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Bulls Have Come Long Way Since 2004

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By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: December 17, 2008

TAMPA - The last time the University of South Florida played Memphis, it was the Bulls' final game in Conference USA in 2004. Saturday's St. Petersburg Bowl will be the their first meeting since the Tigers' 31-15 victory in Tampa.

While the Bulls, along with Louisville and Cincinnati, bolted to the Big East, Memphis was left behind in C-USA.

So, what has been the biggest difference for USF coach Jim Leavitt since joining the Big East? Easier access to a BCS bowl? More national TV exposure? Enjoying more success recruiting? Nope, Leavitt said it was something else.

"We travel more," Leavitt said. "There's a lot more mileage, you know, going up to the Northeast."

Leavitt referenced trips this year to Louisville and Cincinnati before realizing USF played them in C-USA.

"There's a lot more miles that we're traveling, it seems like," Leavitt said. "We're playing in colder places probably more often."

USF's assistants and players said there were more significant differences.

"The biggest thing is the increased media attention," USF junior quarterback Matt Grothe said. "When I was in high school, you didn't hear a lot about USF, and you'd only catch a glimpse of USF on TV one or two times a year.

"Now we're on TV quite a few times on ESPN, ESPN2."

The St. Pete Bowl will be USF's 15th game and Memphis' 10th on ESPN or ESPN2 in the past four years.

"It's amazing how far we've come since my freshman year," USF junior wide receiver Jessie Hester Jr. said. "My first year on campus, I would see a lot of Florida, Florida State and Miami gear on campus. You don't see that anymore. The student body is proud to show they're USF fans, and they show it on campus."

USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said the move has "upgraded" USF's recruiting.

"It's really helped recruiting, and there's the perception the program is on the rise and it's going to get there," Burnham said.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928

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