I’m early, and my opinion may change after today’s slate of games. But here we go.
The highlight of this season for USF has been our defense when they show up (see GT, SC State, UConn, BYU, ECU, and temple). The defensive stats in those 6 games are as follows:
19 points per game - 18th in the nation
335 yards per game - 29th in the nation
196 Pass yards per game - 35th in the nation
139 Rush Yards per Game - 45th in the nation
3 turnovers per game - 1st in the nation
10 Tackles for Loss per game – 1st in the nation
3 sacks per game – 23rd in the nation
At times, the defense does give up big plays and is not very consistent, but the stats above don’t lie. When they show up, they are darn good compared to the defenses USF has been putting out for the last couple of years. The unfortunate thing is that we lose a lot of the defense to graduation (Reaves, Livingstone, Macon, Studstill). So for everyone saying that we need to raid the portal in the off-season for offensive players, keep in mind our defense will also be lacking depth.
I stand beside my statement that Mickey Mouse Community College is (see Tulane). It is still possible to make a bowl game if 2 things happen.
Offensive line shows up and we rush for 200 yards or more (Team is 18-1 under strong when it rushes for 200 or more)
Defense shows up and has a stat line along the stats listed above in the 6 games they have shown up
If both of those 2 things happen, I can see us squeaking out a close one at home verse Memphis and taking it to a defeated and discouraged UCF. I have already written off Cincy as a loss since they look like the most complete team in the conference.