Leavitt: 'Minor miracle' for Ford to travel to UCF
Correspondent Joe Rienzi checks in from Thursday's practice ...
TAMPA — USF may be without its leading running back from last season when it travels to play Central Florida Saturday. Sophomore Mike Ford, who has been battling an ankle injury suffered during USF’s 56-7 win last Saturday, may not make the trip to Orlando, USF coach Jim Leavitt said.
"Ford doesn’t look good," Leavitt said. "It will be a minor miracle if we even take him. I never want to say no and then all of the sudden he plays and everybody gets mad at me, but it would be a minor miracle. Those things happen, though."
Walk-on linebacker LaDre Watkins, one of four true freshmen to play last weekend for the Bulls, suffered a potentially serious knee injury during Thursday’s practice.
"His knee buckled," Leavitt said. "He’s probably not going to play Saturday."
Leavitt said that another injured running back — senior Ben Williams — looked good and was ready to go. He also said it would be hard not to bring sophomore tight end Trent Pupello, who has an injured ankle, to the game.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
I don't buy this "minor miracle" business much -- I'll be surprised if Ford doesn't travel. It's a two-hour bus ride. I'm not saying he plays, but I can't imagine them not bringing him along.
Posted by: G.A. | September 04, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Does CJL think that Ford needs to toughen up a bit? Almost sounds like motivation more than an injury report. "If he doesn't suck it up and go tomorrow in practice, he may not travel with us"??
And seriously, would everyone be mad if Ford plays? I personally won't have any hard feelings toward Leavitt if Ford ends up playing.
Posted by: Adam | September 04, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Friday isn't even a practice. Just a walkthrough type thing. Nothing where you could really show something ...
Posted by: G.A. | September 04, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Aren't teams limited in how many players can travel with the team? The question is, if Ford is too hurt to play, does bringing him along take the place of another player who could be a substitute if needed?
Just asking.
Posted by: Jim Johnson | September 04, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Good point. Just thought it sounded more motivational than anything. Hopefully Ford is ready to go against KU. Mentioned earlier on thebullspen that I'd like to see Grothe's comp % with Ford in the game. Teams cheat up to stop him and it should open some big passing lanes.
Posted by: Adam | September 04, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Ford will probably travel but I hope they just let him sit. I would like to see Jamar Taylor get some serious playing time. Save Ben and Ford for Kansas. Plancher and Taylor can carry this (light) load Saturday.
Posted by: Chuck | September 04, 2008 at 09:28 PM
i don't know why they kept running Ford against UTM anyway. wasn't he injured in the 3rd? by that point the game was well in hand. the 4th stringers should have been in after the half.
anyways, Ford should travel but sit out the game [unless absolutely needed]...
i'd like to see Kelly get more touches. the guy is like a Mack truck... get him warmed up and ready to pound the Jayhawks.
Posted by: bully | September 04, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Don't think there is a limit of players you can travel. Most teams just don't bring players that won't play.
Go BULLS !!!
Posted by: E.T. | September 04, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I wouldn’t be surprised if Taylor and Williams play in the middle of the field, and CJL brings in touchdown vulture Mike Ford at the goal line.
Posted by: Don Corleone | September 04, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Give Ford the week off. Williams, Taylor and Plancher can do this. I'm sold on our depth.
Posted by: cg | September 04, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Oh, and I love Greg getting a chance to make comments.
Posted by: cg | September 04, 2008 at 10:29 PM
if he's out, its still a tough loss for USF. looking forward to the game Saturday. hope to see many of you there!
- UCF Fan
Posted by: Daunte | September 04, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Does anyone else think UCF should retire like Daunte Pep?
Posted by: Dres | September 05, 2008 at 12:09 AM
I was very impressed with Jamar Taylor after the game...more so than Ford..He and BBQ looked real good
Posted by: BiggTipp | September 05, 2008 at 01:34 AM
Does anyone know where USF fans are tailgating for the game?
Posted by: John | September 05, 2008 at 07:43 AM
im going to Memory mall.
Posted by: flsportsfan83 | September 05, 2008 at 08:34 AM
As far away from UCF fans as possible, John.
My 2006 experience at the Citrus Bowl was quite possibly the worst I've ever seen. Yes, I am aware that "not all fans are bad", blah blah blah. However, in my 8 road trips with USF football, UCF was the worst. FAU and ECU were next.
Posted by: Mike Lakeland | September 05, 2008 at 08:39 AM
I agree! But I did have fun at ECU. We were so far away from ECU fans that it was a blast. I can only find info about parking on UCF campus, which I really want to avoid. I saw some parking lots north of the stadium.
Posted by: John | September 05, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Never heard of google Bulls?
www.ucfgameday.com
Welcome to the modern world...
Posted by: its easy | September 05, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Too bad Mike won't be there. Fortunately, DELdaBULL will be!
Posted by: DELdaBULL | September 05, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Yo its easy,
Its those comments that shows UCF fans have no common sense and belong with conference USA. I can't wait to finish this series of USF wins. Why would I want to use UCF information? So I can tailgate with obnoxious UCF fans!!?
Posted by: John | September 05, 2008 at 06:41 PM