CFN Article

[SMHUSF]

59. South Florida    2005 Record: 6-6

Why to get excited: If you liked last year’s defense, you’ll love this year’s version. The Bulls finished 17th in the nation in total defense and 14th in scoring D, and now they get just about everyone back. This is a battle tested team that should be better on the road and sharper on offense, and it’ll help to start out the season against McNeese State and FIU before going to Kansas and North Carolina. But …

Why to be grouchy: … they’ll have to find someone to carry the offensive load now that Andre Hall is gone. Hall ran for 2,731 yards and 24 touchdowns in two seasons, with 27 total scores, and was the steadying force for an attack that didn’t have any passing game. If Pat Jumiste doesn’t become a better passer this off-season, the Bulls might have a hard time getting back to a bowl. That’s why …

The number one thing to work on is: … passing efficiency. No one respected the USF passing game, and for good reason. Julmiste completed fewer than 50% of his passes with six touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. He’ll have decent receivers to throw to, but he has to prove he can keep the chains moving.

Biggest offensive loss: RB Andre Hall

Biggest defensive loss: DT Tim Jones