2009 South Florida Bulls College Football Predictions

2009 South Florida Bulls Predictions
2008 Record: (8-5, 2-5)
Coach: Jim Leavitt, 13th year (87-52)
Off. Coordinator: Mike Canales (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Joe Tresey, David Blackwell (1st year)
Returning Starters: 13, (5 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Matt Grothe)

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Offense: The Bulls return struggled last year on offense compared to 2007, when they averaged 35ppg in Big East play and less than half of that last season. So they re-hired Mike Canales who was the offensive coordinator from 1997 to 2000. They should run a more pure version of the spread offense with Canales in control. Senior QB Matt Grothe (6-0, 203) returns, but he is just one of five on offense. He’s one of the nation’s top dual threats, who has thrown for more than 8,000 yards in his career and rushed for just over 2,000 over three seasons. What the Bulls need is more balance and not just reliance on Grothe. They do have a very deep receiving corps led by senior Jessie Hester, who had a team-high 54 receptions for 579 yards last season. Junior RB Mike Ford (6-2, 225) struggled last season but dropped 20 pounds and should be the starter though he’ll be pushed by senior Moise Plancher. The offensive line returns just one starter and their only other definitive starter, junior Jacob Simms (6-5, 285) will either play center or left tackle.

Defense: The defense was the strength of the team last year, allowing just 20ppg and 287.6 yards per game (10th in the nation). This year, the Bulls return six starters on defense including DE George Selvie (6-4, 255). Selvie has 25.5 career sacks, but had just 5.5 last year due to constant double teams. He needs some help from senior Aaron Harris (6-4, 260) and juco transfer Jason Pierre-Paul. At linebacker, they return just one player in senior Kion Wilson (6-2, 235). Senior Donte Spires (6-3, 222) does return after missing 2008 to concentrate on academics and will challenge Chris Robinson (6-3, 233) for the weakside spot. In the secondary, senior corner Jerome Murphy is the leading returning tackler with 67. Senior FS Nate Allen, who had five picks last year, also leads the way.

Outlook: Jim Leavitt will have his hands full with a young team that features an inexperienced offensive line. They open with Wofford, Western Kentucky and Charleston Southern. After that, they face Florida State on the road and the reset of a mediocre Big East. With Grothe and Selvie back, there’s always a chance that the Bulls are at or near the top of the Big East.

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