TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — South Florida fans didn't want to leave. Not even after more than three hours of sitting in 90-degree weather.
Most of the more than 12,000 sun-drenched, greenclad boosters remained in their end zone seats chanting "USF, USF," for some 20 minutes after the Bulls defeated No. 18 Florida State 17-7 on Saturday. It was the first meeting between the schools.
"You have to beat themto get talked about," South Florida Coach Jim Leavitt said "Now I can say we should be talked about."
It was South Florida's first victory over one of the state's big three programs - Miami, Florida and Florida State.
"They whupped us," Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden said. "They're a lot better than I thought."
Florida State (2-2) lost four fumbles, including one by quarterback Christian Ponder that allowed South Florida to ice the game.
Sports, Pages 36 on 09/27/2009