In topsy-turvy Big East, anybody can win
As USF prepares to return to the field at Rutgers on Saturday, coach Skip Holtz spoke Monday about the unpredictability of the Big East and a Rutgers team that is one win away from becoming bowl eligible.
Winning just four games last season, the Scarlet Knights’ (5-3, 2-2) young roster was tabbed to finish last in the conference this year. However, that spot is held by USF (4-3, 0-3), which was picked to finish third and received first-place votes.
It’s been that kind of year so far in the Big East, where No. 23 Cincinnati is the highest-ranked team in the Associated Press poll and the only team undefeated in the conference, despite being picked to finish fifth.
“When you look at the difference between winning and losing in almost every one of these conference games, it’s one play,” Holtz said. “I think the margin of victory in this league is extremely small … When you start talking about a conference game, all the way from first place to last place, almost anybody can win.”
The Bulls are the only team in the conference that has yet to win a league game, but will face a Rutgers team that is coming off consecutive losses after opening the Big East season with a pair of wins.
“When you look at (Rutgers), especially on the defensive side of the ball … they’re ranked in the top three in the league in … nine of the categories that we keep,” Holtz said. “They have a very talented team.”
More Stories
USF men’s soccer faces former AAC foe UCF in new 2024 schedule
USF men’s soccer is set to play against ranked teams such as Hofstra and former rival UCF in its new 2024 schedule released on Monday. Both teams are ranked on the United Soccer Coaches Men’s Top 25 Poll, compiled by the largest soccer coaches organization in the world. Hofstra is currently ranked 17th, while UCF […]
Former USF football player killed in car crash
Former USF tight end Teigan Martin was killed in a single-car crash in Minnesota on Monday morning, according to the Carver County Sheriff’s office. First responders responded to a report of a crash on County Road 122 near Hollywood Township, MN, just after 5 a.m., according to a sheriff’s press release. Deputies discovered a vehicle […]
USF’s Jose Fernandez wins gold in international basketball championship
It may be a few weeks until the Olympics, but a familiar face in USF Athletics is already taking home the gold. Related: USF’s Abdul Rasheed Saminu qualifies for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics On Sunday, USF women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez led the women’s USA Basketball U18 team to gold in the 2024 FIBA […]
USF’s Abdul-Rasheed Saminu qualifies for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics
Bulls sophomore sprinter Abdul-Rasheed Saminu may have just punched his ticket to the Paris Olympics, representing his home country, Ghana. “Every athlete’s dream is to run in the Olympics,” Saminu said. “I am very thankful to be representing my country.” Saminu, 22, qualified for the Olympics’ 200-meter dash, granting him a spot on Ghana’s roster. […]
Here’s what you missed in USF Athletics this month
June has been a month of transformation for many USF Athletics’ coaching staffs. Over the last few weeks, Athletics Director Michael Kelly has announced leadership changes across various sports. From new hires, to promotions, to extensions, USF sports will consist of a blend of new and old faces in coaching positions. Here are some notable […]
OPINION: USF’s football stadium will add much to college experience
While I love watching college football, I often find myself canceling on my friends when I am invited to a game after looking at the drive time to Raymond James Stadium. Whether you’re a commuter or someone who lives on campus, it’s no secret that going to watch a USF football game is inconvenient. There’s […]