In topsy-turvy Big East, anybody can win
As USF prepares to return to the field at Rutgers on Saturday, coach Skip Holtz spoke Monday about the unpredictability of the Big East and a Rutgers team that is one win away from becoming bowl eligible.
Winning just four games last season, the Scarlet Knights’ (5-3, 2-2) young roster was tabbed to finish last in the conference this year. However, that spot is held by USF (4-3, 0-3), which was picked to finish third and received first-place votes.
It’s been that kind of year so far in the Big East, where No. 23 Cincinnati is the highest-ranked team in the Associated Press poll and the only team undefeated in the conference, despite being picked to finish fifth.
“When you look at the difference between winning and losing in almost every one of these conference games, it’s one play,” Holtz said. “I think the margin of victory in this league is extremely small … When you start talking about a conference game, all the way from first place to last place, almost anybody can win.”
The Bulls are the only team in the conference that has yet to win a league game, but will face a Rutgers team that is coming off consecutive losses after opening the Big East season with a pair of wins.
“When you look at (Rutgers), especially on the defensive side of the ball … they’re ranked in the top three in the league in … nine of the categories that we keep,” Holtz said. “They have a very talented team.”
More Stories
USF’s Bryce Archie has been waiting to prove himself. Now is the time.
Junior USF quarterback Bryce Archie has been on the sidelines for most of his collegiate football career. When Archie, 20, made his second career start on Saturday against UAB – landing his first career win – he gained a different perspective of his own sport. “The main thing I learned is the work it takes […]
USF football fan pages voice frustration: ‘Expectations have not been met’
What does it mean to be a fan? For the Bulls community, it’s more than just cheering – it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. From high hopes to crushing disappointments, USF fan pages are full of discussions, painting a picture of a community dedicated to supporting Bulls football. Three major Bulls pages – Get Live USF, […]
USF men’s soccer loses to Hofstra in the season’s last non-conference game
USF fell 3-1 to No. 18 Hofstra at Corbett Stadium in its last non-conference game of the season Tuesday night. Tuesday’s game was the second time teams faced each other. The last match was on Nov. 17 in 2022 in the first-round of the NCAA tournament. The Bulls won that game by 4-2. The defeat […]
OPINION: These are USF’s top five athletes
With multiple sports in the midst of their 2024 season, several USF athletes have made their case for why they could be considered the best at their university. This year’s power rankings feature a diverse mix of talent, each dominating their sport and elevating USF Athletics to new heights. Before I get into the rankings, […]
USF women’s lacrosse look forward to season after strong exhibition play
USF women’s lacrosse continued the home stretch of its exhibition schedule this Sunday against The University of Tampa and Rollins college. The Bulls secured wins in both games, but the future’s what head coach Mindy McCord is looking forward to. “It’s so exciting,” head Coach Mindy McCord said post game. “Two more weeks of fall […]
USF football analysis: Bulls beat UAB with late-game offensive flurry
At long last, the Bulls put together a second half. It didn’t look pretty, for a while at least. The Bulls offense was sputtering until the third quarter, at one point even being subjected to a chorus of boos from the 28,154 in attendance at Raymond James Stadium. USF was losing 9-7 at halftime and […]