We're Getting Closer...USF 24, WKU 12

RECAP

- The defense put together their best effort so far this year only allowing 283 yards of total offense to USF. We were able to sack QB B.J. Daniels three times and only allowed 57 yards through the air.

- Congratulations to safety Kiante Young for hauling in the Hilltoppers first interception in seven games. We have gone seven games without a defensive interception? When breaking negative streaks it is important to start off slowly.

- Although USF failed to move the ball through the air, they exploited our weakness in the run defense gaining 226 yards on the ground. Running back Demetris Murray led the way for the Bulls with 15 carries for 115 yards.

- Special teams allowed another big punt return of 67 yards by USF's Terrence Mitchell to set up a touchdown run by Daniels.

- Punter Hendrix Brakefield had a good game averaging 43.3 yards per punt on four attempts for the Hilltoppers. He has stepped up his game since the beginning of the season.

- Speaking of the kicking game, Casey Tinius had a game to forget missing on his field goal attempts (47, 50, and 45) and an extra point attempt. I know those are long field goal attempts but leaving points off the board after the offense puts together a good drive is a momentum killer.

- The Hilltoppers offense out gained South Florida 314 to 283 yards on the night that included Bobby Rainey being held to only 64 yards on 21 carries.

- Dreams do come true as Kawaun Jakes passed for 221 yards on 19-37 through the air. The coaching staff established the passing game early realizing the Bulls game plan was to stop Bobby Rainey.

- Tight end Jack Doyle had a career game with 7 receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. He was involved early and often in the offense and scored on a 25 yard touchdown pass late in the fourth.

CONCLUSION

- Overall the offense showed their ability to move the ball throughout the entire ball game. WKU put together good drives early but could not capitalize due to missed field goals by Casey Tinius.

- The defense gave their best effort tonight by getting three sacks, an interception, and allowing USF punter Justin Brockhaus-Kahn to make a couple of cameo appearances.

- The Hilltoppers get a well deserved week off after a tough four game stretch to open the season. Now it is time for Sun Belt Conference play and victory is just around the corner but maybe a couple of blocks up!

END THE STREAK AND GO TOPS!

South Florida Preview

- USF is coming off a bye week after putting up a good fight against the Florida Gators two weeks ago. It was a 7-7 game in the middle of the 3rd quarter before the Gators pulled away.

- The Bulls return a veteran offensive line from an 8-4 team a year ago which will bold well for the rushing game and play making ability of quarterback B.J. Daniels.

- Speaking of B.J. Daniels, he is coming off a terrible passing performance against the Gators going 5 for 20 for only 86 yards and 4 interceptions. However, he countered that with 107 yards on the ground which proves how versatile and athletic he is.

- The defensive unit for the Bulls lost a lot of talent from last year's team, like George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul who are currently on NFL rosters. But they still obviously have great athletes on defense after holding the Florida offense in check for two and a half quarters.

- Look for USF to establish the passing game early with an experienced offensive line that will give Daniels time to pick apart the Hilltoppers secondary.

- The Hilltopper secondary may be suffering this weekend as they are awaiting the status of junior safety Mark Santoro after injuring his neck against Indiana.

- According to Coach Taggart, freshmen defensive backs Arius Wright and Tyree Robinson will get significant playing time Saturday against USF after performing well in the second half against the Hoosiers. At this point, I'll take anybody that wants to make plays especially on defense.

- The losing streak will continue as I expect B.J. Daniels to bounce back and have a monster game passing and running. I don't see WKU's defensive line gaining a lot of pressure against another bigger, stronger, and more athletic offensive line.

- The offense will be playing from behind yet again and need to establish Cooper, Vasquez, and Doyle into a more vertical passing game. Kawaun Jakes is bound to throw for over 200 yards sometime this season. We all know Bobby Rainey will get his yards.

- WKU at South Florida, September 25th at Raymond James Stadium

- Go Tops!