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High-Rise Bulls

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By BRETT McMURPHY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2007

Updated: 10/01/2007 12:44 am

TAMPA - In the past week, Tampa enthusiastically jumped on the University of South Florida bandwagon. Don't look now, but it's really going to get crowded.

In only its 11th year of football, USF is the No 6 ranked team in America: Bull-lieve it or not.

USF shot up from No. 18 to No. 6 in Sunday's Associated Press poll thanks to Friday's 21-13 upset of then No. 5 West Virginia that preceded five other teams in the top 13 losing Saturday.

The Bulls are ranked ahead of defending national champion Florida, ahead of Oklahoma, Florida State and Miami. Ahead of everyone in the nation except for No. 1 LSU, No. 2 USC, No. 3 Cal, No. 4 Ohio State and No. 5 Wisconsin.

The sixth-ranked Bulls (4-0) have a legitimate shot to play for the national championship. To paraphrase baseball announcer Jack Buck's call on Kirk Gibson's World Series home run: "I don't believe what I just typed."

As far-fetched as it may sound, if the Bulls finish 12-0 and are ranked first or second, they would earn a spot in the BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 7 in New Orleans.

The first BCS rankings don't come out until Oct. 14, but the Bulls rank No. 3 (Sagarin) and No. 4 (Billingsley) in two of the six computer polls that are used. USF also is No. 9 in the USA Today coaches poll and No. 10 in the Harris poll.

It may be a little early to project whether a 12-0 USF team would rank higher in the final BCS rankings than a more tradition-rich, one-loss team, but CollegeBCS.com's Jerry Palm likes USF's chances in that scenario.

"The one problem I could see would be if Florida or LSU finished with one loss," Palm said. "I could see the voters liking the one-loss team better, and the computers might not be strong enough to make up the difference. Otherwise, I like USF's chances."

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden also likes what the Bulls are doing for the state's reputation.

"I think they are probably about as good as anybody," Bowden said. "I'm glad to see somebody in the state of Florida holding the banner up while the rest of us try to get off the floor."

Saturday the Bulls visit Florida Atlantic, one of six remaining games against teams that have winning records.

USF linebacker Tyrone McKenzie said he was "kind of in shock" when he heard how high the Bulls were ranked.

"It feels great," McKenzie said. "It's great for the fans, and it's great how the city of Tampa is going crazy over the Bulls.

"I think of all the people, the coaches and players that started the program 11 years ago. We want to put a smile on their face. We want to continue to build a program the city of Tampa deserves. But right now Florida Atlantic is on our minds, not anything else."

Added senior linebacker Ben Moffitt: "It's awesome. It's neat. This week proved anyone can beat anyone in college football, and we'll have to work hard to beat Florida Atlantic this week."

USF coach Jim Leavitt would not discuss the ranking Sunday night.

"Getting ready for FAU," Leavitt said. "That's all my mind has been on. They're awfully good, and they were picked to win the Sun Belt conference championship. It's a pretty good challenge."

USF athletics director Doug Woolard learned of the ranking Sunday afternoon when he received a telephone call from USF President Judy Genshaft.

"People nationally are showing an appreciation how our program has advanced in such a short time," Woolard said. "It has captured the attention of people across the country when you see this type of reaction and this type of ranking.

"I'm so pleased with how this community has responded and participated with the university and this football program. I'm appreciative of the fans and students getting behind the program. It's rewarding to see that happen."

ODDS AND ENDS: Moffitt was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week. ... DE George Selvie continues to lead the nation in sacks and tackles for loss. The Bulls rank No. 5 nationally in pass efficiency defense, No. 5 in turnover margin, No. 10 in scoring defense and No. 18 in total defense. ... After Friday's first sellout, USF officials said they are preparing for another one Oct. 13 against UCF.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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