Ledger: It's Whole Different Situation for USF

[Jim Johnson]

It's Whole Different Situation for USF

The University of South Florida Bulls have taken the next step toward becoming an established college football threat. On Sunday, the Bulls were ranked for the first time in the program's history.

USF is ranked 23rd in The Associated Press Poll and 24th in the Coaches Poll.

We know how they were when they were fighting for credibility. Now, we get to see how they react with a bulls-eye on their backs.

South Florida will play at home against an improved North Carolina squad, led by former Miami coach Butch Davis.

All week, USF has preached the word "focus." It is indeed an important week. The Bulls start Big East play next week against No. 6 West Virginia. A loss today against the Tar Heels would knock the Bulls off the road to the big-time.

It's not going to be an easy game. And with having a bye week, I think USF will come out sluggish.

It's games like this that separate the contenders from the pretenders. USF has talked this season about being a contender. To back that up, they have to win today, even when looking ahead.

South Florida will pull away late to get a victory.

USF, 28-13.

Hey, this picking games is easy. I hadn't picked in almost a year and still went 7-1 last week (Minnesota overheated at South Beach).

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