Cincinnati-South Florida game for Big East lead

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The architect of one of the nation’s fastest growing college football programs recognizes a real opportunity when he sees it.

No. 8 Cincinnati vs. No. 21 South Florida fits Jim Leavitt’s description and is precisely the kind of challenge that can bring out the best in the coach and his rising USF Bulls.

“How can you not be excited about this? ... Cincinnati is one of the best teams in the country. Recognized by everybody,” the only coach in South Florida’s 13-season history said. “It’s neat to be a part of all of it. We’re anxious and excited about playing.”

A packed house, national television audience and a chance to prove they deserve to be considered among the top teams in the country has always been a stimulating combination for the Bulls, who’ve won five straight against opponents ranked in the Top 25 dating to 2006.

What’s been much more difficult is building on early-season success once USF (5-0, 1-0) gets into the heart of the Big East schedule.

Beating defending conference champion Cincinnati (5-0, 1-0) tonight not only would bolster USF’s title hopes but stem a tide of disappointment that’s followed the team’s climb in the polls the last two seasons.

Since jumping as high as No. 2 in the country in 2007, the Bulls have gone 6-8 in league games, with none of the losses to opponents ranked in the Top 25 at the time. A three-game conference slide ruined their aspirations two years ago, and they faltered again last October after working their way into the Top 10 in 2008.

“You’ve got to know that you’ve got to fight, scratch and bleed at all times regardless where you’re ranked,” Leavitt said, playing down the significance of where the team’s are currently ranked.

One of the most potent offenses in the nation has carried Cincinnati to another strong start, with quarterback Tony Pike and receiver Mardy Gilyard taking up where he left off in helping the Bearcats win 11 games last year.

An injury-depleted defensive secondary is on the mend following a bye week, and Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly spent part of the time off addressing concerns about a time-of-possession imbalance that’s kept his high-powered offense on the sideline for most of the past two games.

Joe Tresey, the former Cincinnati defensive coordinator holds the same position for South Florida now.

Tresey helped Cincinnati win the Big East last season, but was fired in February by Kelly, who wanted to shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme.

Kelly has been very complimentary in comments about Tresey this week.