| SoFloBulls.com | by Matthew Manuri |
The South Florida Bulls (3-6, 1-4 Big East) travel down to Miami this weekend to square off against the Hurricanes (5-5, 4-3 ACC). Here are the keys to the Bulls stealing a victory down south:
Dominate Decimated WR Core
The Hurricanes WR core has been decimated by injuries this season. Most recently, converted DB #24 Davon Johnson (21 rec. for 348 yards) suffered a knee injury, leaving only walk-on WR #87 Garrett Kidd to fill his slot. How ravaged is the ‘Canes WR core? Leading WR #80 Rashawn Scott (512 yards, 3 TDs) is suspended indefinitely, #1 Allen Hurns (307 yards, 4 TDs) broke a bone in his hand & will be wearing a cast on his left hand Saturday, & then you add in previously mentioned #24 Davon Johnson & you end up with the ‘Canes top 3 WRs. After those 3 WRs, the leader for the ‘Canes is RB #5 Mike James who has collected 27 receptions for 247 yards & 2TDs this season. The Bulls’ secondary must control the inexperienced receiving core to allow DC Chris Cosh to load the box.
Contain RB Duke Johnson
Duke Johnson. The ’Canes number one RB & ACC Player of the Year front-runner,#8 Duke Johnson, has amassed 705 yards (6.4 yds/carry) & 6 TDs on 110 carries in 2012. Johnson has broken off 50+ yard jaunts in consecutive weeks: a 52 yarder against Virginia & 65 yarder against VA-Tech last week. Johnson is an explosive speedster & whenever he touches the pigskin all players need to be alert. Johnson has also returned 23 kickoffs, his specialty, for 779 yards & 2 TDs (long of 95 yards). The Bulls’ secondary MUST limit Johnson’s ability to reach the second level on Saturday if they plan on staying in the game period.
Video: Johnson’s 52 & 65 yard Dashes
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…And the Bulls’ Starting QB is?
Coach Holtz hasn’t announced which QB will get the nod Saturday, but between Floyd & Eveld I seriously don’t know which QB will actually give the Bulls’ a chance Win. The ‘Canes are VERY beatable squad & another win would keep the Bulls on track toward their goal of winning out to become bowl eligible. Cross your fingers, toes, & everything else that the Bulls’ step up & play with passion Saturday.