Defensive Ends

[The Great 8]

I know against Notre Dame we were mostly only rushing 4 (or even less) and Ball State ran it a lot or went for the short pass, but aside from Claude Davis nobody is consistently getting to the QB. Could this be a concern later in the season?

Per Twitter,

TBO_USFBulls Adam Adkins

USF senior DE Claude Davis has three sacks through first two games (2 vs. Ball State). Rest of team has combined for two.

Looking for Giddins, specifically, to step it up. Selvie would've feasted last night.

As an aside, Davis has forced a fumble on the QB in each game. This kid is earning more playing time imo.

[Brad]

Great question.  I, too, was wondering if we'd ever get to the QB.  We aren't too quick off the ends.  Very little pressure today.  I'm interested in hearing others' opinions on this.

[LETHALWEAPONMV]

we did get a few sacks but i guess I didn't realize we didn't much pressure but was great overall on defense still. If we don't get any sacks and still play way we did overall it should work out

[Fold FB Invest in BB]

By the looks of things, Claude Davis should be starting. Seems to be the most productive, and that's not surprising considering he is probably the most experienced end we have.

[Carolina_Bull]

We have trouble here.  We lack prototypical size at end.  Had we not switched S&C coaches this offseason, we'd be in worse trouble.

It won't help this year, but Skip should move the wunderkin athlete (McFarland is listed at 6'5") that transferred from UF last month to DE and bulk up his frame.

On the bright side, we have been fortunate to have good defensive coaching since the coaching began (Leavitt and Burnham) and Mark Snyder may be the best yet. . . . . so maybe he addresses this weakness schematically. . . . . . . but it'll be a band aid.

[hbryan]

By the looks of things, Claude Davis should be starting. Seems to be the most productive, and that's not surprising considering he is probably the most experienced end we have.

Davis is the most impressive and should be starting IMO.  I am disappointed in Giddins, JuJu, and Hampton and truly expected to see four or five sacks last night.  Add that to the list of: red zone offense, 3rd down efficiency, serviceable 2s, field goals, and hitting receivers while in stride that should be focused on.

[Who'sYourData?]

I'm not worried yet.  ND has a mammoth OLine and we were purposely very safe against them since we had the lead and wanted to make them "snap it again".  Tonight was more generic stuff, don't want to give Pitt a lot of film.  I won't be concerned unless we lack a pass rush against Pitt or UConn.

[hbryan]

I'm not worried yet.  ND has a mammoth OLine and we were purposely very safe against them since we had the lead and wanted to make them "snap it again".  Tonight was more generic stuff, don't want to give Pitt a lot of film.  I won't be concerned unless we lack a pass rush against Pitt or UConn.

You could be right DB, there were a lot of three step drops by the QB trying to get 5-yard completions by Ball State.  It's tough to get to the QB against anyone with just a 3-step drop.

[cmhatter]

claude davis is a pass rushing specialist...

should be in on every passing situation.

[SRQ]

starting de's did well against the run; Davis sells out totally to pass rush.  he is good at what he is, but not a full time starter