College football It's 1 that got away [Times photo: Bill Serne] USF leads most of the game but loses its Division I-A debut on a final-play field goal -- the first time it trailed. WR Rubin provides target for Blackwell Junior DeAndrew Rubin has two big plays, both resulting in touchdowns. Bulls seem to surprise themselves DeKALB, Ill. -- The Bulls received the opening kickoff Thursday against Northern Illinois and came out in the run-and-shoot -- four receivers, shotgun, no huddles. Instead of catching the Huskies off guard, it seemed to surprise USF. Marquel Blackwell threw three straight incomplete passes, the third hitting Hugh Smith in the chin. USF sidelines Where are we? 12 Marshall players suspended GAINESVILLE -- Marshall could be without 12 players when the Thundering Herd plays at Florida on Saturday night.

Awaiting their fate
Position-by-position breakdown of the competition for the final roster spots. The Bucs have 71 players in camp and will reduce the roster to the NFL-mandated 53 when they make final cuts Sunday. Here is a projection on how things may shake down:

Leaf uncertain about his wrist
TAMPA -- Quarterback Ryan Leaf (sore right wrist) missed a second straight day of practice Thursday and continues to be questionable for tonight's final preseason game at Atlanta.

Bucs chat
King's preseason effort gets fan's support

NFL
Waiting for the right call
The lockout of NFL officials was, it appears, inevitable. This is what happens when you engage in a battle of wits and neither side is armed.

NFL frets as gaming gets closer
The NFL has been steadfast in its desire to distance itself from any link to sports gambling, however indirect, but two new online contests are treading awfully close.

Motorsports
Intimidator still inspires
The memory of Dale Earnhardt drives Richard Childress Racing teams.

Dale Jr. no fan of track
DARLINGTON, S.C. -- The late Dale Earnhardt had an affinity for Darlington Raceway. His son is slightly less enamored with the egg-shaped oval that has been part of Winston Cup racing since 1950.

Devil Rays
With loss, Rays look at future
Tampa Bay is out of playoff contention after falling to Mariners 4-0.

Vaughn frustrated with umpire's calls
ST. PETERSBURG -- Greg Vaughn is willing to expand his strike zone slightly in any direction.

Rays: Up next A's
7:15 tonight,

Sports TV/Radio
Options are limited for Lightning
WXPX-Ch. 66 may be joining Sunshine Network as a broadcasting partner for Lightning games, but that almost certainly will mean fewer games on TV than last season.

Colleges
Volleyball capsules
Florida State

Soccer capsules
Florida State -- Women

New scoring might help Gators win
Rally scoring, which should level the playing field for women's volleyball, puts emphasis on serving and ball control.

FSU pins hopes on freshman goalie
Despite her youth, Kerry York brings years of experience to the 'Noles soccer team.

Et cetera
Sports briefs
New York searches for Danny and dad

Labor Day boxing
WHEN: 8 tonight.

Preps
Tonight's games
Tarpon Springs at Gibbs

Tampa Bay top 10
The Times' rankings of the top teams in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties with their records and tonight's opponent:

District predictions
CLASS 5A, DISTRICT 7

Dunedin to travel more than planned
DUNEDIN -- Tonight, a dozen area teams have home openers. Most visiting teams will play before friendly fans next week or, at worst, the following week.

Twelve categories, three opinions
The dog days of training camp are long gone. Preseason jamborees are distant memories. Tonight, the football season begins.

Another new era begins at Gaither
Former Tampa Bay Storm owner and new Cowboys coach Bob Gries makes his debut tonight.