Pittsburgh's 19-15 win against West Virginia on Friday keeps afloat one scenario that wouldn't have USF playing in the St. Petersburg Bowl -- that the Bulls could earn a spot in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, where they made their bowl debut in 2005.
With Cincinnati taking the league's BCS berth and Pittsburgh the best guess for the Sun (presuming Notre Dame loses to USC and the Gator takes Nebraska), the Meineke folks would be choosing between USF and West Virginia, or Rutgers if the Knights can beat Louisville. To be considered for Charlotte, the Bulls would have to win at West Virginia, but such a win would put them at 8-4 with two straight wins, while West Virginia would be 7-5, having lost three of four. Connecticut played in Charlotte last season, so they're not a reasonable option. Rutgers, with a win against Louisville, would be 7-5 but with a six-game win streak, giving Charlotte all kinds of options.
In talking with people involved in the Big East's bowl selection process this week, it seems the Bulls would be very much on the Meineke's radar in such a scenario, though USF would still have a good job of winding up in St. Petersburg, which would be ideal for the first-year bowl. To have any shot at Charlotte, the Bulls would have to beat West Virginia for the third year in a row ...
-- USF receivers coach Mike Canales said Friday that he was on his way to interview for the head coaching vacancy at Utah State. "It's my alma mater. It's a dream job, but it's a destination, too," said Canales, who will be back in Tampa on Saturday. The Bulls don't practice again until Monday as they prepare for their regular-season finale at West Virginia. For more on the Utah State job, the Deseret News' USU blog has been all over it ...
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Tad, if the Sun were to take Notre Dame, it would count as a Big East team, so that pushes everybody down one rung on the ladder. If Rutgers beats Louisville on Thursday, the Sun can't take Notre Dame.
Posted by: G.A. | November 30, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Looks good for USF FSU, right now!
Posted by: Bulliever | November 30, 2008 at 09:05 AM
GA-
If the Sun Bowl takes ND, then that would count as a BE team?
Posted by: Tad | November 29, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Possible Miami-USF game if NC state wins today?
Meineke Car Care bowl is ACC No. 5/6/7 vs. Big East No. 3.
FSU, Boston College, GT are all ahead of miami and with a VT and NC win they could move ahead. Making maimi drop to 5-6.
Posted by: JG | November 29, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Bull Daly, re: Gator Bowl next year, that sounds great for a Big East team, but too bad the timing isn't better for USF. Based on number of senior losses this year and lack of depth we're seeing thus far, it doesn't look like the Bulls will have a big year next season. Unless there's some big improvement by this year's sophomores and juniors, it just doesn't look promising for USF winning more than six games next year. I hope I'm wrong!?
Posted by: Don G | November 29, 2008 at 01:53 PM
I don't think FSU falls that far. Maybe Chick-Fil-A there ...
Posted by: Greg Auman | November 29, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Nebraska would be Big 12 so I guess they would pick Miami...
Leaving USF FSU match up in the Meineke! I like it!
Go Bulls!
Posted by: Bulliever | November 29, 2008 at 01:43 PM
USF FSU could be Meineke too! That would be awesome!
I would love to go to JAX but Charlotte is beautiful place too and the people there are great! Last time we played up there all the North Carolinians were very complimentary...Must be that Southern Hospitality!!!
I am not planning on the St Pete Bowl...With the $250.00 we’d spend in tix, I would rather give it directly to USF than to waste my money on that Bowl.
The whole purpose for these bowls is to generate revenue for the Cities that host these games, that includes rooms and restaurants...How does USF playing in St Pete generate money for St Pete...It only makes money for the stadium...because no one will be staying the night in St Pete or eating our afterwards, we'll just go home
Posted by: Bulliever | November 29, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Greg,
You are right in the the Gator is going to choose Nebraska this year. The only positive thing is that the Gator Bowl cant choose a BIG 12 team next year since they chose Texas Tech last season per the contract. The way Notre Dame is looking right now, I will be surprised if they are eligible for the Gator Bowl next season.
Posted by: Bull Daly | November 29, 2008 at 11:46 AM
The latest I'm hearing is that, barring a Notre Dame upset against USC, the Gator is leaning toward Nebraska.
Posted by: Greg Auman | November 29, 2008 at 10:24 AM
I would sure like to see us win at WVU. 8-4 (and 3-4 in BE) seems a lot better than 7-5 and especially 2-5. I'm still planning on St. Pete, but Meineke would be an interesting option. Is there no chance Gator would stage USF-FSU?
Posted by: | November 29, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Yeh, I'd have to agree about the number of bowl games (I think it's 34?). If there's 34 bowl games and there's 120 1-A teams, then there's bowl games for over half of the 1-A teams. What's so special about that!?
Posted by: Don G | November 28, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Ole Miss is playing darn good football right now. If they had played five more minutes in the 'Bama game, 'Bama would have lost. They, in my opinion, have the best O-line in college right now. Add a great coach in Nutt... the sky is the limit for them. Makes you wonder if Petrino is going to get Arkansas going like he did the 'Ville. Petrino and Rich Rod have their work cut out for them... but they are proven winners and will most likely continue their ways when they have their systems and players in place... if their fan bases can be patient.
Posted by: Terry Lucas | November 28, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Wayyyyyy to many Bowl Games. I usually start with the Cotton Bowl then move up from there. BTW would love to see Ole Miss and Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl Jan.1
Posted by: The Champ | November 28, 2008 at 04:08 PM