The voice of USF Athletics routinely puts down his radio headset and picks up the pen to share his perspective on the history of USF Athletics.
Louk has been broadcasting games for 30 years and is the resident historian in the Athletics Department hallways.
By JIM LOUK
Voice of the USF Bulls
TAMPA, AUG. 29, 2014 - The countdown is officially on; we're getting close to 7 p.m. on Saturday when we welcome back Bulls football.
It's been a long offseason. Many, many positive things have happened and the program has some momentum now. There is, however, only one real place to show the effects of positive change, and that's in game situations. The players and coaches are anxious for that chance. Starting Saturday, the Bulls will start to show you how all their hard work will pay off.
Western Carolina, coached by Clemson grad Mark Speir, will be the only FCS opponent the Bulls will face this season. The Catamounts will step out of FCS play twice; against the Bulls this weekend and against Alabama on Nov. 22. Western Carolina plays in the Southern Conference, and finished 2-10 last year.
For USF, quarterback Mike White will get a chance to build on his five starts at the end of his 2013 freshman year. Other than that, there are changes almost everywhere. Chris Dunkley will line up on defense. A talented young corps of running backs, possibly including some true freshman, will carry the ball. The defense will show a 3-4 alignment on occasion.
You'll find Andre Davis in jersey No. 7 now, and Saturday he'll start an assault on the USF record books that could leave him as USF's most prolific receiver ever by the time his senior year ends.
A few more notes on USF's 18th home opener (and 16th at Raymond James Stadium):
- This is the first meeting between USF and Western Carolina.
- Only Western Carolina and Vermont use the nickname Catamounts.
- Western Carolina began playing football in 1931.
- The Catamounts were a national finalist in the 1-AA playoffs in 1983.
- USF is 12-5 in opening games, including 11-1 at home.
- For the first time, the Bulls will open a season with four straight home games.
- Andre Davis needs 15 catches to become USF's all-time leader in receptions.
- USF had four players (Sean Price, Austin Reiter, Marvin Kloss, Chris Dunkley) named to national awards watch lists.
There will be exciting changes on the team and exciting changes at the stadium. The Bulls Zone, located in the south parking lots, will be much more fan friendly and interactive. Make sure the kids check it out; there's lots to do there before the game.
The Herd of Thunder will be back and better than ever, and you'll see new video features on the scoreboards. It's all part of an entirely new game atmosphere in and around the stadium. Get there early Saturday; the first 5,000 fans will get a “Live Green and Gold “ T-shirt.
If you can't make it to the game, TV coverage will be on ESPN3. Radio coverage begins with the pre-game at 5 p.m. on 98.7 The Fan in Tampa and along the USF-IMG Sports Network. You can also hear the radio call live and free of charge on GoUSFBulls.com.
Hope to see you at the stadium Saturday!
GO BULLS!
Follow Jim Louk on Twitter @usfjimlouk
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