USF Preview by USF Josh

It’s no doubt that USF’s showing in the 2^nd half against UF was a disappointment. However, quite a few  positives from that game emerged and the next 3 games for the Bulls simply could not have come at a better time for them. This past Saturday, USF was on a Bye week with the next 3 weeks being, Western Kentucky (Currently on a 23 game losing streak), Florida Atlantic and Syracuse. The Bulls showed that their offense is not in sync at a competitive level yet and what better teams to work on that against? BJ Daniels was not effective through the air last in Gainsville and now with Dontavia Bogan out this Saturday against WKU, it is absolutely imperative that the receivers and their QB get on the same page. There is still no exact time table for the return of AJ Love or Sterling Griffin and the receivers that we have must step up and make up for the experienced players the Bulls are missing. I’ll be expecting the passing game to be a major focus for Todd Fitch and his offense against the staggering Western Kentucky defense who allowed 366 yards through the air last week against a mediocre Indiana team. Although Daniels was extremely effective running the ball against UF, the coaches could not have been too happy with how many hits that he took from some good sized linebackers. And it would be a bit much to expect him to carry the ball as much as he did, especially on designed QB runs. Demetrius Murray should get a bulk of the carries, as he was very effective against UF with 62 yards on 11 carries (Minus the game-changing fumble). If Murray can play with that same intensity and urgency, he could be a very solid force running the ball for USF down the stretch in a very weak Big East conference. This game should show a lot of what is to come for the basic week to week play and not necessarily a top ten in state rival. As well as it will show a more groomed offense depending on if Holtz wants to keep BJ in the pocket or allow him to use his feet as a primary weapon, like a Pat White or Denard Robinson.

The next 3 weeks USF should be able to get all the banged up players some rest, more experienced for the depth players and get the offense in perfect sync for conference play. If there has ever been a year that USF could grab the Big East, it has to be this one. USF has the talent beyond any doubt, and just looking at all the adjustments that the coaching staff made from Stony Brook to UF, imagine the adjustments and strengths they can work in spanning a bye week with WKU, FAU and Syracuse. There are a lot of positive vibes coming out of this program and its hard to think this program is going anywhere but up.