How good is South Florida?

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Q: Do you think USF got a little too much hype for their win over Florida State? I was rooting for USF to win that game for the Big East. However, the way FSU has played the rest of the year that win does not really look like a landmark victory for the Bulls.

Outside of USF's ferocious D-line and the running ability of the QB Daniels, USF does not seem impressive. I believe both WVU and Pitt would also be undefeated with USF's schedule. I also expect Cincy to win on Thursday by 10+ points and USF to lose to both WVU and Pitt this year as well. Do you disagree and do you think USF is one of the top two teams in the Big East right now?

Robert, Greene County

DUNLAP: Too much hype? No. It was a landmark win for a Bulls program that has been fighting for coverage, recruiting turf, a fan base and general noticability against Florida, Miami and Florida State for years. Good for Jim Leavitt and his bunch for that win over Bowden's boys -- it was much-deserved and cannot be overstated (even with a celebratory highway billboard that he alleges he knows nothing about).

In terms of the schedule, yes, USF has not played world-beaters to this point. Thursday night, as you hit on, will tell a whole lot about the Big East, and Cincinnati and USF in particular. Right now, I don't think anyone would argue that Cincinnati is the best team in the conference.

If that is the case, if that is truly the case, they should go to Tampa tomorrow night and handle USF. It is my thought that this game will be the ultimate barometer to this point.

It is also my thought, going into this game, that if you were to rank the teams in the conference right now, Cincinnati would be above and beyond No. 1, with Pitt, WVU and USF all tied for the No. 2 spot.

Of course, that game tomorrow night could yield whether USF is the best team in the conference or, quite possibly, the fourth best.

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First published on October 14, 2009 at 1:56 pm