* Timing is everything. In September, Willie Taggart’s USF Bulls were 1-3–following seasons of 2-10 and 4-8. Attendance was heading south. Taggart’s tenure was tenuous at best.
Eight games–and seven wins–later, Taggart, 39, has led USF to its first bowl game in five years and earned a new contract extension. Obviously his interview for the South Carolina job hardly hurt his leverage.
Taggart’s overall record as a head coach is 30-42, including 14-22 at USF. But not unlike politics, big time college coaching is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business. Just ask Mark Richt–or Willie Taggart.
* New low: Imagine two of this year’s 40 bowls will feature games where neither team has a winning record. The AutoNation CureBowl in Orlando will match San Jose State (5-7) against Georgia State (6-6) and the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. will pair Virginia Tech (6-6) and Tulsa (6-6). Thanks again, ESPN.
* In his rookie season, Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Terry Bradshaw had 18 more interceptions (24) than TDs. To date, Bucs rookie qb Jameis Winston has six more TDs (17) than interceptions.
* All Star pitcher David Price, the former Tampa Bay Ray, just signed a big, vault-opening contract. A special pitcher and a really good guy. But three words for his uber deal: Anybody but Boston.
Just ask Carl Crawford.