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No drop-off for USF

After facing I-A Baylor, the Bulls see Troy State as another tough test.

By PETE YOUNG

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 30, 2000

TAMPA -- South Florida, in its transition year from Division I-AA to I-A, is playing a mix of I-AA and I-A schools this season. Last week it was I-A Baylor. This week it's I-AA Troy State.

Before making the natural assumption that the Bulls are taking a step down in competition this week, know this: There are few coaches who would, with their job on the line, rather play Troy State than Baylor today.

The Trojans, like USF, are moving up to I-A, beginning in 2002. They would acquit themselves well, however, at the highest level this season.

Troy State beat USF 41-24 last season and is ranked No. 1 in both major I-AA polls. It is loaded with talent, including four Auburn transfers.

"We're real excited about this game. We're playing against the best I-AA has to offer and a team that's much better than they were last year," USF coach Jim Leavitt said.

It would seem the Bulls -- next week's game at Southern Mississippi notwithstanding -- are facing their toughest task of the season at 7 tonight at Raymond James Stadium.

"Obviously, it's a great challenge for us," Leavitt said. "I'm excited to see how our guys match up in this ballgame.

"Troy's moving into I-A after this season, so they're in a similar situation to us. We're going to have to play our best game of the year to have a chance to win. There's no question about it."

Troy State, which has been ranked No. 1 on four occasions since becoming a I-AA school in 1993, is 5-2 against I-A foes, all on the road, including 2-0 last season against Middle Tennessee State and Cincinnati.

The school has become a I-A transfer pad. Eleven former I-A players, including eight from SEC schools, are on the roster. Four are starters.

Running back Demontray Carter, one of the erstwhile Auburn guys, was a phenom at Pensacola High and one of the nation's top recruits in 1997. After a lackluster two years with the Tigers, Carter was declared academically ineligible in the summer of 1999.

Carter reportedly considered transferring to USF before choosing Troy State this year. He won the starting job before the second game against No. 7 Appalachian State and has 31 carries for 262 yards (8.5 average) and two touchdowns.

He leads I-AA in kickoff returns with a 39.8 average and has six receptions for 191 yards, a 31.8 average. He will test the USF defense and kick coverage teams.

"They've added lots of good football players," Leavitt said. "They play special teams real well, and that's the first thing I look at ... these guys go hard in special teams."

Factor in third-year quarterback starter Brock Nutter, who is averaging 268 passing yards and has eight touchdowns and just one interception, and the Bulls will be under siege.

"That's what's so frightening about them. They could score with four or five people any time," Leavitt said. "They have that kind of speed and athleticism. And then when you put the offensive line all returning again, and a quarterback who's a three-year starter, they've got the weapons.

"These guys can go the distance any time."

While Troy State is averaging 41.3 points, its defense has been mediocre, allowing 20 points a game. Auburn transfer Davern Williams and South Carolina transfer Tim Betts anchor the defensive line, linebacker Naazir Yamini is the leading tackler and safety Travis Bozeman has three interceptions.

USF likely will have to move the ball regularly and score often if it is to stay in the game.

"What a neat deal, really, to play a team of this caliber," Leavitt said. "Why not? Isn't this what we want to do? I do."

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