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Bulls Will Get Crack At Seminoles

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By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: January 8, 2009

TAMPA - University of South Florida football coach Jim Leavitt has said the only way the Bulls can be considered among the state's elite programs is to beat one of the "Big Three."

The Bulls got two more chances Wednesday when USF and Florida State announced a home-and-home series, starting Sept. 26 in Tallahassee.

The Seminoles, who haven't played in Tampa since 1979, visit USF on Sept. 29, 2012. USF's schedule for this fall already was completed, but the Bulls moved their game at Indiana to 2015 to make room for the Seminoles, who needed a 12th game.

"I know USF athletic director Doug Woolard had to work some magic in his schedule to do it, but it's really a plus for us," Seminoles AD Randy Spetman said. "They are just four hours away and we should have a great turnout when we play here and down there."

The game in Tallahassee has special meaning for USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, who was an FSU assistant from 1985 to 1993. It will be his first game in Tallahassee in 16 years.

"Anytime you spend that much time there and now you're in the 'other' dressing room, it will be a different feeling," Burnham said. "I never thought I would get the chance. It'll be fun, but it will be quite a challenge."

Besides FSU, USF also has future games with Miami for the next five seasons and games at Florida in 2010 and 2015.

"It's the next step," Burnham said. "We're trying to join the 'Big Three.' We got them on the schedule, now we have to beat them to be considered in their class. It's a hard road to hoe."

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

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