Clarion Ledger: This week for Southern Miss

[Guest HowieP1]

September 27, 2004

This week for Southern Miss

By Tim Doherty

tdoherty@clarionledger.com

RECAP: USM, 2-0, 1-0 Conference USA, rushed for 301 yards and pulled away in the second half to take a 32-14 win at Tulane on Saturday. Dustin Almond threw for two TDs and USM came up with three turnovers.

SATURDAY: South Florida, 6 p.m.

SITE: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

TV: ESPN Gameplan.

Scouting the Bulls

OFFENSE: For the second consecutive week, a running back cracked the 100-yard mark against USM, when Tulane's Jovon Jackson rushed for 112 yards on 18 carries (6.2 yards per carry). But the Golden Eagles held the Green Wave to less than 300 yards total offense and allowed just seven points with the game in the balance. South Florida's offense awoke in time to help snap TCU's 15-game home win streak. The Bulls came into Saturday having scored 20 points in two games; they scored 45 against the Horned Frogs. RB Andre Hall, a junior college transfer, had a huge night, rushing for 119 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding another 65 yards and a TD on receptions. QB Pat Julmiste also had a career night, chalking up just the sixth 300-yard passing game (324 yards) in school history. Still,despite Saturday's outburst, USF remains last in Conference USA in total offense (292 yards per game) and is the league's second-worst team running the ball (116 yards a game).

DEFENSE: USM's offense roared to life against Tulane, rumbling for 305 rushing and 461 yards total offense. But the Bulls are a different defensive beast. Led by FS Javan Camon (30 tackles) and LB Stephen Nicholas (21 tackles, four pass break-ups), USF ranks second in C-USA in total defense, allowing 333.0 yards per game. Still, the Bulls have given up gobs of points against their past two opponents, South Carolina (34) and TCU (44).

INTANGIBLES: USM has been a pig at the turnover table, forcing eight in two games. Six of those have led directly to 38 points (two field goals, four touchdowns). Just as critical, USM has given the ball away just once. USF ranks ahead of only Tulane in turnover margin, gaining just two takeaways, while giving it away six times. Turnovers may even the playing field at Raymond James Stadium, where coach Jim Leavitt's Bulls have won 24 of their last 26 games.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040927/SPORTS030104/409270317

[ChiTownBull]

hold onto the ball stop all the stupid penalties and I like our chances.

[Paisa el Toro]

I like our chances playing against Southern Miss. at home. It should be a defensive dogfight. I know i'll be watching the game in Lansing, Mi!

[bulls96go]

this is a must win

then again they are all must wins

just win jim