Offical USF THREAD

[elonfirefighter]

Well i know weve talked about it all off season but its offical now. 6 days and counting. What is your opinion on how the phoenix will fair. Score? Overall preformence?

My opinion is we will prob loose by around 21 we will put up a score or two and our defence will get some good experience. Hopefully Riddle will step it up and not let this game get to him. I look for us to hang with the bulls and have a steller season the rest of the year.

[elonpride]

I'm interested to see how Riddle handles himself.

I think we'll lose by more than 21, something around 45-10. I think we'll get a touchdown late when they have some subs in. I'm not trying to bash the team, we just have some growing pains to go through, and USF could be a top 25 team.

The defense will be really strong this year.

[elonfirefighter]

i think it might be a little less because USFs not one to run up the score i hate to say it but it will be a game where the special teams shine

[euphoenix99]

The 45-10 score is along the lines of what I was thinking as well. I was surprised by Riddle earning the starting job, but from what I saw in the state championship game last year I think he'll do well. He reminds me a lot of Wes Pope. The good thing is a big loss doesn't mean the end of the season, but a solid performance could go along way in instilling confidence in the team early. Can't wait for them to get started.

Go Phoenix!

[mamabull]

elonfirefighter, you are probably right on the money. Jim Leavitt is not the type to run up the score to make a statement. If USF is up by 10 or more points, then he will probably bring in the 2 and 3 deep players to give them PT. Nevertheless, I know you will enjoy your experience at Raymond James. I guess, as a season ticket holder for my beloved Bulls, I am spoiled as all get out with the amenities.

It is great to have seats with backs. LOL

[elonfirefighter]

LOL enjoy an experience at ramond J. Your prob right i will enjoy the experience of watching the panthers beat the bucks jk yes its a nice stadium. personally id like to see the panthers lease out there stadium more for college football

[unvme2]

I really dont think they will take out there ones till at least up by 21-28 which will happen about middle of the 2nd quarter. Enjoy Florida!!

[elonpride]

unvme2 said:

I really dont think they will take out there ones till at least up by 21-28 which will happen about middle of the 2nd quarter. Enjoy Florida!!

What?

[euphoenix99]

Just as long as your not up by 21-28 in the first quarter. I remember the Furman game 4 or 5 years ago when they hung 35 on Elon in the first quarter. It doesn't matter who your opponent is that should never happen.

To the USF fans, I saw a Big East preview on FSN and they were raving about your defensive speed. Are you returning most of your defense from last year? Didn't get to see much USF much with Rutgers, WV and Louisville hogging the spotlight. I'll be curious to see how successful the team is at moving the ball against you guys. Praying for a miracle, but I'd be happy to end the game within 21-28 points.

Go Phoenix!

[elonfan06]

My thought is around the 42 or 45 to 10 score. I think the first half will be a relatively well played game but our offense won't stay on the field enough long enough to give the defense the proper rest and they will get beat down. Hopefully Riddele takes a lot in from what he experiences and tucks it away for later in the season.

Any update on ESPN covering this game on a PPV basis? Really trying to watch this game from my living room!!

[firebird]

Even though Leavitt may not be one to run up the score, I'm sure he also is not one to tell any of his players to play any less hard regardless of their "string." I've got to believe that USF's starters will, at least, play all of the 1st quarter and the vast majority of the 3rd. If we can play strong against their starters, who knows? Personally all I'm hoping for is that we have a great learning experience and come home with no serious injuries. It would be nice to stay within 35 points.

[accountabull]

I believe ESPN regional is picking up the game and it will be available on the ESPN Gameplan PPV.

We are returning a number of starters from last years defense (7 I believe?)

[rezzusf]

7 staters on defense and the other 4 players were on the 2 deep with the exception of Tyrone McKenzie who wasnt on the team last year. he was starting for Iowa St and was one of the top tacklers in the big 12.

our defense is clearly our strong point but we are just looking for the offense to show they can move the ball on a consistant basis. also, for most USF fans we are really excited to see what our top recruit Mike Ford can do at RB

[biggtipp]

How would you compare your team to McNeese St. ? USF beat them 41-10 last season. Ive heard good things about the defense you got

[elonpride]

Our defense will be strong, but we did lose our leader to the NFL draft. We do have a few stars on the rise, Corey Weaver being one. We lost a star in Andreas Platt because of theft or something like that.

We are no McNeese though. McNeese generally has strong teams and used to be in contention for the I-AA title nearly every year.

Elon hasn't had a winning season since '00. We've struggled with 3 coaches over the last 4 years and saw promising signs last season that Elon football will be back on the map soon.