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Troy State at USF

By Compiled by PETE YOUNG

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 30, 2000

WHEN/WHERE: 7; Raymond James Stadium, Tampa.

TV/RADIO: Ch. 32; WQYK-AM 1010, WWJB-AM 1450, WAMR-1320, WDCF-AM 1350, WDCF-AM 1350.

RECORDS: Troy State 3-0, South Florida 2-2.

COACHES: Troy State -- Larry Blakeney (85-27-1, ninth season). USF -- Jim Leavitt (22-15, fourth season).

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN: Troy State star running back Demontray Carter considered transferring from Auburn to USF before choosing Troy State. In the summer of 1999, Carter, who had earned the first-string tailback job at Auburn that spring, was declared academically ineligible. That July, USF coach Jim Leavitt acknowledged that there was some mutual interest between Carter and USF. In January, however, Carter transferred to Troy State. He is a junior this season.

BRING 'EM ON!: Think USF is boldly transitioning to Division I-A this season by playing established I-A schools Kentucky, Baylor and Southern Mississippi? Well, next season is Troy State's transition year, and the Trojans have scheduled seven of their 11 games. Among those are Miami, Nebraska, Maryland and Mississippi State.

FLORIDA FACTOR: Like seemingly every team in America, Troy State has culled good players from the state of Florida. Eighteen Trojans are from the Sunshine State, including six starters: Carter (Pensacola), guard Brent McAliley (Niceville), defensive end Tim Betts (Pensacola) cornerback Deiric Jackson (Gainesville), safety Antonio Thompson (Apopka) and kicker Lawrence Tynes (Milton).

LEAVITT'S LAST WORD: "I don't see any weaknesses on their football team. I really don't."

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