College football

Bulls seek to repeat November history

By Times staff writer, Associated Press
Published November 24, 2005

TAMPA - USF is one win from an undefeated November, and Saturday's game at Connecticut will close out what has historically been the most successful month in Bulls history.

USF is 22-7 all-time in November, 16-3 since moving to Division I-A in 2001. Coach Jim Leavitt said a number of factors have led to the November success, most important the focus he hopes his players have Saturday.

"It's how healthy you are, how focused you can stay, a lot of variables," Leavitt said. "Last year we weren't real successful (2-2). (It's) how old is your team, how experienced, what's your leadership like. All those type of things, but that has a lot to do with focus and how well you practice."

INJURIES: The Bulls got encouraging news Wednesday on two players who missed Saturday's win against Cincinnati but will travel with the team to Hartford. Left tackle Thed Watson (ankle) practiced in contact drills and "would lean more toward probable" for Saturday, and defensive tackle Eric Thomas had a good practice as he recovers from a broken finger that sidelined him last week.

Defensive end Tavarious Robinson is questionable with an ankle injury and may not make the trip, Leavitt said.

CAPTAINS: Senior tight end Derek Carter, running back Andre Hall, safety Johnnie Jones and junior linebacker Stephen Nicholas will be captains for Saturday's game.

- GREG AUMAN, Times staff writer

CORAL GABLES - Some of the Miami Hurricanes will be taking a long, slow look around the Orange Bowl on Saturday, with good reason.

For 18 players, it'll be their last time on the historic turf as collegians.

Miami plays its home finale against Virginia this weekend, meaning the school will bid adieu to 18 seniors, some of whom were part of the program when it won its last national championship in 2001.

Several seniors are key members of this year's team, including offensive linemen Eric Winston, Rashad Butler, Tony Tella and Tyler McMeans; fullback Quadtrine Hill; receiver Sinorice Moss; tight end Buck Ortega; defensive linemen Thomas Carroll, Javon Nanton and Orien Harris; safety Greg Threat; linebackers Rocky McIntosh and Leon Williams; and cornerbacks Kelly Jennings and Marcus Maxey.

"It's been a fun ride and it's been a heck of an experience," Winston said. "It's going to be something that's probably going to come to an abrupt end, really. It's something you never expect to come."

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

[Last modified November 24, 2005, 00:18:19]