of frustrating, but at the same time, it's football," said Washington, who is 10th on FSU's career rushing list. "But I talk to my family, talk to my grandma and they help me realize that there's more to life than this."

With this being Washington's curtain call at Doak Campbell Stadium, he might enter for one play. However, it won't be as the starter.

"You know, I contemplated about (participating in the first play), but I don't want to start the game because I don't want to take anything away from ( Lorenzo) Booker," said Washington. "But I've talked to coach about it and we're looking to get me in the game one time, at least say I played."

The absence of Washington will push Booker into the starting role and get freshman Antone Smith extended playing time.

- D.C. REEVES, Times correspondent

MIAMI - When the Hurricanes play at Virginia Tech on Saturday, it will be a matchup of the nation's two best defenses.

Virginia Tech leads the nation in scoring defense (9.1 points per game). Miami leads in pass defense, pass efficiency defense and total defense.

"We're not going out there trying to prove who has the better defense," Miami defensive tackle Orien Harris said. "We're just trying to go out there and get a victory. We want to take advantage of this opportunity right now."

Last year Miami lost to Virginia Tech 16-10. Miami's defense has 10 starters back who saw the Hokies celebrate on UM's homefield.

"Big, strong, fast. They've got everything," Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick said of Miami. "What else can I say?"

- TIMES WIRES

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 01:07:13]