I'm TIRED of...

[ProfessaBull]

speculation, so I pulled some numbers to consider, so we can speculate some more ;D. I don't know how much stock you all put in stats but here it goes. These are some things I find interesting and this is all my OPINION!

This Bowl game will not come down to a field goal neither team is ranked in the Top 50 (in field goals). Both coaches will look to stay away from this if at all possible. You may see each team go for it on fourth & short.

We are ranked #35 in the nation passing the ball. ECU is not in the top 50. However, they do have a WR (Aundrae Allison) #17 in the nation. We don't have a kid in the top 50. Grothe likes to share the love and I'll take that any day over ECU. We win the passing battle.

Neither teams are top 50 in rushing. Don't see this playing a factor much but of course whomever can rush the ball more effectively has the edge.

Next, I look at turnover margin, US #85 THEM #32. What does this mean? Well... we have Trae Williams #6 in the nation, they have...? Wait one second though, Team INT's = USF #27 ECU #15 but wait one second though, Scoring Defense = USF #24 ECU#47! AWWWWWW! Not sure really what this means. Someone enlighten me

Then there are two more things I tend to look at, one of which scares the hell out of me.

SCORING

USF #67 in the nation avg. 22.92 pts/game

ECU #69 in the nation avg 22.75 pts/game

Well how are we gonna win this game with numbers like these? I'm thinking the deciding factor will be special teams. We have the 6th best punt returner in the nation. He will take one back in this game and it will make the difference.

[Guest JulmisteForPrez]

:-/ My brain hurts.

[ProfessaBull]

Mine too, that is why I posted this. I need someone to keep me away from numbers like these. Or maybe I just wanted you to share in my frustration.

[Apis Bull]

This is why stats, on face value, are not really indicative of who's better.  Because of the shear number of teams in D1A, you'd have to look at the level of competition of the two schools.  I would venture to say that our scoring average was against much better defenses.  Just my opinion.

[Kyle76]

There are lies, **** lies and statistics.  Statistics, while helpful, are also misleading.  We had almost no rushing game early in the season and have rushed the ball much more effectively late in the year.  Passing has been inconsistent, as our quarterback has posted a top-5 all-time game this season and also a game under 100 yards.  I look for a low-scoring game with few turnovers.  Both teams protect the ball pretty well.  Field position will be a key, and we have a top-notch senior punter (from Florida), while you guys have a great return man.  Statistically, ECU is not going to strike fear into anyone.  The games we have won have been close, and in at least 3 of our wins, we gave up a late, meaningless score.  We do what it takes to win and little more.  I think the oddsmakers have this one about right with you guys favored by a field goal.  It could go either way.

[Who'sYourData?]

Other numbers:

Record USF (8-4) ECU (7-5)

Strength of Schedule USF 74, ECU 92

USF 24, WVU 19

WVU 17, ECU 10

UAB 17, ECU 12

[ProfessaBull]

LOL, thanks DATABULL

[dabull80]

Just look to our defense and you will see the answer.  I think they will have a hard time scoring and with the growth in our QB from the beginning of the season our offense has much improved.  Stats can be very misleading but that turnover margin by ECU is impressive and that is where they would keep the game close.

[ProfessaBull]

Kyle76, there is no way someone wins this game w/ a field goal

[BDYZR]

c-lay-usf

Didn't we kick a 56 yarder this year?

Just kidding.

This game, I think, will all be about attitude. If the BULLS care, ECU won't have a chance.

If we show up like we're just going out and win, I don't think we're good enough to beat ANYONE in a bowl game.

GO BULLS!