In reviewing the South Florida Bulls we know that they had a top offense last season, and all the starters are basically back for a big run at the national title.  But Can the defense step us this year?  The Big Game that could decide it is on December 6th. 

This season three seniors return on the offensive line.  Senior left tackle Marc Dile (6-4, 309) and senior left guard Ryan Schmidt (6-4, 327) each have 20 career starts and are the most experienced of the group. Schmidt, a 2006 transfer from Kansas State, was a second-team All-Big East selection last season, while Dile has been a solid performer his entire career, though plagued by knee and ankle injuries.  The O-Line has good size, 6'4 312 averaging and has 87 starts combined.  Looks like this year South Florida will have the best offensive line ever.  This will help pave the way for QB Matt Grothe and RB Mike Ford.  The Big East odds at Sbgglobal.com currently have South Florida +5000 win the BCS National Championship game.

South Florida averaged 34.7 points per game last season and 414 yards per game.  Quarterback Matt Grothe (6-0, 200) has, quite simply, been the arms, legs and heart and soul of the Bulls' offense.  He led the team in rushing  (872 yards) and in passing (2,670).  He is now entering his junior season with 29 touchdowns passing and 19 rushing touchdowns.  "That position on our team has to be a runner and a thrower," offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said. "When your quarterback is being an effective runner, it's like having another player on the field -- one more player the defense has to account for.  If we try to limit Matt's running, we wouldn't be as good a football team."   The Big East odds at Sbgglobal.com currently have South Florida +200 to win the Big East Title. 

This team goes as it's defense goes.  They were at their peak when the defense was making plays.  The keys are if Nate Allen makes plays like he did when they were rising and continue his progression and for Selvie to continue to evolve into an all around force on the D-line.  If they can fill the holes on the defensive side they will be as strong if not stronger this year.  If the defense can play well this year they could make it as one big long shot to the national title game.  But the game that sticks out, and they have to win is the one in Morgantown on December 6th.  This could tell who will win the Big East title again West Virginia.  The Bulls have held the potent West Virginia run attack to an average of 160 yards per game in their last two upsets.  "We've got three starters back on the defensive line, so that should make us as strong or better than last year," defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said.  The Big East odds at Sbgglobal.com currently have South Florida over 9 -110 wins in the regular season.

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