Sports: Liberty wants to copy USF

Liberty wants to copy USF

The Division I-AA program wants to advance to I-A in the same manner in which South Florida is: very quickly.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH

TAMPA -- When Ken Karcher takes a long look at the South Florida football program, he sees more than just an upcoming opponent.

He sees what he hopes is his future.

Karcher, the first-year coach at Liberty in Lynchburg, Va., is in the early stages of trying to build a winning program, one he hopes will compete in Division I-A.

Karcher hopes to do it in similar fashion as USF: within a short period of time. The Bulls began playing four seasons ago and will join I-A next season.

"South Florida has a very good program and what they've been able to accomplish is similar to what we hope to do," Karcher said. "(USF coach) Jim (Leavitt) and I talked in the summer and that's what I had in mind. We are very realistic that we are in no way where we want to be."

South Florida (3-3) hosts Liberty (2-4) at 7 tonight at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls lead the series 2-0, but Leavitt won't let the team take the Flames lightly.

"You can tell the personality of their head football coach; he has been in the World Football League for a number of years and he has been very successful," Leavitt said. "I understand what they are trying to do offensively and I'm going to tell you it's very difficult to get ready for this team in one week."

The Flames are in the midst of a tough season. They have won just two games, their top running back, Broc Butler, is sidelined with an injury, and the offensive line and running game have struggled, averaging 64 rushing yards.

"By no means is this a knock on the teams we've played because we've seen some good defenses, but the biggest weakness we have is our offensive line," Karcher said. "We're trying different guys in different positions because we have to build depth. Our two major weaknesses are our offensive line and our running backs. We just have to get better there."

But what they lack in a ground attack, the Flames make up for in the air. Junior quarterback Biff Parson has thrown for more than 200 yards in every game except one and the Flames average nearly 300 passing yards. At least six receivers have caught passes in every game.

"Their quarterback is key," Leavitt said. "He's very good, he throws the ball well and runs well. They mix it up with some misdirection in their running game, zones and counter plays. They do a good job with it."

Karcher said Parson has been one of the pleasant surprises.

"He had a good spring and we thought he would be a solid quarterback," Karcher said. "We run a pro-style offense and I'm very happy with what he's done. He's got great mental toughness and character. With our troubles at offensive line, he has taken a pounding sometimes out there, but he just keeps getting back up."

Karcher said the play of Liberty's defense will be a key in tonight's game.

"Our defense has been up and down," he said. "At times we've played well but made real dumb mistakes technique-wise that kill you. Hopefully they can put 60 minutes together, play well and help keep us in the game because the way our offense is playing right now, that's what we need."

Karcher said he was under no illusions that this season would be simple when he took over the program. He said he is not surprised by the way the Flames are playing and he wasn't expecting a 9-2 season.

"We're in the same situation as USF once was," Karcher said. "We want to bring in a different type of athlete that can play the style of game at a higher level than we have right now. We want to build in the direction where (the Bulls) are going. But we have a long way to go in getting depth and the type of players we're trying to bring in."