Only a little over a week ago, on September 3, 2011, the first University of South Florida football game was held at University of Notre Dame in Indiana. This game was one for the books being that it consisted of two weather delays lasting over two hours, due to lightning. The stadium was evacuated and the half time show was canceled. Those watching and attending began to feel like the game would never resume and no victory would be made.
I love watching and cheering on my Bulls, but when there are delays that are hours long, I start to become impatient. I did not want to watch clips from old games or listen to the sports announcers debate on their predictions of the game – I just wanted to see them play. Other fans began to grow impatient also, as I found out through text messages from friends and family. Watching the delay frustrated me (and I am sure many others), because I just wanted to get on with the game and beat Notre Dame.
Most of the fans were skeptical of how the Bulls would do because of the delays and weather, but USF junior Shelby Mireles had high hopes from the beginning. “Everyone had low expectations because we were playing against a 16th-ranked team, but we started out really strong,” Mireles said. The Bulls showed their dedication and commitment throughout the game through their plays. Despite the delays and being against the odds of defeating a ranked team, they came out victorious with a 23-20 win.
Because of this win, the Bulls were moved into the Top 25, for the first time under coach Skip Holtz. Now holding the 22nd rank, all of the Bulls practicing and hard work is beginning to pay off. Bull fans can only hope that their team will stay strong throughout the whole season.
The season line up involves some big time schools, but Mireles does not doubt her team. “That game made me very hopeful that we are a new and improved team this season. By us beating Notre Dame, we have potential to beat the other teams that we are playing against,” Mireles said.
With 16 new walk-ons this season and the strong force of existing players, fans are curious to see what their team has in store for them. Together, the team was able to score a win and will continue to grow even stronger.Â