USF Launches 2009 Season Under The Big East Radar

Jim Leavitt of the University of South Florida is the highest-paid football coach in the Big East. His conference record entering the 2009 season is 14-14. His team has been a favorite to win the conference title the past two seasons but this year the program's perception around the country has changed. To its hardcore fans and faithful followers, the University of South Florida is the "Little Engine That Could." It is a relatively young program, built by one coach who keeps telling the story of a team built out of trailers and no facilities. The story is becoming a bit old and the 2009 season for the USF brings an opportunity to show its pride and progress without the previous expectations. Pittsburgh is the clear preseason favorite to win the Big East title and claim the BCS Bowl berth that goes with it. USF was voted a distant fourth in that poll behind achievers West Virginia and Cincinnati, the 2008 Big East champ. USF is flying under the radar despite the pre...