South Florida Bulls concerns

[rtrn2glory]

yikes take it easy

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

Welcome to the board. If you need tissues after your embarrassing 34 point blow out loss don't ask us, we don't care.

Blam-O!!!

 

[johnnykillz]

Welcome to the board. If you need tissues after your embarrassing 34 point blow out loss don't ask us, we don't care.

Now, this: This is winning.

Blam-O!!!

Yup. Boom!

 

[dshans]

Bullwark: if the weather cooperates, allow a good chunk of time to wander around campus. It's lovely. And don't hesitate to engage Irish fans if you need help, directions, have questions or simply want to shoot the breeze – be prepared for some long-winded stories, though.

You might even dare a stroll through the tailgate area sporting your Bulls gear. My guess is you'll be offered your fill of burgers, brats and beer.

Above all, enjoy your stay.



Then head home to lick your wounds.

 

[I.R.I.S.H. GL]

I will say a close game. The Purdue opener was closer than it should have been last year. Having been at the Tulsa game in the Tulsa section, those people were out of their minds when they won that game. They were in shock as much as they were proud that they won the game. I get a SDSU vibe from this game. That being said, we went out and throttled scUM the next week. I will take a close game if it means we get things straight for the 2 michigan schools. I will say ND 24-17.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Bullwark:

I look forward to Manti Teo disabling your QB, personally.

Cheers.

If you need hair dressing tips, hit me up...

Hey, what say you change your name to Johnny eff-wad?

What is this about good luck balls?

And who started this rumor that some of us weren't @SSholes? I would hate to ruin a perfectly good reputation!

 

[D-BOE34]

CBK- MATADORS!!! You ready?

DL/MANTI - YES SIR!

CBK- GO EAT!

First play we stuff the run. Second play sack for -7. Third play BJ is rushed from pocket by "Irish Chocolate" to be swallowed up by Lynch as soon as he tries to get the edge.

PUNT!


USF goes to sidelines and says, " Welp, were ****ED!"


ND wins 45-17

 

[Bogtrotter07]

CBK- MATADORS!!! You ready?

DL/MANTI - YES SIR!

CBK- GO EAT!

First play we stuff the run. Second play sack for -7. Third play BJ is rushed from pocket by "Irish Chocolate" to be swallowed up by Lynch as soon as he tries to get the edge.

PUNT!


USF goes to sidelines and says, " Welp, were ****ED!"


ND wins 45-17

How quaint!

 

[Riddickulous]

Nevada in 2009 was the only team in the past five years that didn't give us a tough game in the season opener, and that was mainly due to their absolutely atrocious pass defense.

I expect a close game through halftime, then Notre Dame pulling away in the second half and winning by a few scores based on their defensive play and their running game.

 

[phork]

yikes take it easy

Whats that old song? "If you don't know me by now......" I don't use italics.

 

[bullwark]

Old Man Mike:
I have a question for a knowledgeable fan of USF such as you: given that your team lost a fair number of very good players, and given that much of the commentators around the nation feel that Daniels is erratic yet the offense is strongly dependent upon him, what aspects of the USF team are the home fans seeing as strengths so as to challenge, say, WVU and Pitt in the Big East??

BJ was very erratic last season, however, finished the season playing his best game against Clemson. This has also been BJ's first spring and fall in the same offense as the previous year. Next, the USF coaching staff utilized a scheme that kept BJin the pocket for fear of injury since at the time we did not have a credible back-up QB. For this season, the USF coaching staff plans to let BJ run more and they are expecting a more consistent BJ in his second year in the offense. USF's wide receiver corps was hit hard last year as the Bulls lost their two best WRs to injury prior to the start of the season, those two WRs are back this year. The offense gets another boost from a transfer running back from Colorado and the change of locations appears to have worked. The defense will be fast and tougher up front against the run. They will have be careful not to over pursue and have that speed used against them by teams employing screens. USF's season hinges on BJ playing consistent with a running game, if not, it will be another topsy turvy season for the Bulls. ND's success in my opinion also rests on the play of the QB and if they can produce a consistent running game so that QB doesn't have to shoulder the load. I look for ND to be run heavy with alot screens to slow down the Bulls then go for the big hitters down the field with Floyd.

 

[jonesman]

Bullwark,
I appreciate your candid feedback. I see the game being determined by two lines. The USF O-Line vs ND D-Line. Here is why I see this the pivotal match-up.

First, if I have read correctly, USF will be starting a new center as last years starter has graduated. This guys will have his hands completely full trying to slow down Big Louis Nix. I expect to see Lou in the backfield often.

Second, ND will be bringing alot of fresh bodies in to keep a hard rush on Daniels. They will likely be successful getting to BJ with only 4 rushers. If this happens, I expect trouble for USF.

I believe Diaco's goal will be to rush 4 and drop 7 in an attempt to confuse BJ. Teo will be used to spy BJ if he decides to run.

Do not be suprised to see ND rush on 3 on occassion dropping 8 to really confuse BJ. I expect lots of changing coverages to confuse BJ.

The reason I am talking so much about passing, is I am really doubtful that running the ball with be very succesful against ND's size and speed on the front seven.

It will be a tight game, but expect ND to pull out a victory.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Bullwark: thank you for your effort to talk to us. It makes reading the board that much more interesting. Frankly I'll take a few civilized fans like you from each of our opponents if I could get them here to dialogue. You and we are not privy to anything which will impact coaching strategy, so it can do nothing but enrich the board. Much appreciated --- hope you enjoy everything about your visit except the scoreboard.

 

[D-BOE34]

Old Man Mike:
I have a question for a knowledgeable fan of USF such as you: given that your team lost a fair number of very good players, and given that much of the commentators around the nation feel that Daniels is erratic yet the offense is strongly dependent upon him, what aspects of the USF team are the home fans seeing as strengths so as to challenge, say, WVU and Pitt in the Big East??

BJ was very erratic last season, however, finished the season playing his best game against Clemson. This has also been BJ's first spring and fall in the same offense as the previous year. Next, the USF coaching staff utilized a scheme that kept BJin the pocket for fear of injury since at the time we did not have a credible back-up QB. For this season, the USF coaching staff plans to let BJ run more and they are expecting a more consistent BJ in his second year in the offense. USF's wide receiver corps was hit hard last year as the Bulls lost their two best WRs to injury prior to the start of the season, those two WRs are back this year. The offense gets another boost from a transfer running back from Colorado and the change of locations appears to have worked. The defense will be fast and tougher up front against the run. They will have be careful not to over pursue and have that speed used against them by teams employing screens. USF's season hinges on BJ playing consistent with a running game, if not, it will be another topsy turvy season for the Bulls. ND's success in my opinion also rests on the play of the QB and if they can produce a consistent running game so that QB doesn't have to shoulder the load. I look for ND to be run heavy with alot screens to slow down the Bulls then go for the big hitters down the field with Floyd.

Not only are you being a good fan on an opposing board, you made a very good post IMO. Thanks for that. As OMM said, enjoy everything about your visit besides the score board.

 

[BullyPulpit]

Hello Domers,

Another Bull fan here to hopefully provide some balanced and intelligent discussion on what to expect from our team in this game.

Obviously, BJ Daniels is going to make it or break it for us. I'm confident that our defense, which was Top 20 last year, is able to perform at least as well as they did in 2010. Our LB corp is young and fast and we have incredible depth at the DE position (we go 3 deep solid on both ends). Our CB play should be good, if not great, with Q Washington and Kayvon Webster holding down the fort. And our safeties are outstanding.

Our OL has some question marks with the graduation of 3 starters, but the guys behind them had some game experience and the unit should be good. At RB, Darrell Scott is a 6'1'' 240 lbs load that is quick and difficult to tackle. The coaches have been singing his praises since the Spring. The #1 RB in the nation out of high school, he had a hard time acclimating to the college game and wasn't quite ready to be the man in his first two years at Colorado. He has matured a lot since then and looks to give the Bulls their first 1,000 yard rusher in years.

Our WR play last year was abysmal; partly due to injury, partly due to a new offense, and partly due to BJ Daniels ineffectiveness. This position has gone from a weakness to a strength, with our top 2 WR back from injury and the addition of some talent true and redshirt freshmen. Look out for Deonte Welch.

Then there is BJ. We will know early on what type of player he is. During his first three seasons (RS and two playing years) he had 3 different OCs and QB coaches. This is his first season with any continuity and the coaches have been singing his praises in grasping the offense and as a leader. As previously mentioned, he was bottled up a lot last year and forced to try and be a pocket passer due to a complete lack of depth at the position. Now we have two solid back-ups behind him and the coaching staff is poised to open things up and let his athleticism lead the way.

I expect a very close first half of football. It is how we answer the bell in the second half that will determine the outcome of this game. If any of you have any specific questions I will do my best to answer them. Good luck on the rest of your season after Sept. 3rd. I have confidence that BK will be capable of bouncing back from an 0-1 start.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Hey BullyPulpit!

I really like your name! Your breakdown is very insightful. I appreciate it. I wont make it to the South Florida game, but this will help me as I try to watch it on the television.

As to your question, I understand. Here is a quote that I think relates well: Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. -
Mike Tyson

 

[IrishLax]

BullyPit-

One question on your DL. I know they are incredibly athletic and good rushing the passer, but it is my understanding that they aren't the biggest guys out there. Do you see this being an issue in stopping ND's running game? The main reason why I think ND wins this is that we ran the ball really well to end the season against USC and Miami and see that continuing with our big OL. I wouldn't be surprised if this is a low scoring and close game that could go either way.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Welcome, Bullypulpit. We always appreciate balanced and intelligence discussion with opposing fans around here. That said, I'd like to get your take on a few stats.

For Total Offense, your Bulls were ranked an abysmal 105th in the nation last year. Football Outsiders provides a more accurate, but still not encouraging, picture of your 2010 offense by ranking it 74th. You've lost 7/11 offensive starters from 2010, including your starting C and both OTs. Assuming ND's defense carries forward the level of defensive play they showed at the end of last season, how do the Bulls hope to hang enough points on the Irish to win (1) in their first game of the season, (2) on the road, and (3) with seven new starters?

Defensively, your Bulls ranked an impressive 27th last year, but you still lost 5/11 starters on that side of the ball, including both DEs and a DT. Is it reasonable to expect the same high level of defensive performance (1) in the first game of the season, (2) on the road, and (3) with five new starters?

Regarding Darrell Scott, the kid has struggled with injuries and consistency throughout his entire college career. I'm certain Bulls fans are excited by his 5 ranking as a high school prospect and whatever positive buzz is coming out of fall camp right now, but given his last two years at Colorado, what are the chances that (1) he has a big game, (2) in the first game of the season, (3) on the road, (4) against ND's dominant DL, and (5) behind an OL that just lost 3 starters?

Given how bad the Bulls were offensively last season, I have a hard time seeing how they hang enough points on the Irish to win. Your defense will likely keep things close for a bit while our offense works out the kinks, but I think we'll pull away late in the 2nd or early 3rd quarter.

 

[DomerInHappyValley]

My biggest concern is if the players start to look past USF to the night game in AA.
If CBK has his offense running at full tempo I just don't think the bulls compete.
Look for the score to match the Miami game.

 

[bullsfan426]

BullyPit-

One question on your DL. I know they are incredibly athletic and good rushing the passer, but it is my understanding that they aren't the biggest guys out there. Do you see this being an issue in stopping ND's running game? The main reason why I think ND wins this is that we ran the ball really well to end the season against USC and Miami and see that continuing with our big OL. I wouldn't be surprised if this is a low scoring and close game that could go either way.

Gee, we seem to suddenly be popping up here.

It's certainly a possibility.
We had trouble with power backs last season, but we finished on a good note in that department-Jordan Todman got stonewalled in the final game of the season.

The line has apparently looked quite good in camp, so we'll see.

 

[bullsfan426]

Welcome, Bullpulpit. We always appreciate balanced and intelligence discussion with opposing fans around here. That said, I'd like to get your take on a few stats.

For Total Offense, your Bulls were ranked an abysmal 105th in the nation last year. Football Outsiders provides a more accurate, but still not encouraging, picture of your 2010 offense by ranking it 74th. You've lost 7/11 offensive starters from 2010, including your starting C and both OTs. Assuming ND's defense carries forward the level of defensive play they showed at the end of last season, how do the Bulls hope to hang enough points on the Irish to win (1) in their first game of the season, (2) on the road, and (3) with seven new starters?

Defensively, your Bulls ranked an impressive 27th last year, but you still lost 5/11 starters on that side of the ball, including both DEs and a DT. Is it reasonable to expect the same high level of defensive performance (1) in the first game of the season, (2) on the road, and (3) with five new starters?

Regarding Darrell Scott, the kid has struggled with injuries and consistency throughout his entire college career. I'm certain Bulls fans are excited by his 5 ranking as a high school prospect and whatever positive buzz is coming out of fall camp right now, but given his last two years at Colorado, what are the chances that (1) he has a big game, (2) in the first game of the season, (3) on the road, (4) against ND's dominant DL, and (5) behind an OL that just lost 3 starters?

Given how bad the Bulls were offensively last season, I have a hard time seeing how they hang enough points on the Irish to win. Your defense will likely keep things close for a bit while our offense works out the kinks, but I think we'll pull away late in the 2nd or early 3rd quarter.

Your first question is in regards to Scott himself. The problem he had in Colorado is that he likely came in with an inflated opinion of himself. He was going to have to mature fast if he was going to do well. According to our coaching staff, he's been one of the hardest workers on the team and has taken the initiative to be a good back.

I can't speak for your DL, but our interior is experienced. We will probably have to use extra protection with your line and Te'o.

As for the road-USF is no stranger to difficult road games. Most of this group has gone into a hostile road environment at some point in their careers, whether it was FSU two years ago or UF last year. I am not counting Miami because they had 27000 fans in the seats, which is frankly pitiful for a storied team like Miami. USF should be able to tune it out.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Welcome, Bullpulpit. We always appreciate balanced and intelligence discussion with opposing fans around here. That said, I'd like to get your take on a few stats.

For Total Offense, your Bulls were ranked an abysmal 105th in the nation last year. Football Outsiders provides a more accurate, but still not encouraging, picture of your 2010 offense by ranking it 74th. You've lost 7/11 offensive starters from 2010, including your starting C and both OTs. Assuming ND's defense carries forward the level of defensive play they showed at the end of last season, how do the Bulls hope to hang enough points on the Irish to win (1) in their first game of the season, (2) on the road, and (3) with seven new starters?

Defensively, your Bulls ranked an impressive 27th last year, but you still lost 5/11 starters on that side of the ball, including both DEs and a DT. Is it reasonable to expect the same high level of defensive performance (1) in the first game of the season, (2) on the road, and (3) with five new starters?

Regarding Darrell Scott, the kid has struggled with injuries and consistency throughout his entire college career. I'm certain Bulls fans are excited by his 5 ranking as a high school prospect and whatever positive buzz is coming out of fall camp right now, but given his last two years at Colorado, what are the chances that (1) he has a big game, (2) in the first game of the season, (3) on the road, (4) against ND's dominant DL, and (5) behind an OL that just lost 3 starters?

Given how bad the Bulls were offensively last season, I have a hard time seeing how they hang enough points on the Irish to win. Your defense will likely keep things close for a bit while our offense works out the kinks, but I think we'll pull away late in the 2nd or early 3rd quarter.

Great rebuttal Whiskey! Well put and you said it much better than I could.

I just don't see this being a close game. Maybe it will be close in the first quarter or two, but the Irish will pull away and win comfortably. I just think our defensive front seven is too talented for the Bulls. Especially for a Bulls team that is plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and new starters.

On the other side of the ball, our offensive line is huge and has good experience. If we can bring out something even close to the run game we showed the end of last year, we will move the ball and force them to respect the run. The other offensive weapon I have yet to see really mentioned is Michael Floyd. He has proven he can outplay just about anyone. He is coming in with something to prove this year which is really bad news for opposing defenses.

This game will not be close. I have a very strong feeling about this game. Yes, I am often a homer and I wear the rose colored glasses as I drink the Kool-Aid as they say, but I honestly believe the Irish are going to send a message with this game. No more Weis-era season opener - "pooping the bed" performances.

This team cannot afford to look ahead to Michigan the next week. Kelly will have them ready and Longo will have them in shape. By the time September 3rd rolls around, they will be eating nails and crapping thunder! I am tired of all this close game talk. We are going to win and we will win huge!!! LET'S GET FIRED UP!!! It's almost time for Irish Football!!!

 

[IrishLax]

I'm thinking about adopting USF as my #2 team due to the intelligence/class of their fans and Skip Holtz. Anyone else with me?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I just think our defensive front seven is too talented for the Bulls. Especially for a Bulls team that is plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and new starters.

Great point, GO IRISH. ND's DL is arguably the most dominant unit on the team, and USF will be pitting 3 new starters against them. Their run game is likely to get stuffed and Daniels will be running for his life.

On the other side of the ball, our offensive line is huge and has good experience. If we can bring out something even close to the run game we showed the end of last year, we will move the ball and force them to respect the run.

This is mainly for the benefit of any Bulls fans who may be reading, but ND returns 4/5 starts on the OL, and the one guy we lost from last season was widely regarded as the weakest link. Both guys who are vying to replace him are likely to be significant upgrades.

The other offensive weapon I have yet to see really mentioned is Michael Floyd. He has proven he can outplay just about anyone. He is coming in with something to prove this year which is really bad news for opposing defenses.

USF's pass defense was ranked a mediocre 51st, and on passing downs, they ranked an abysmal 105th. Of the 5 starters they lost on defense, one was starting CB Mistral Raymond. Thus, they have to pick their poison with ND's receivers. They either roll a S over to top to help with Floyd on every play (which still might not shut him down), thereby ensuring that Riddick and Jones have a big day, or they strand a hapless CB on an island with big #3.

To simplify the comparison a bit, consider this: USF's 2010 offense and defense were ranked 74th and 27th respectively, and they return only 12 of 24 starters. ND's 2010 offense and defense were ranked 37th and 9th respectively, and we return 18 of 24 starters.

On that basis alone, ND should (justifiably) be a double digit favorite.

 

[DomerInHappyValley]

I'm thinking about adopting USF as my #2 team due to the intelligence/class of their fans and Skip Holtz. Anyone else with me?

Nahh only enough room in this body for 1 team.

 

[Old Man Mike]

To Bullypulpit: thanks for the viewpoint; spoken like a good loyal fan of a beloved team.

Some of your evaluations don't match things that I have been reading from Florida area writers [having nothing to do with Notre Dame]. Example: the Orlando Sentinel ranks USF #45 in the country. That would place the Bulls as a nice solid team, and a threat in almost any game. Why do they not place them higher though, in better concert with your own evaluations?? The Sentinel cites problems along both lines; not just the O-Line but the D-Line as well. Three of the four starters on a very fine D-Line have moved on; this includes both defensive ends. Whereas the young players have athletic talent, the writer for SBN-TampaBay cites defensive end as a major area of concern, and not "Three-Deep solid".

At wide receiver, there are indeed two old WRs coming back off serious injuries from last year, but I have read that Love was still re-habbing his ACL a bit [did not even participate in spring ball], and Griffin was struggling and not even on the two-deep coming out of Spring. The youngster [first name Deonte---apologize for forgetting last] IS supposed to be a good one, but even he is still untried.

The DBs have been given a pretty good grade at doing what they were asked to do last year, which was to guard against home-run balls [they were excellent at this], but not effective at all at stopping the intermediate passing game, nor making interceptions. Most USF opponents played into their hands by not passing in the 8-12 yard zone enough, but Cincinnati did. That game was an "Ouch!". Admittedly your DB coaches must be good, as USF often has a good D-backfield --- still, I don't know if Holtz retained the guys who have produced so many NFLers in the past.

Listening to Coach Holtz talk, he is certainly not hyping up the ND game, but seems to consistently be saying that it is not that game which will make or break the season, but rather once the Bulls get into Big East play vs Pittsburgh. It is a natural thing for him to say, but one wonders if he doesn't mean it to the point that the team itself isn't really expecting to win.

 

[bullwark]

Old Man Mike,

The Orlando Paper is the hometown news outlet for the UCF Knights (a one time rival of the Bulls), I would ignore that ranking and consider it an outlier. I suggest another media outlet for reference that is not as biased. I do not want to recommend any media oulets as to help maintain your objective research on the Bulls and not skew your results.

 

[Old Man Mike]

OK, Bullwark; thanks for the heads-up. Do you have any insight as to whether the writer [Blackwell may be his name] at SBN TampaBay has an anti-USF bias??

 

[Ironman8]

I'm thinking about adopting USF as my #2 team due to the intelligence/class of their fans and Skip Holtz. Anyone else with me?

I'm with you on this. Impressive posters that have started a great dialogue. Gotta root for Skip in every game from Sept. 4th on.

 

[bullsfan426]

OK, Bullwark; thanks for the heads-up. Do you have any insight as to whether the writer [Blackwell may be his name] at SBN TampaBay has an anti-USF bias??

SBN is fine.

If you have access to the ESPN Blue Ribbon previews, that could help you too.

As for all of you-you all are as classy a fan base as I've ever seen. Win or loss, ND looks like a nice number 2 team for me.

Too bad we can't play you guys every season instead of Miami-they have the worst fan base I've ever seen.