GoUSFBulls.com Louk's Closer Look: Week 4 September 23, 2016

[Brad]

Louk's Closer Look: Week 4

September 23, 2016

 

By JIM LOUK

Voice of the Bulls

TAMPA, SEPT. 23, 2016 - Welcome to the next game on the USF schedule. 

To a man, that’s how Bulls players and coaches have described this one, and it’s a great attitude to have.  There hasn’t been much talk about state bragging rights, playing a nationally ranked team, or going up against guys you faced in high school.

A businesslike attitude has served this team well through the renaissance of the program.  USF is 10-2 in its last 12 games.

We, however, have the luxury of treating this game as something special.  Saturday is a great day to be a Bull.  Wear green.  Be loud (but please also be respectful).

And above all, have fun.

A few items for discussion around the tailgate (which can begin when the parking lots open at 7 AM):

- When these two teams met in 2015 with Florida State winning 34-14, the Bulls were down three linebackers. Nigel Harris and Tashon Whitehurst didn’t play, and Auggie Sanchez didn’t finish the game after getting a targeting call.

- The most memorable USF-FSU meeting for Bulls fans was the first one on Sept. 26, 2009. B.J. Daniels completed only eight passes in his first-career start, but he led the Bulls to a 17-7 win.  Daniels will be an honorary captain for USF on Saturday.

- There are a lot of memorable plays from that first meeting, but the one that really got Bulls fans going was a crushing hit by USF defensive back Jon Lejiste that caused a Florida State fumble.  It’s become a signature USF defensive highlight over the years.

- Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, No. 4, will be a key factor today.  Last year he ran for 266 yards against the Bulls, the second-best single game mark in Florida State history. 

- Over the past seven games, the Bulls are averaging 48.1 points per game.  That’s second in the nation, behind only Texas Tech.

- Today could be the day for Marlon Mack.  He enters the game with 2,595 career rushing yards. Andre Hall is USF’s all-time leader with 2,731.

The game will be aired on ABC on their national feed. Radio is AM-820 in Tampa, with affiliates AM-880 in Miami, AM-1080 in Orlando, FM-99.9 in Brooksville, and FM-107.9 in Jacksonville.  We’re also on the Tune In app and on GoUSFBulls.com.  With their strong daytime signal for this noon start, AM-820 will be listenable in much of the state of Florida.

Saturday marks the final non-conference game of 2016; the Bulls open AAC play at Cincinnati next Saturday.

It’ll be a huge crowd, so getting to the stadium early, and getting in the stadium early is advised.  The Bulls will be back home in two weeks against East Carolina.

GO BULLS!