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USF football a treat on Halloween Eve


Last Update: 10/31/2009 9:15 am
 Quarterback B. J. Daniels of the University of South Florida Bulls  (Getty Images)
Quarterback B. J. Daniels of the University of South Florida Bulls (Getty Images)

By: Tom Korun/WFTS-TV

Just when you thought USF was riding the high-speed train to nowhere, they jumped tracks and U--turned their season.

A reinstatement so to speak. A blast from the not to distant past.

Inspiring for sure, and a sigh of relief.

On this Halloween day, USF sits back knowing they avoided the triple-witching hour. Midnight had struck, no goblins or ghosts to continue their haunt.

The swoon ends, and the off-week begins.

Friday night's win over 20th ranked West Virginia was needed. More importantly, they stamped their victory with impunity. A dominating defensive display from a group that looked like it had lost its way.

All-America Defensive End George Selvie posted, so did his partner on the other side, Jason Pierre-Paul. All 11 deserve a standing ovation.

And that young quarterback by the name of B.J. Daniels, four out of five stars.

Daniels accounted for 336 yards in total offense for USF Friday night. More than West Virginia!

He threw for big plays, three touchdowns, with a few oh no's that freshman have the propensity to do.

Perhaps USF realized they can't harness this kid. He's a thrower, pure and simple.

Even more amazing was the offensive line was without two starters. Two young'ins step in and held more than their own.

They can't take back the losses to ranked Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. They can only look ahead. A roadie to Rutgers awaits them. Another demon to confront. That New Jersey bunch has USF's number.

Then comes that much anticipated matchup with Miami. If all goes well from here to the end of November, USF will be back in the top 25.

Eleven bowl representatives were at the game Friday night. They witnessed a crowd of 50,000 plus, and a quite exciting game to boot. Well played USF.

Next stop, Poughkeepsie. Important trip. A post-season appearance continues to hang in the balance.



The Talent

John Lindsay - Scripps Howard News Service, Washington

John Lindsay is sports editor for Scripps Howard News Service in Washington, D.C. Writing sports since 1985, John Lindsay has covered NFL, MLB, college football and basketball and major golf events for several newspapers in his career and has been a Heisman Trophy voter since 1996.

Tom Korun - WFTS, Tampa

As we will move forward in our blogging relationship, you and I will likely agree to disagree. You'll learn I mean what I say, and say what I mean. If you don't bring passion, don't waste my time and yours!

David Francois - WFTS, Tampa

A Virginian by birth, David Francois can be found at Elmer’s in Ybor City on Sundays, the only Redskins bar in Tampa. He attended JMU and is proud to say he went to the same school as Scott "Wide Right" Norwood.

Brian Nutt - KJRH, Tulsa

Living in Tulsa means Golden Hurricanes, Sooners, or Cowboys, but not for this guy. Woo Pig Sooie Razorbacks! Nothing like a fall evening in Razorback Stadium calling the Hogs.

Aaron Heintzelman - KSHB, Kansas City

Aaron hopes to use his limited football expertise to fuel many fantasy victories this year, but a quick look at his roster proves he has some work to do. Aaron's true allegiances lie with the Eagles, but you'll also catch him tuning into Chiefs, Steelers and Dolphins games.

Tom Leyden – WXYZ, Detroit

The first book Tom ever read was, "Super Bowl," by John Devaney, written in 1971. He was hooked from that moment. He knows every Super Bowl site, score and MVP. Go ahead - try him. Especially XXI, XXV and XLII. G-Men!

Ian Preuth - WCPO, Cincinnati

I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life so I've seen many bad teams and a few good ones. Most of the time the good teams get screwed because Cincinnati is cursed. I can watch any sport, enjoy competition no matter what it is and appreciate a good debate.

Larry Carney - WMAR, Baltimore

Larry loves crab cakes, football and everything purple and black. He hates Heinz ketchup, Primanti Brothers’ sandwiches and all things Pittsburgh. His fantasy football teams grab running backs on good teams and wide receivers on bad ones. Hidden Talent: Great heckler.

Jeff Heisner - KNXV, Phoenix

I grew up and worked in Detroit and have a keen sense for what bad football really is. After escaping to Arizona I've come to find out professional football isn't all that bad.

Craig Fouhy - KNXV, Phoenix

He's played the game, he's been a coach, and now he's spouting off about it! It's not just about highlights in Phoenix...out here it's a little bit of highlights and a lot of..."Fouhy on Sports!"

Cory Williams - KNXV, Phoenix

Representing the west coast! Cory has spent the last 15 years covering the desert dwelling teams of Arizona. When you’re tired of all the east coast bias (and there's plenty of it here!)...Laugh it off and look west!

Wyatt Wright - WPTV, West Palm Beach

Wyatt Wright is a husband, father and football fan. When he's not yelling at the neighbor kids to get off his lawn, he's reminiscing about seventh grade, when he was a scrappy but undersized linebacker for the 110-pound "B" squad.

Chip Mahaney - E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati

Even though Chip's Cincinnati office has a view of the Bengals' stadium, his heart and mouth are native Texan. His first NFL memory: Super Bowl VI (Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3). Each Saturday in autumn, he prays for a resurrection of the Southwest Conference.

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