TWTW: The Upsets- Notre Dame, Duke, Oregon State (With Bonus Virginia and VaTech Coverage)

((HT: WSBT-TV/WRALSportsfan.com))

And, yes, the HQ knows that this is kind of a stretch...

A lot of people had South Florida taking out the fighting Irish... it took almost six hours through two weather delays, but it finally happened. And it took USF about six hours to print the t-shirt...
 

And the HQ also knows that Richmond is a class-A I-AA outfit while Dook is a perpetual struggler in the Aay-Cee-Cee...
Sean Robertson has the details with bonus coverage of VaTech-App State and UVa-William and Mary...
((HT: WTVR-TV Richmond))
 

But the funkiest game of the day, when it comes to upsets, was with Sacramento State and Oregon State... and the Beavers were not nice...
Nick Krupke stands behind a desk...
((HT: KVAL-TV Eugene))

Jim Leavitt gets settlement from USF

Jim Leavitt/Courtesy: gossone.com

At least he won't go hungry.

The Tampa Tribune is reporting that former USF head coach Jim Leavitt will receive a $2.75 million settlement from the school after they fired him in January of last year. Leavitt had been accused of grabbing one of his players by the throat at halftime of a 2009 game and then hit him twice on the cheek.

For his part, Leavitt denied the allegations, but the school said he lied about the incident and tried to cover it up, which is why he was fired.

Read more from TBO.com RIGHT HERE

It closes what was an ugly divorce between a school and the guy who started their football program from scratch....and made it very successful. Leavitt's name hasn't surfaced for any jobs this past round of Carousel, hopefully the resolution of this issue will allow him another opportunity. He's earned it.

TWTW Bowling: South Florida Survives 2 Onside Kicks In Meineke Win

B.J. Daniels threw two touchdowns passes and ran for a third and South Florida finished coach Skip Holtz's first season with a 31-26 victory over Clemson in the Meineke Bowl.

Mo Plancher also ran for a score for the Bulls (now 8-5), who took control after Tigers quarterback Kyle Parker left at halftime with broken ribs in the second quarter. South Florida secured its fifth straight eight-win season and earned its first bowl win over a team from a BCS conference.

Backup Tajh Boyd was picked off by JaQuez Jenkins on the first play of the fourth quarter. His 48-yard return set up a Daniels' 8-yard TD run to make it 31-13 and gave the Tigers (now 6-7) their first losing season in 11 years

Dabo Swinney's future remains in question as we head into January...
Here's the wrap from our friends at WSPA-TV

Leavitt Suing South Florida

((HT: WTVT-TV Tampa))

Former USF head football coach Jim Leavitt has filed a lawsuit against the school according to a news release by Leavitt's attorney- Wil Florin.

In the suit, Leavitt claims the school "illegally" fired him. He says he was terminated because of "hearsay allegations."

The lawsuit comes less than two weeks after the player Leavitt is accused of assaulting, Joel Miller, issued a statement saying he did not plan on suing the former coach. Miller says he “told the truth because it was the right thing to do, not to make money.”

Florin’s release continues: “This announcement was made despite USF’s actual knowledge that Coach Leavitts account was supported by law enforcement, a coach and several players.”

Here's coverage from WTSP-TV in Tampa...
Kathryn Bursch got to do a live shot outside...


Here's a copy of Leavitt's complaint...

Miller Wants Apology From Leavitt

((HT: Bay News 9 Tampa))

Former South Florida head football coach Jim Leavitt had his press conference last week.

It was USF player Joel Miller's turn today... in the office of his lawyer, Barry Cohen.

"It's about principle," Cohen said. "Don't look in the mirror every morning and see a coward who didn't have the guts to man up just like you've been telling Joel since he's been 12-years-old."

Miller has given Leavitt ten days to deliver his apology- heartfelt or otherwise, the HQ isn't sure which Miller will accept... Leavitt's attorneys have told Miller the legal version of "perch and rotate."

Here's some of Miller and Cohen's presser form earlier today in Tampa...
Thanks to our friends at BayNews 9...

Skip Holtz Heading, Not Skipping, To USF

***BREAKING NEWS****

According to multiple published reports, it appears that Skip Holtz has found a new home in the Big East as Head Coach of the University of South Florida Bulls.

Brett McMurphy of Fanhouse.com was first with the story RIGHT HERE

According to the report, the school plans on announcing the hire of the now second coach in school history. He will replace the coach who started the program, Jim Leavitt who was fired just a few days ago for allegedly choking a player and then not being forthcoming in the ensuing investigation.

Holtz, son of the legendary coach and crazy broadcaster Lou, leaves East Carolina after having several years of success and a 38-27 record. He lead the to two Conference USA titles and fourn bowl games in his four seasons there.

Dave Wirth from WTSP-TV and 10Connects is live on campus...
((HT: 10Connects))


Holtz's introduction is set for noon Friday in Tampa...
Skip will find out that they put their pants on the same way they do in the Big East as they do in Conference USA...

Is Fulmer Interested In USF...??? Is The Feeling Mutual...???

Yes... maybe... could be...
Something like that...

Andrea Adelson of the Orlando Sentinel tracked Fulmer down at the AFCA coach's convention and she got a non-denial denial...

Fulmer, when he was making the rounds as an analyst for CBSCSTV this season, has maintained that he doesn't want to be part of any rebuilding process for his next gig. If he's going to consider a program to get back in to wandering the sidelines full time, they have to have the capability to winning a national title. He's done that before and wants to be presented with the same resources to chase after another one...

USF has not "directly" talked with Fulmer...

Here's the conjunction: BUT... from Adelson's conversation:

"I made a significant point when I got out of coaching that I’m looking for a program that’s committed to winning and being the best they can be. Certainly South Florida fits that profile. Coach Leavitt, the alumni and the administration have done a tremendous job getting it to the point where it is. There’s probably another level they can get to.

“The recruiting base, the facilities as I understand them they’ve done a great job with that. My wife is from St. Pete. We have lots of friends in the area. I’ve recruited in Florida for a long time. There’s some positive things about the program.”

Now all South Florida has to do is figure out the whole Jim Leavitt-thing before figuring out just how much they can spend on a new head coach...

The HQ is intrigued by this idea as well... but we thought Fulmer's arrows would shoot a little higher. The Big East Conference hasn't proven itself to be a national title contender-type conference...

Leavitt Wants His Job Back... He's "Gonna Fight For It, Y'all..."

((HT: WTVT-TV Tampa))

Jim Leavitt wants his job back... because he loves his players...
Don't all coaches...???

He doesn't want any lost wages... he just wants his job back...

Leavitt said today that he did not strike a player- linked to sophomore Joel Miller- during this year's Louisville game where it is claimed Leavitt grabbed Miller by the throat and slapped him. A letter from Leavitt's attorney, Thomas D. Roebig Jr., said that the firing violated the terms of Leavitt's contract and his state and federal constitutional rights.

Sure... we'll bite...

Roebig also claims that Leavitt was denied a pre-termination meeting, which he was "legally entitled to..."

Here's Jim Leavitt during his presser, thanks to our friends at MyFoxTampa...


Leavitt says the allegations were "misreported."
The HQ thinks Leavitt misremembered since Miller and his family have hired their own high-falooting attorney...

BREAKING NEWS: Jim Leavitt Fired After Investigation

AOL Fanhouse and ESPN.com are citing sources that South Florida head football coach Jim Leavitt has been fired.

AOL Fanhouse .com reports that USF president Judy Genshaft informed Leavitt that he would not be back.

According to ESPN.com, a staff meeting has been scheduled for 12 noon where the coaching staff will be let go.

USF has been investigating allegations of Jim Leavitt mis-treating players and harming some psychically. Reports surfaced of Leavitt grabbing sophomore Joel Miller by the throat and hitting the walk-on twice in the face at halftime of the Louisville game back on November 21.

As far as candidates that could replace Leavitt, OSG Sports is hearing Tommy Tuberville, who has contacts in the sunshine state, and former Iowa State head coach and current defensive line coach at Florida Dan McCarney. We have even seen Mike Leach's name being mentioned.

MyFoxTampa, through the AP, has talked to Leavitt and he confirms his dismissal... saying he was "disappointed" and the allegation was "absolutely false."

ABC-28's Tom Korun has the details...
((HT: ABCActionNews/WFTS-TV))


Here's coverage from our friends at WTVT-13
((HT: MyFoxTampa))


Here's the result of the USF investigation... on paper...

Photo Courtesy: Tampa Tribune

Another USF Player Lines Up Against Leavitt

((HT: WDAE AM 620 Tampa))

Colby Erskin was thinking of leaving USF's football program anyway since he was a senior...or he might apply for a 6th year of eligibility because of all his knee problems...

But if what Erskin says is true, then head coach Jim Leavitt is in deep BS...
Pardon the pun...

First, an article by Brett McMurphy on Fanhouse.com came out Wednesday detailing Erskin's thoughts. He wasn't around when Leavitt allegedly slapped Joel Miller. But Erskin claims Miller came to him seeking advice on what to do...

"Joel told me that coach Leavitt was in his face and yelling at him for getting a penalty on a special teams play," Erskin said. "He said that Coach asked him a question about the play and Joel said he was hesitant to answer. Coach asked him the question a second time and Joel still didn't answer, so Leavitt grabbed him with one hand around Joel's neck and he slapped him twice with the other."

Leavitt, according to Erskin and his father, has retaliated- once by even putting all of Colby Erskin's belongings in the trash.

Erskin, has since gone on the offensive- appearing on the Steve Duemig show on WDAE-AM in Tampa...

It's a 20-minute interview, but it's an interesting listen...

The HQ maintains that Leavitt will get the same fate as both Mark Mangino and Mike Leach, but not until they can have enough evidence to blow the only coach USF has ever known completely out of the water...

Did Leavitt Strike One Of His Own...???

((HT: WTSP-TV))

Okay... we have another possible incident where a coach has delivered shenanigans to a player... And what is it with coaches from the state of Florida and their players in the first place...???

In an article by FanHouse.com's Brett McMurphy, Paul Miller, the father of sophomore Joel Miller, contends Leavitt grabbed his son by the throat, then popped him twice in the face. The incident supposedly happened during halftime of the USF/Louisville game November 21.

Five witnesses confirmed the story to Fanhouse.

According to the five witnesses -- USF players and staff members -- Leavitt was pacing in the Raymond James Stadium locker room at halftime when he walked about 10 feet to the locker where Miller was sitting without his helmet. Leavitt then grabbed Miller by the throat and hit him twice in the face with his hand.

"You do something like that [on the street], you put them in jail," Paul Miller, Joel's father and a former Tampa police officer, told FanHouse. "Somewhere [Leavitt] crossed the line."

"I was thinking 'am I really seeing this?' " a player said. "I've never felt wronged by [Leavitt], he's done nothing but help me, but when I witnessed that, I was like 'this is bull----.'

WTSP-TV/10Connects Dave Wirth has his report and Leavitt's retort...


Leavitt emphatically denies the whole thing...
The irony of the matter is that all the apologizing and reporting came one day after Mark Mangino got into trouble on the KU campus. Leavitt and Mangino have been on the same staffs before...

Paul Miller, mysteriously or not, recanted his statement when interviewed by the St. Pete Times newspaper and Greg Auman...

"I stand behind the university and Coach Leavitt 100 percent,'' Paul Miller said. "I truly believe there was no malicious intent to hit anyone. He grabbed his shoulder pad, but it was like a motivational thing. After talking with Joel, he was satisfied there was not a slap, not at all.''

Uh huh... like those of us at OSG HQ said...
"Shenanigans" of the highest order...

TWTW: South Freaking Florida...???

((HT: WCTV-TV/Thomasville, Tallahassee))

Redshirt freshman B.J. Daniels ran for 126 yards and threw two touchdown passes in his first collegiate start Saturday to lead undefeated South Florida to a 17-7 win at
No. 18 Florida State in the first meeting between the schools.

Daniels was filling in for senior Matt Grothe, out for the season with a knee injury.

It was the first time since Nebraska's Steve Taylor ran for 139 yards against the Seminoles in 1986 that an opposing quarterback rushed for over 100 yards against them.

Florida State (2-2) lost four fumbles, including a critical one by quarterback Christian Ponder that allowed USF to ice the game.

Daniels, a Tallahassee kid not heavily recruited by Florida State, totaled 341 yards of offense.

Those of us at OSG HQ are wondering when Jimbo Fisher is run out of town on that rail we always hear about...

Highlights from our friends at WCTV Newschannel 6


Here's post-game from our friends at WTVT-TV and MyFoxTampa
It's a fan piece...

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: Big East Conference

Pittsburgh: Last Year (9-4, 5-2 in the Big East). Losers in the Sun Bowl.

Offense: This is a senior laden experience crew that has high expectations for Coach Dave Wannstedt’s crew. Coming off of a 3-0 loss in the Sun Bowl last season, seniors Bill Stull and Pat Bostick are the guys to run the show at Quarterback. It’s rare for a team to have 2 seniors at QB, but the Panthers do. Receiver Jonathan Baldwin is expected to be a breakout star at Receiver as well.

Defense: The Defense loses Conference Player of the year Scott McKillop but, they will be led this season by Defensive End Greg Romeus and Cornerback Aaron Berry.

Strengths: They should be able to score in bunches, senior leadership is always a good thing and the Panthers are an experienced team.

Weaknesses: Some question marks on Defense, guys are going to have to step up. Some are still not convinced that Wannstedt is the guy to make them a consistent national power.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: The Panthers have been a decent team for the past couple of years but something seems to always hold them back. They haven’t come up big when necessary. Is that Coaching? You have to wonder a bit. They should be a good program and they have improved, but can they go further?

Wilkie: Pitt hired a new offensive coordinator (Frank Cignetti) to mix things up on offense. The key is QB Bill Stull to get the ball to the playmakers on the perimeter. If the Panthers can create some excitement on offense then I really like this Pitt team. The “Backyard Brawl” on Nov. 27th should be appointment viewing.

Jon: Look to November 27th for the game in Morgantown. That will determine the conference title.

West Virginia: Last Year (9-4, winner in the Meinke Car Care Bowl)

Offense: It all begins and ends with Noel Devine. The high flying running back was by far the best player on the team and he is back for another season. Jarrett Brown is prepared to step in for the departed Pat White and run the Mountaineer offense. Between the 2, expect these guys to score…a lot.

Defense: No real standouts here. The leader is probably Middle Linebacker Reed Williams, but much like Pitt, this is the unit that is going to have to improve for these guys to be a major factor in the conference.

Strengths: As always, offense. With Brown and Devine, scoring should not be an issue. They will score and sometimes very quickly.

Weaknesses: Defense and depth. With the quick strike offense, it is important the defense play well. Coach Bill Stewart just has to figure out if his guys are up to the task.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: Again, can they stop people? They should be decent, but just how decent? There are athletes here, but I just don’t know that they have enough to run the table. Upper part of the conference, but I don’t see a championship…this season.

Wilkie: If the offensive line performs up to expectations then the Mountaineers will return to the top of the Big East conference. West Virginia has the best athletes and speed in the league. With that said, we will know this year if Bill Stewart can keep the express rolling in Morgantown.

Jon: The schedule sets up nicely for the Mountaineers. They get East Carolina, Auburn and Colorado early. That should tell Coach Stewart just how ready they really are. Heading in to November, they should only have two losses- max- and the challenges of going to USF, Cincinnati, and Rutgers will determine who gets the title on the 27th.

Cincinnati: (Last Year: 10-3, Lost in the Orange Bowl)

Offense: Quarterback Tony Pike and Receiver Mardy Gilyard return to the Bearcats for another season. They should lead Cinci who is coming off of its first conference title last season. Coach Brian Kelly is known for having a prolific offense and these guys don’t…and won’t disappoint.

Defense: Coach Kelly, your mission is: Replace 10 starters from last year’s defense. Folks that is a tough one for anybody to make up for. Much like the other teams in the East, they’ve got work to do on Defense. We will see how much work they have done in just a few weeks.

Strengths: Like the other teams, it’s all about the “O”. They should not have much trouble scoring, but they may need it to outscore the other team. Look for both Gilyard and Pike to have big seasons this year.

Weakness: Look at the defensive section and that will explain it all.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: They won’t repeat, but they will be a decent team. They will compete for the title, but you just can’t replace 10 starters on one side of the ball in one season and expect miracles. Bowl game for sure though.

Wilkie: The good news is that Brian Kelly is still the head coach and plans to stay awhile. The bad news is the defense, 10 starters gone. No sense beating on a dead horse (or Bearcat). The offense will have to outscore opponents and they should. No repeat in Cincy but a bowl game.

Jon: Their out-of-conference schedule has Fresno, at Oregon State, and Illinois. Brian Kelly isn’t messing around. But because of everyone graduating on defense, it’ll be a year where Pike and Gilyard have to match and surpass the points given up every week. They won’t set another school record, but it’ll be another bowl game.

South Florida: (Last Year: 8-5, Winner Magic Jack St. Petersburg Bowl)

Offense: It all starts with Matt Grothe. Grothe seems to have been around forever and there is a reason for that. He played early and often and very well and he is the undisputed leader of the Bulls offense. He will need some help and there are several guys who will need to step up and take a significant role if the Bulls want to make in impact this year.

Defense: Much like on offense, it all starts with one guy: George Selvie. Selvie, a perennial All-American returns for one last season and will try and carry the defense on a team and in a conference lacking in defensive standouts.

Strengths: Leadership. Coaching. Star Players. All the things needed to be a successful team and now they can say that they have a track record to boot.

Weaknesses: Depth. Lack of experience or at least standout players. They have 2 very good players and a lot of other guys. At least a few of them are going to have to step up in order for the Bulls to be successful.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: While Grothe and Selvie are very good players and Jim Leavitt is a very good coach, I don’t think they currently have the horses to make a significant impact this year. They will be very similar to last year’s team. Middle of the pack, but a bowl game.

Wilkie: Ditto to Phil’s point. Middle of the pack and a bowl game.

Jon: South Florida made their run in the polls by upsetting some folks, but they faded down the stretch in 2008. I’m thinking there’s a repeat performance there. I think it’s another pre-Christmas bowl game for one of the true magician-coaches out there.

Rutgers: (Last Year 8-5, Winner PapaJohns.com Bowl)

Offense: 2 Words…rebuilding year. It will be hard to duplicate last years team that won its last 7 games in large part due to the roster turnover. The Scarlet Knights are very young at Quarterback and Wide Receiver and someone will need to separate from the pack. The “O” line however is in good shape; All-Conference Tackle Anthony Davis spearheads what should be this unit’s strength.

Defense: Well, there really isn’t much discussion, pretty much anywhere about this unit. That probably is not a good thing. If there are no standouts, don’t expect this to be the team’s strength.

Strengths: O-Line. Youth. Coaching. There really isn’t much else to say. Greg Schiano is a good enough coach that they will be competitive, but they don’t have the horses to run…even with the big guys in this conference.

Weaknesses: They are very young and very inexperienced. They will struggle early but hopefully will improve as the season goes.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: Expectations should be low for these guys. Hope is not gone, they should get better as the year goes, but don’t expect much in 2009.

Wilkie: I’m afraid it’s going to be a long year in Jersey. I don’t share the same optimism that my colleagues have. 6 wins will be the max for Rutgers, good enough for a bowl.

Jon: In the street fight that is the Big East, Schiano has shown he can take nothing and turn it into something. The out-of-conference games will boost the win total ((Howard, FIU, Texas Southern, Army)), but will it do their bottom line any good…? Another bowl… Another winning season… But they’ll get lost in the logjam…

Connecticut: (8-5 Last Season, Winners of the International Bowl)

Offense: They lost a lot when Donald Brown graduated to the NFL. Zach Frazier will be expected to take over the offense despite struggling mightily the last half of last season. Plus, the Line has to find someone to replace the massive William Beatty who also graduated to the NFL.

Defense: Darius Butler and Cody Brown have gone…who is going to step up. This unit was hit pretty hard too. They will be young and looking for leaders to emerge. Perhaps Defensive End Lindsey Witten?

Strengths: Coach Randy Edsall and his staff. This will be their best challenge yet; trying to get this bunch of young pups to succeed.

Weaknesses: Youth and inexperience pretty much everywhere. Frazier has some experience, but didn’t do much with it. Can he improve?

OSG’s Take:

Phil: Are we noticing a trend here with most of these teams? Most a rebuilding and most are really young; these guys are no exception to that. UConn fans like most Big East fans are going to need a lot of patience this year.

Wilkie: The Huskies have some doozy’s on their schedule, hosting North Carolina, travelling to South Bend to play Notre Dame (on NBC) and league road games at Pitt and at West Virginia doesn’t bode well for a team so inexperienced. Randy Edsall is the type of coach that can squeeze 6 wins out of a team like the 2009 UConn bunch. That alone is a big accomplishment.

Jon: Donald Brown’s loss is beyond-huge… and those of us here at OSG HQ have tremendous respect for what Randy Edsall has done in Storrs. But the losses on the field will add up to more losses on the field. They may be odd-man out for bowling in the East.

Louisville: (5-7 in 2008, no bowl game)

Offense: This was supposed to be Coach Steve Kragthorpe’s bread and butter; it was more butter than bread. Running Back Victor Anderson returns, so all is not lost, but there were indications last year that nobody either liked or understood the offense.

Defense: They didn’t exactly make their coaches look like geniuses either, giving up 39.5 points per game over the last 6. Something is going to have to give; it is just a question of what.

Strengths: Anderson for sure, nobody else knows for sure, this team pulled a Jekyll and Hyde routine, and they will have to play a few games for anyone to get a good read.

Weaknesses: Defense first and foremost; you aren’t going to survive in any major D-1 conference giving up points like that.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: Though Kragthorpe appeared to be the perfect fit for these guys, there were some cracks in the armor last season. There is some talent here and not a really good excuse for them to not at least be competitive in the conference.

Wilkie: Steve Kragthrope cleaned house of his offensive coaching staff and now he is the OC. His seat will be warm this year and Coach Krag knows it but he has an A.D. that will give Coach Krag some slack right now. 2009 will be a watershed year at Louisville but challenging for the Big East title just won’t be in the “Cards”. At least reaching a bowl might be.

Jon: Isn’t there a Brohm Coach Krag can find somewhere…??? Going to Utah and playing Southern Miss early may send the team into an early hole. The schedule softens late, but I don’t think it’ll be in time. Someone know what the patience level on Coach Krag is these days…??? It may be less after 2009.

Syracuse: (3-9 in 2008, no bowl game)

Offense: Improvement from the Gregg Williams regime, but there is still a long, long way to go. Give Coach Marrone some time and the Orange should be back.

Defense: 2 Words. Arthur Jones. Jones is one of the Beasts’ of the Big East and the undisputed leader of Syracuse’s defense. If he is fully recovered from his injury last year…look out.

Strengths: Continuity. Jones.

Weaknesses: Depth and the recovery from the previous regime.

OSG’s Take:

Phil: It is going to take awhile, but these guys are on the right track. They showed improvement last year and that should continue. They will be trouble later in the season.

Wilkie: A former Duke point guard (Greg Paulus) is in the mix for your starting QB position, head coach Doug Marrone has never run a college program, the offense, defense and special teams are works in progress and your fan base appears to be apathetic. Other than that Syracuse is fine. Good luck.

Jon: With Greg Paulus running the point, he should be good for 12 and 8 every game out. But the Orange will be lucky to repeat at 3 and 9.

Best of the Big East:

Winners: Phil - Pitt.
Wilkie- West Virginia
Jon- WBGV


Offensive MVP:
Phil: Noel Devine – West Virginia
Wilkie: Noel Devine
Jon: Noel Devine

Defensive MVP:
Phil: Arthur Jones - Syracuse
Wilkie: George Selvie – South Florida
Jon- George Selvie

USF Kicker Hospitalized After 35-Foot Fall

((HT: TBO.com/McMurphy))

University of South Florida sophomore kicker Maikon Bonani ((pictured, thanks Tampa Tribune/Iskowitz)), who fell an estimated 35 feet from a gondola at Busch Gardens Saturday afternoon, suffered a cracked vertebra in his back and remained at St. Joseph's Hospital Sunday.

"Our entire program is praying for Maikon and happy that the injury was not life threatening," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "I was able to visit him (Saturday night). He's in pain, but doing fine and resting."

Bonani was in fair condition on Sunday, said Jacqueline Farruggio, a spokeswoman at St. Joseph's Hospital.

The accident occurred Saturday afternoon while Bonani was working as an attendant on the Skyride at Busch Gardens.

According to Busch Gardens, after Bonani sent a gondola out of the station, he thought the door of the car might be unlocked and held onto the gondola to check it. Bonani then held onto the gondola for about 50 feet. He was about 35 feet off the ground when he let go.

Bonani landed in a landscaped area near Jungala.

According to Busch Gardens, there were three guests in the Skyride car at the time of the incident, but no one else was injured.

On Saturday after the accident, attraction officials gathered employees who operate the Skyride and as part of the meeting reinforced the park's safety policies.

"We took the opportunity to remind everyone about our safety procedures," said attraction spokeswoman Jill Revelle.

Operators are trained to hit an emergency stop button if they notice any problems with the ride, she said.

The ride was re-opened Saturday.

The Skyride aerial tram ride covers a span from the Crown Colony area all the way to the Congo on the opposite side of the park, according to the park's Web site. The Skyride also travels over the Serengeti Plain and to Stanleyville.

Bonani, 20, is a graduate of Lake Wales High School. At Lake Wales, Bonani was the school's valedictorian and could have started at quarterback or wide receiver, said his high school coach Rod Shafer.

Bonani also was Polk County's player of the year in soccer and the school's No. 1 tennis player.

As a freshman at USF last season, Bonani won the starting kicking job after two games. He made his collegiate debut in the Bulls' third game against Kansas. He badly missed his first field goal attempt, hooking a 41-yarder wide left. However, Bonani made a 43-yard field goal with no time remaining, giving USF a 37-34 victory against the No. 13 ranked Jayhawks.

He finished the season making 15 of 21 field goals.

It's unknown if Bonani will be able to play this season. The Bulls open the season Sept. 5 against Wofford. If he doesn't play, he would be redshirted and would still have three years eligibility remaining.

Senior Delbert Alvarado, who handled the field goal and extra point duties until losing his starting spot to Bonani, would likely take over the kicking duties. Alvarado has made 25 of 42 field goals, including a Big East record 56-yarder against Syracuse in 2006. Alvarado also handles the Bulls' punting duties and has 40.2 yard career average.

Big East West Side Story

((HT: Jump.TV/Big East Conference))

This is one way to kill a rain delay...
Just ask UConn and South Florida...
The winner...?
Us, obviously...

College Football: My Big East Predictions

Big East Conference

West Virginia

2007 record 11-2 (Defeated Oklahoma 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl)

Had West Virginia defeated hated rival Pittsburgh in the season finale, the Mountaineers would have played in the BCS Championship Game.

Things To Like About West Virginia:

Pat White: He’s the greatest Mountaineer to wear the WV on the side of his helmet. A great player who will have a great season and be in the thick of the Heisman race.

Offensive Line: 5 starters return and will be one of the best O-Lines in the country.

Things Not To Like About West Virginia:

Defense: Only 4 starters return from 2007 so it’s a rebuilding year in Morgantown. It may put pressure on the offense to out score opponents.

Take Me Home Country Roads: Bill Stewart takes the reigns at West Virginia and he wants to prove that the win over Oklahoma wasn’t a one hit wonder. Stewart has pressure to keep the momentum going as West Virginia that has been on the brink of a national title the last few years. There is still lots of talent for the Mountaineers and the recruiting class remained intact. West Virginia should win the Big East title.

South Florida Bulls

2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Oregon 56-21 in the Sun Bowl)

At mid-season, South Florida was the #2 team in the country but the Bulls had peaked too soon and lost 3 straight. It was still a milestone year for the Bulls.

Things To Like About South Florida:

Matt Grothe: He is a dynamic talent who lead the Bulls in rushing last year. If it wasn’t for Tim Tebow playing in the same state, Grothe would get more attention as a dual threat. Grothe has become the identity of the South Florida football program.

Defensive Line: They are underappreciated and have been the cornerstone of the rise of the Bulls program. Quarterbacks beware with All-American George Selvie coming off the end. Selvie is a great talent.

Things Not To Like About South Florida:

Secondary: Big losses at cornerback where Mike Jenkins and Trea Williams have moved on. They could cover any one and that aspect will be missed.

Find a running back: Matt Grothe can’t keep leading the team in rushing or he might end up in the hospital. Mike Ford emerged at the end of the season and will need to shoulder the rushing load.

Know Bull: One thing about South Florida, their defense will be fast and fundamentally sound. USF will challenge for the Big East title but to win it, they will have to beat West Virginia in Morgantown on December 6th. A Florida team playing up north in December is never a good thing. A BCS bowl is possible for the Bulls.

Pittsburgh Panthers

2007 record 5-7

Pitt’s win over West Virginia at the end of the 2007 season provided to perfect momentum heading into 2008.

Things To Like About Pitt:

Running game: LaSean McCoy and LaRod Stephens – Howling are La Good. They provide a nice 1-2 punch for the Panthers.

Defensive Line: Active group that will create havoc in the opponents backfield. Might become the best in the Big East

Things Not To Like About Pitt:

Offensive Line: Pitt lost its starting offensive tackles from 2007. This group must develop to protect the quarterback and open holes for Pitt’s talented running backs.

Quarterback: Pitt must decide on 3 QB’s, Bill Stull, Pat Bostick or JUCO transfer Greg Cross. That decision will determine what kind of season Pitt will have.

Pitt Stop: It’s up to the offense as to if Pitt turns the corner this year. The defense is damn good. Dave Wannstedt has had 2 great recruiting classes and has Pitt poised to becoming the class of the Big East.

Cincinnati Bearcats

2007 record 10-3 (Defeated Southern Miss 31-21 in the Papa John’s.com Bowl)

First 10 win season for Cincinnati since 1951.

Things To Like About Cincinnati:

Shutdown corners on defense: Cornerbacks Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith are that good. This pair can be left on an island in one-on-one coverage while the rest of the Cincinnati defense pressures the QB. Mickens and Smith combined for 14 interceptions last year.

Marcus Bennett: The type of stretch the field wide receiver that can bring the opposition to its knees.

Things Not To Like About Cincinnati:

Quarterbacks: Ben Mauk lost his appeal on a 6th year from the NCAA but received a temporary injunction from an Ohio judge. Mauk could suit up and practice with the Bearcats while his lawsuit is being heard but should he lose in court, in might cost Cincinnati the season and revenue. Therefore UC will have to rely on inexperience QB’s. One is Demetrius Jones who started in the season opener last year for Notre Dame against Georgia Tech, then transferred to Cincinnati.

Running Backs: Cincinnati did not have much of a ground attack last season. The backs they had last year are gone. Junior Jacob Ramsey will have the pressure to produce out of the backfield.

It Ain’t the Bengals, It’s the Bearcats: Brian Kelly is a winner and he’s working his magic in the Queen City. Cincinnati might take some steps back this year with the uncertainty of the offense but in the big picture, Coach Kelly has this program moving forward.

Louisville Cardinals

2007 record 6-6

Louisville thought the had the horses for a national title but then lost to Kentucky then SYRACUSE in September of 07 killing any hopes. Then the Cardinals flew in the wrong direction and didn’t go bowling.

Things To Like About Louisville:

Offense: Hunter Cantwell takes over at quarterback for the departed Brian Brohm and the production won’t fall off that much. He’s got some receivers to throw to, in particular Scott Long. Brock Bolen and Bilal Powell will handle things running the ball. The offense should be fine.

Schedule: It sets up perfect for a program looking to bounce back. The Cardinals only have 4 games on the road this season and 2 are at Memphis and at Syracuse. There are some tough road games but Louisville should thank their schedule maker for a job well done.

Things Not To Like About Louisville:

Defense: To quote Bill Walton, they were horrible. Louisville ranked near the bottom of every defensive category last season. After that performance the defensive coaching staff was shown the door. Enter new defensive coordinator Ron English who built defenses at Michigan. English has his work cut out for him with this unit.

Redbird Report: Steve Kragthrope had a miserable debut season at Louisville. His honeymoon ended when Louisville lost to Syracuse in September. If the defense stops somebody, Louisville might win some games and go to a good bowl. It will be a tough year but not an embarrassment this year.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2007 8-5 (Defeated Ball State 52-30 in the International Bowl)

Things To Like About Rutgers:

Defense Attack!!!: Rutgers’ defense could be downright scary this season. They might be young up front but they will attack and attack and attack and will be creating chaos in the opposition’s backfield.

Great defensive backfield: Last season the Scarlet Knights were the nation’s 5th best pass defense and were lead by the McCourty twins, Jason and Devin, who are great playing the corner. The star of the Rutgers “D” is safety Courtney Green, who led Rutgers with 101 tackles last season. He can intimidate receivers, cover the pass, fill lanes and deliver the wood on run defense. Green could have gone to the NFL but instead returned to New Jersey to scare the hell out of the Big East.

Things Not To Like About Rutgers:

Who can replace Ray Rice: Rutgers can’t, Rice carried the offense last year. Not QB Mike Teel will be asked to serve that role. Kordell Young will be carrying the rock out of the backfield for the Scarlet Knights.

Offensive Line: Rutgers lost 3 starters from the O-line.

Knight Side: Greg Schiano has raised expectations at Rutgers that an 8 win season is considered a disappointment. Rutgers might not flirt with a BCS bowl this year but look out on down the line. Remember, Coach Schiano is stockpiling talent in New Jersey plus, he won’t let this team take steps back, or you’re going for a ride.

Connecticut Huskies

2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Wake Forest 24-10 in the Meineke Car Care Bowl)

Things To Like About Connecticut:

Great Running Backs: Andre Dixon and Donald Brown are the best running back duo in the Big East. Last year each gained over 800 yards and should improve on those numbers this year.

A Husky Defense: They are fundamentally sound. Head Coach Randy Edsell is obsessed with making his defense faster. Some moves this year may have accomplished that.

Things Not To Like About Connecticut:

Offensive Firepower: Can the offense make a big play when needed. Connecticut’s receivers are just OK and has no one that can stretch the defense. Thus UConn might be facing a lot of 8 man fronts.

Huskie Hotline: The Defense looks solid and can make plays. While the offense has a great running game, unless Tyler Lorenzen and his receiving corps can hook up on some big plays, Dixon and Brown might be running into walls. Getting to a bowl game will be a great accomplishment this year at UConn.

Syracuse Orange

2007 record 2-10

Things To Like About Syracuse:

Running Backs: If Curtis Brinkley and Delonte Carter can stay off of crutches and stay on their 2 legs this year, then the Orange have a pair of backs that will elevate the offense. Brinkley and Carter must carry the ‘Cuse offense.

Things Not To Like About Syracuse:

In the trenches: The offensive line lacks talent and depth and so does the defensive line.

Losing Mike Williams: He was a stud receiver but he didn’t go to class which is a requirement in school so his tardiness has cost the team his talents. The Orange receiver corps will struggle plus loses a big weapon.

Orange Crushed: It will be a long year again at Syracuse. Greg Robinson might want to update his resume.