Skip Holtz makes USF coaching debut

TAMPA - Saturday marked the beginning of a new era for the USF Bulls. They kicked off their first game under a new coach and fans couldn't have been more excited.

Marie Wilmont described the crowd as "Mostly green. It's a greenout."

Thousands of fans marched in to Raymond James Stadium for the University of South Florida's first football faceoff of the fall.

This game marked another first for the Bulls with a new leader at the reins. That added fury to the kickoff excitement for many fans.

"I think it's just the anticipation of the season," said Ashley Matthews. "Especially since we have a new coach. Just to see what the team's going to be like this year. It's pretty exciting."

"I think that we have new blood with Coach [Skip] Holtz," added Tim Vaugh. "I think it's going to be better than we're expecting is my feeling."

Alex Rice said he felt "a little bit cautious."

"[Former coach] Jim Leavitt had a lot of supporters," commented Rice. "A lot of people really love Jim Leavitt, and he brought us to where we are."

Faithful tailgaters have seen coaches come and go, but one thing returns year after year, and that's pre-game drinking.

State beverage agents were checking stadium parking lots across Florida to crack down on underage drinkers.

"It's going to be hard for the police to crack down on it ... just because the students bring their own alcohol and when they see the cops come by they hide it," said USF student Janet Rojas.

But no one is hiding their team spirit. Before the game even started, some fans already had their minds on next week's showdown.

"It's all about the Florida game," said Bill Grewe. "We still have the game today and we have a huge vibe right now where we think we can win it. We have a chance."

The Bulls ended up running away with a victory Saturday, crushing Stony Brook 59-14.