Sports

College football

Bulls go back to practice without punter

Associated Press
Published December 27, 2005

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TAMPA - USF returned to practice Monday after a three-day holiday break, and coach Jim Leavitt was pleased with his players' effort in resuming normal game-week preparations.

"It was surprisingly better than I expected," Leavitt said after a 90-minute session. "I thought the guys did a pretty good job. After a break, you never know."

One player who wasn't at practice was senior punter Brandon Baker , and 10 days after final exams ended, Leavitt said Baker was "still trying to work on some schoolwork" toward a degree in engineering.

The Bulls leave today for Charlotte and Saturday's Meineke Car Care Bowl against N.C. State, and whether Baker travels with the team has not been decided.

"I think he'll be fine," Leavitt said. "We're all right. If something happened where he didn't, (walk-on freshman kicker Kyle Bronson ) will do fine. He's done it all year."

In his third season as USF's starting punter, Baker ranked third in the Big East, averaging 40.6 yards, and he helped the Bulls rank second in the league in net punting.

THIS AND THAT: Leavitt said he has not decided how he'll use quarterbacks Pat Julmiste and Carlton Hill . Julmiste started 10 games this season, but Hill replaced him in USF's Dec.3 loss to West Virginia and saw his most significant action of the season. ... USF is scheduled to practice in Tampa this morning, then fly to Charlotte and practice at nearby Providence Day School on Wednesday and Thursday.

-GREG AUMAN, Times staff writer

Miami suspends receiver

ATLANTA - Miami receiver Ryan Moore was suspended for violating team policy and will not play in the Peach Bowl against No.10 LSU on Friday night.

Miami coach Larry Coker would not reveal why Moore, who is considering skipping his final season of eligibility to enter the NFL draft, did not accompany the ninth-ranked Hurricanes to Atlanta this week.

Moore had 28 catches, third on the team, for 464 yards and four touchdowns this season. Lance Leggett likely will replace Moore in the starting lineup.

The Hurricanes had their first practice Monday at the Georgia Dome, a 90-minute session. It was Miami's first workout in four days after a break for Christmas.

-ASSOCIATED PRESS

Buckeyes touch down

PHOENIX - Ohio State's entourage arrived in balmy Arizona to the Fiesta Bowl's traditional mariachi serenade and red carpet greeting.

Most of the players arrived separately and will begin practice today at a north Phoenix high school. The schools in the Jan.2 game, No.4 Ohio State and No.5 Notre Dame, have traditions as storied as any but will meet for only the fifth time.

"We played twice in the '30s and twice in the '90s and that's the end of it," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "We're not that far apart and with the great tradition of both football programs and both schools, what more could we ask for?"

Notre Dame likely will get the same type of welcome at Sky Harbor International Airport today.

Ohio State is making its fifth Fiesta Bowl appearance and third since 2002. In January 2003, the Buckeyes won the national championship, capping a 14-0 season with a 31-24 victory over Miami.

[Last modified December 27, 2005, 02:30:20]