The University of South Florida sent out its people last week, drumming up support around Tampa. Drumming is a light description. Make that imploring and begging for folks to come out and support the Bulls in their game against Cincinnati.
The good football fans of Tampa kept their part of the bargain. South Florida did not.
The Bulls defense could not survive the heroics of Zach Collaros, a backup quarterback who came in for the wounded Tony Pike and drove a stake right into the heart of USF and its fans.
This week the Bulls have another huge problem.
That problem comes in the form of a road trip. It comes in the form at a 6-1 Pitt Panther team that is unbeaten (3-0) in the Big East.
This game at Heinz Field is basically a "make or break" proposition for USF. It's a must win. It is doubtful that a team can win the Big East with two losses this season, given the terrific start by Cincinnati and the steady play of the Panthers.
If the Bulls thought it was hard to stop Collaros from running the football last week, they have a really, really big problem this week. The big problem comes in a small package. That small package is very explosive. It is 5'9" Dion Lewis, the newest freshman sensation in college football.
Lewis already has Panther fans whispering the "D" word, as in Dorsett. Dorsett as in Tony.
They are also whispering the "H" word, as in Heisman. Although he may not jump into the mix this year, they feel this running back will be there next season. He's already gained 918 yards this year, second best in the nation.
South Florida will have to bounce back from a dismal defensive performance that was marred by excess penalties, dropped interceptions and missed tackles.
The Bulls won't be able to key on Lewis, however. Panther quarterback Bill Stull has been good, yet unspectacular and has two big weapons in 6'5" wideout Jonathan Baldwin and tight end Dorin Dickerson.
USF's own offense has to bounce back. Quarterback B.J. Daniels finally looked like a rookie against the Bearcats, scrambled a lot but couldn't accomplish much in the second half of that game.
USF has started 5-0 the past three seasons then promptly imploded.
The Bulls will have to show that the sins of the past won't surface this week.
It's a must win.
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