On Thursday, USF coach Jim Leavitt said it'd be a "minor miracle" for running back Mike Ford, nursing a sprained ankle, to make the trip to Orlando for Saturday's game at Central Florida.
Shocker: Ford traveled with the team to Orlando on Friday. Of course, that doesn't mean he'll start, or play, or even dress, but he was on the bus. Ford, who had the first touchdown in last year's 64-12 win against UCF, has been limited in practice all week, so it'll be a gametime decision.
Running backs coach Carl Franks said Tuesday that running back is a position where the Bulls have enough depth they can be missing a player and still play well. Ben Williams, Jamar Taylor and Mo Plancher all rushed for more than 40 yards in last week's opener, and sophomore Richard Kelly is another option.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
We'll be headed out of Tampa in half an hour. Hope to see you all there.
Posted by: Ken | September 06, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Well, at least I spelled "Cheerios" correctly.
Posted by: Dave W | September 06, 2008 at 10:22 AM
haha...I think the cherios spelled out oooooooo
Dave must be a USF grad. Only a bulls fan would find a way for a bunch of "o" shaped cereal to spell an actual word. Go Knights
Posted by: SHG | September 06, 2008 at 10:03 AM
So I was eating my bowl of cereal this morning, and the Cheerios spelled out "Mike Ford." Does this qualify as a miracle?
Posted by: Dave W | September 06, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Praise the Lord Sweet Jesus a miracle has happened.
Posted by: Jim | September 06, 2008 at 07:46 AM
The bottom line is that USF is a better team than last year. By returning 10 starters on offense (all the skill positions), look for more production from this experienced unit. Although the defense lost some key starters, this unit returns many key players now with one more season under their belts which at worst will be as good last season. UCF returns an experienced defense with a new coordinator, but zero starts entering the season for its backfield equals trouble for the Knights. The intangibles of playing at home and playing for pride keeps UCF close early, but the lack offense will be their undoing. The X-factor is USF’s new commitment to special teams. USF 38-10.
Posted by: Don Corleone | September 06, 2008 at 07:21 AM
It sounds like he's out. I think we'll still be able to win without him against UCF, but getting him ready for Kansas is extremely important. No matter what the depth chart says, Ford is the best running back on this team. He has the best combination of skills and has the big-play that Ben Williams lacks (I don't want to take anything away from an extremely good player in Williams, but Ben gets caught almost every time he breaks loose), and he's a lot more consistent that Taylor. Williams, Taylor, Plancher, et al. should be able to take care of UCF. With Kansas looming, the prudent choice would be to sit Ford and not risk anything.
Posted by: Dave W | September 06, 2008 at 01:41 AM
Thanks for all the hard work GA
Posted by: DELdaBULL | September 05, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Let Ford dress out, but we need to save him for the Kansas game. Only put him in if we are not ahead by halftime.
Posted by: Mike Lakeland | September 05, 2008 at 09:53 PM
What will be the next miracle performed by Coach Leavitt? Maybe he can heal some of our blind Big East refs?
Posted by: SailingBull | September 05, 2008 at 07:33 PM