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Penalties plague Bulls

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By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2009

Updated: 10/24/2009 10:56 pm

PITTSBURGH - The South Florida Bulls entered Saturday afternoon's game as the Big East Conference's most-penalized team.

That woeful trend continued in a 41-14 loss against Pittsburgh as the Bulls were penalized nine times for 71 yards.

"I don't know if we had that many, but they were crucial ones," USF coach Jim Leavitt said.

Bulls junior OT Jacob Sims was called for a false start and also was flagged 15 yards for a chop block, which negated a 19-yard run by Jamar Taylor to the Pittsburgh 41-yard line, when the Panthers led just 7-0.

"It's a physical play," USF offensive coordinator Mike Canales said. "I don't think it's intentional. I think it has happened to us three times this year. I know the officials are looking for those things. We've got to find a way to allow those not to happen."

Midseason swoon

In 2007, USF (6-0) was ranked No. 2 nationally and lost three straight games.

Last season, the Bulls (5-0) were No. 10 nationally and lost four of their next five games.

And now, after rising to a 5-0 mark and the No. 21 national ranking, the Bulls have lost two straight with West Virginia (6-1, 2-0) headed to Raymond James Stadium on Friday night.

"I don't worry about the past," Leavitt said. "This is a different team."

But so far, it is following a familiar pattern.

Taylor returns

Taylor, who had not played since spraining his knee in August, saw his first action Saturday. He rushed five times for 28 yards.

"I was smiling," Canales said. "He really fits what we want to do. I'm sure we'll be talking about more and more ways to utilize him."

Wally's world

On a day when USF surrendered 41 points and 486 yards against Pittsburgh, former Bulls defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, now at Iowa State, helped to shut down the Nebraska Cornhuskers 9-7.

Worst losses

This year's USF team missed out on a couple of dubious records - worst loss to a Big East opponent (Rutgers 49, USF 16 last season) and worst loss overall (Arkansas 42, USF 3 in 2002).

Odds and ends

USF is 15-16 all-time in Big East Conference games. The Bulls are 5-10 in Big East road games (three of the wins were at Syracuse). ... Since rushing 13 times for 68 yards and two touchdowns against Syracuse, USF RB Mike Ford has had a combined nine carries against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. ... Redshirt freshman Evan Landi, who had previously seen game action at wide receiver, got his first snaps at quarterback. In the fourth quarter, Landi was 3-for-5 passing for 36 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He rushed five times for 15 yards. ... USF executive associate athletic director Bill McGillis said about 200 tickets remain for the Nov. 28 game against Miami at Raymond James Stadium. They can only be purchased as part of a three-pack, including USF's other home games against West Virginia (Friday night) and Louisville (Nov. 21). If Miami returns some of its allotment, additional tickets could be made available. ... USF's Delbert Alvarado punted five times for a 45.4-yard average with a long of 56. Pittsburgh did not punt.

Joey Johnston

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