College football

Media scrutiny builds as BCS bid gains force

By GREG AUMAN
Published November 14, 2005

TAMPA - Nine days ago, the Bulls hadn't won on the road in more than a year. Now, after Saturday's 27-0 victory at Syracuse, USF has road wins on back-to-back weekends for the first time in its nine-year history.

The Bulls (5-3, 3-1) can become bowl-eligible with a win at home Saturday against Cincinnati (4-5, 2-3). Then a win at Connecticut on Nov.26 would mean the Big East title, and a BCS berth, is on the line when the Bulls host No.13 West Virginia on Dec.3.

For coach Jim Leavitt , the attention given to his team's once-improbable chances of playing in a BCS game presents new distractions.

"It's very hard with the media. There's so much media as you win, because things get bigger," Leavitt said Saturday. "To handle it and to be able to stay focused is one of the most difficult challenges there is for coaches and players."

That said, USF is ranked in the top 20 in the nation in several key categories: 10th in rushing offense and turnover margin, 13th in pass defense, 14th in scoring defense and 18th in total defense. Senior running back Andre Hall , who became USF's career rushing leader Saturday with 222 yards and three touchdowns against the Orange, is the nation's fourth-leading rusher with 123.8 yards per game. He also ranks eighth in scoring with 13 touchdowns.

Now the Bulls are in an unfamiliar situation: playing a home game at Raymond James Stadium. USF hasn't played there since beating Louisville 45-14 on Sept.24.

[Last modified November 14, 2005, 01:04:15]