USF/FSU write up

[ctbrown24]

From a Panama City paper...

http://www.newsheral...h-finished.html

After four cozy and comfy weeks in Tallahassee, Florida State travels to Tampa for a Sept. 29 date with USF of the Big East. This is a rematch of the 2009 meeting in Tallahassee in which USF pulled off a 17-7 upset.

The Bulls finished 8-5 that season and saw the ouster of longtime coach Jim Leavitt. They finished with an identical record in 2010 under new coach Skip Holtz with another marquee win over fellow “Big Three†member Miami. However, the team couldn’t harness the momentum of the two big wins and languished to a 5-7 finish last season, including going 1-6 in Big East games, after starting with promise at 4-0.

The focus for USF success falls on quarterback B.J. Daniels, who has improved but hasn’t had a breakout performance despite much hype to do so. The Tallahassee native put up strong numbers last season, 15 touchdowns passing and 601 yards rushing, but he hasn’t been able to put the Bulls over the hump.

He’s now a senior and if there’s any time for him to bring the Bulls to the next level it’s this season. However, he will be doing so without leading rusher Darrell Scott. USF returns third-leading rusher Demetri Murray (503 yards) and Lindsey Lamar, who had flashes with 150 yards on just 17 carries while racking up more than 800 yards as a return man in 2011.

Daniels, who will have to solidify his spot as the starter in the fall, does have a complement of wide receivers to aid in his quest to help the Bulls upset the Seminoles again. Sterling Griffin, Victor Marc and Andre Davis are back, the trio combing for more than 1,000 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. Griffin led the team in receptions (43) and yards (530) while tying Lamar with three TDs.

The offensive line is bolstered on the left side with two seniors, while two sophomores are tentatively penciled in at center and right tackle. The Bulls have a mix of experience and youth at tight end.

The strength of the defense is at linebacker, where all three starters return. DeDe Lattimore, Mike Lanaris and Sam Barrington were Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in tackles last season and they combined for 23 stops behind the line and 10 sacks. USF also returns four heavy contributors along the line, making a formidable front seven to stop the running game.

This is in addition to two veterans in the secondary. Marianna native Fidel Montgomery also is poised to challenge for a starting spot at cornerback.

This game has all the makings of a trap. There will no doubt be some sort of emotional letdown for FSU after the Clemson game a week earlier, especially if the Seminoles should win.

FSU also could be 4-0 and if so could be ranked in the Top 5 at this point. The fact it’s the first road game of the season also adds a wildcard element to the contest.

The key is Daniels. If FSU controls Daniels then it will control the game. If he’s allowed to roam free, there could be many nervous Seminoles fans watching this game.

FSU’s top returning players: QB EJ Manuel (2,666 yards, 18 touchdowns, eight interceptions), RB Devonta Freeman (593 yards, eight TDs), WR Rashad Greene (596 yards, seven TDs), WR Rodney Smith (561 yards, four TDs), CB Greg Reid (563 return yards, one TD, 32 tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups), LB Christian Jones 56 tackles, six for loss, three sacks), DB Lamarcus Joyner (54 tackles, four Ints), DE Brandon Jenkins (41 tackles, 12 for loss, eight sacks), DE Bjoern Werner (37 tackles, 11 for loss, seven sacks), DT Tank Carradine (38 tackles, eight for loss, 5.5 sacks), PK Dustin Hopkins (22-27 FGs, 53 long, 44-44 on extra points, 29 touchbacks)

USF’s top returning players: QB B.J. Daniels (2,585 yards, 15 TDs, seven Ints, 601 yards rushing, six TDs), RB Demetri Murray (503 yards rushing, 205 yards receiving, eight TDs), RB Lindsey Lamar (307 total yards rushing and receiving, 817 kickoff return yards, three TDs), WR Sterling Griffin (530 yards, three TDs), LT Mark Popek, LB DeDe Lattimore (94 tackles, 13 for loss, seven sacks), LB Mike Lanaris (87 tackles), DE Ryne Giddins (44 tackles, 11 for loss, 5.5 sacks), PK Maikon Bonani (19-26 FG, 49 long, 42-42 on extra points)

First-glance prediction: This is a scary game due to the aforementioned circumstances. It will be a test of how well FSU can come back from an emotional game and those are always tricky. FSU wins, but it will be close.

Next week: A look at FSU’s return to ACC play against homestanding North Carolina State.

Read more: http://www.newsheral...l#ixzz1zlWAvTZt

[Skingraft]

Well written

[jasonb56]

FSU's Defensive line will cause problems, how BJ reacts will be the biggest deciding factor IMO...

[South_Florida_Flip]

FSU's Defensive line will cause problems, how BJ reacts will be the biggest deciding factor IMO...

Which is why he should be prepared to run the way he did in the 2009 game.

[Bull-by-Marriage]

FSU's Defensive line will cause problems, how BJ reacts will be the biggest deciding factor IMO...

Bjoern Werner is a beast.

[Bull Martin]

FSU's Defensive line will cause problems, how BJ reacts will be the biggest deciding factor IMO...

Which is why he should be prepared to run the way he did in the 2009 game.

Running QB's can give aggressive defenses fits.

I mean we've won every big non-con the last several years. We have to win this game, right? (last year's game against Miami was not a big game for either team at that point in the season)

[Who'sYourData?]

Daniels, who will have to solidify his spot as the starter in the fall,

Huh?

[DELdaBull]

Daniels, who will have to solidify his spot as the starter in the fall,

Huh?

I said the same thing.

[GaUSFBull]

Daniels, who will have to solidify his spot as the starter in the fall,

Huh?

I said the same thing.

As did I.

I'm also surprised that, at least as a sidebar, they didn't mention that Daniels made his first start against FSU in 2009.

[DELdaBull]

Daniels, who will have to solidify his spot as the starter in the fall,

Huh?

I said the same thing.

As did I.

I'm also surprised that, at least as a sidebar, they didn't mention that Daniels made his first start against FSU in 2009.

Trying to forget