2008 OUTLOOK: USF is loaded. Its entire offense returns nearly intact. The defense? That will determine if USF can emerge as a legitimate threat for the Big East title and finish in the middle of the pack for a fourth consecutive season. USF has had opportunities to win the Big East in past seasons, but late road upsets have knocked the Bulls out of contention. Can this team learn from past team's mistakes and finally take advantage of the early season momentum? If so, the Bulls could make a serious Big East title run.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
QB Matt Grothe and bruising RB Mike Ford will carry the offense. Grothe, who was started every game but one during his two years at USF, will continue to be the focal point of the Bulls' offense. His passing numbers must improve from last season, but Grothe's running ability is what makes him so difficult to defend. He's like having an additional running back. At wide receiver, Taurus Johnson and Jessie Hester Jr. stand out among a half-dozen options.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Stop if you've heard this before: The key in 2008 will be how the Bulls replace defensive standouts in CBs Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams and LB Ben Moffitt. The Bulls will be inexperienced at cornerback with first-time starters Jerome Murphy and Tyller Roberts. At linebacker, junior college transfer Kion Wilson was supposed to take Moffitt's place, but was injured and missed most of spring. The Bulls' defense has proven in the past it can run sideline-to-sideline with anyone. The Bulls' Achilles heel has been their run defense. They've struggled against teams that overpower them up front. With that in mind, the Bulls moved offensive lineman Sampson Genus over from offense and coaches were impressed by his showing in the spring. All-American DE George Selvie will probably be double-teamed on every down, so opposite DE Jarriett Buie could have a big year for the Bulls.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Delbert Alvarado is back to handle the kicking duties. That could be good or bad news depending on how you look at it. Alvarado missed four field goals against Auburn, but then ended the season by making 10 of his final 11 field goals. In the spring, the inconsistent Alvarado returned as he made less than 50 percent of his attempts. Alvarado, who averaged 41.6 yards a punt last season, returns as the Bulls' punter. Jerome Murphy (24.3-yard average) and Taurus Johnson (18.2 average) return as USF's top two kickoff returners as does Marcus Edwards, who averaged 7.5 yards a punt return last season.

ROSTER REPORT

--WR Colby Erskin, who earned a starting position before last season only to suffer a season-ending torn ACL in August, tore the same ACL during spring practice. However, Erskin and USF coaches are optimistic he will be ready by this August.

--Senior S Danny Verpaele, who has 13 career starts and was a third-team freshman All-American, aggravated a foot injury, which originally sidelined him in 2006. Verpaele, who missed last season because of a suspension for a violation of team rules, missed most of spring practice as a precautionary measure. He will be ready in the fall and could start at either safety position.

--OG Danny Tolley suffered a torn ACL on the final day of spring practice. Tolley, who was expected to provide depth for the Bulls, might be able to recover in time to play this fall, USF coach Jim Leavitt said.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.