South Florida is clearly on top now in the Florida DIAA collegiate league after USF defeated North Florida 58-7.
Center Michael Burrell logged 13 points with four conversions and a try. His elusive running in the #12 jersey was also impressive. USF took North Florida apart mostly because they were confident in using all players in a wide-aligned backline. Their handling and running and ability to find gaps were all consistent among forwards and backs. This was spelled out fairly early, with smooth hands putting fullback Joseph Thornton in at the corner.
A few minutes later lock Derrick Lei-Sam cut through like an outside center and was in at the left side.
Some elusive running from Burrell set up a nice attack that put wing Andrew Ivasyk away in the corner.
Burrell then showed his pace with a run on the outside and than back through the middle for USF's fourth try. Flyhalf Jon Carlo Salani put in a lot of work off the ball to get into position and a weaving run from him, along with a rather ridiculous offload, set up the forwards to bash the line. Salani then squirmed out of the breakdown and set up the next try with a nice, smooth catch-and-pass to wing Dawson Dilworth.
Outside center Luis Paroles capped off some pressure to score out wide before North Florida finally crashed over to get their lone try just before halftime.
In the second half, prop Matthew Bradley crashed over from short range. North Florida started to fall off tackles after that and South Florida cruised from there.
At 3-0 USF is in very good shape and now gets a bye before resuming the season.
Right behind in Florida is the University of Florida Gators. They controlled things nicely over Florida International. Flyhalf Felix Olivero controlled the attack nicely, scored a try, while his brother Justo added two penalty goals and four conversions.
Center Martin Gentile scored two first-half tries as the Gators ran out to a 46-5 victory.
