Auburn Def. Coord: USF makes plays in space...

[Jim Johnson]

"They create plays in space, so you’ve got to make plays in space. You’ve got to tackle in space." Will Muschamp on playing South Florida

The Tiger defensive coaches have raved about USF quarterback Matt Grothe. He can run out of that spread offense they employ and that makes him, and the offense, just that much more dangerous. Mike Ford tops a strong running back group and the receivers aren't shabby. This will be a tough contest for the Tigers.

http://blogs.ledger-enquirer.com/turnerloose/2007/09/thursday.html

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Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said the extra full day's work was valuable in preparing for South Florida's spread offense and first-year offensive coordinator Greg Gregory. The Bulls were quite basic, he said, in last Saturday's 28-13 victory over Division I-AA Elon.

"South Florida is a very difficult team to get ready for," Muschamp said. "They throw an awful lot at you. We are anticipating them to do a lot of the same things they've done. It looked that way on Saturday night.

"... This game comes down to tackling. You have to make plays in space. You have to get them on the ground when you get your opportunities."

Muschamp is particularly impressed with sophomore quarterback Matt Grothe, who led the Bulls to a 9-4 record as a true freshman last season.

"He does a good job executing their offense," Tuberville said. "He came in as a freshman and won nine games. That says enough right there. He's very tough, poised, confident and hard-nosed. He's the leader."

http://blog.al.com/trackingtigers/2007/09/notes_and_quotes_thursday_96.html