by Matthew Manuri | SoFloBulls.com
So…. I thought I posted this SMU post-game article and never did. Welp, better late than never.
I’m experiencing a run of emotions at the moment so I’m going to tell the story as such.
While watching the ‘Canes about-face against Virginia via USF recruiting miss WR Stacy Coley (2013 ESPN 150 #47), then flipping to Florida State’s Charlie Ward rendition in QB Jameis Winston’s meticulous dissection of Idaho (2012 ESPN150 #14/#1 QB-PP) I realized I needed to link up my macbook to the TV to watch my South Florida Bulls (2-8, 2-4) take on the SMU Mustangs (5-5, 4-2) on Senior Night. I sincerely wish my biggest complaint was the lack of primetime coverage, but unfortunately that is only a prelude the frankly depressing chain of events to follow.
The night began well on USF Senior Night when DE Ryne Giddins proposed to his long-time girlfriend & she said yes. Pretty awesome, right? While this may not have been the only positive note for the Defense, the USF Offense sputtered along like an unserviced jalopy. I feel the Offensive performance exposed just how large the learning curve may actually be for Coach Taggart’s pro-style offense. The motions, shifts & timing both has proven to be a persistent issue for the Bulls newly anointed true freshman starting quarterback Mike White (University School/Ft. Lauderdale, FL). The struggles on the line of scrimmage, specifically with blocking assignments plagued the Bulls throughout the contest as well. The Bulls finished the evening with 13 penalties for 107-yards, opposed to SMU’s 1 penalty for 5-yards. Yes ladies & gents, that’s a solid 102-yard field position, drive stalling & touchdown killing advantage the Bulls seemed to offer up on a silver platter for the Mustangs Saturday Night at Raymond James Stadium.
ESPN added this great statement in there game recap, “In addition to being ranked last in the AAC in total offense, averaging 263.7 yards per game, the Bulls were also last in scoring offense at just under 15 points per game.”
Let’s just keep going, this year has been flat out tough on the collective Bull spirit as a whole. But hey, at least we have Basketball.
The Reaction on Twitter
For folks that don’t like gram, here’s Aaron Lynch killing the clothing mullet: Business up top, party down below. pic.twitter.com/7fJ72EJAQk
— Mike Manganello (@MikeManganello) November 24, 2013
USF’s offense should be tried for war crimes. Also good job announcing a crowd more than twice the size of the one that really showed up.
— Jamie (@chuckycrater) November 24, 2013
Actual crowd, per Tampa Sports Authority: season-low 14,236
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) November 24, 2013
First punt return for a TD for #USF since 2008. Theo Wilson went 68 yards vs. UT-Martin.
— USF Football (@USFFootball) November 24, 2013
Three straight penalties, the worst fade route ever, and a dropped pick. We are ABSOLUTELY tanking. Only question is if it’s intentional.
— Collin Sherwin (@USFCollin) November 24, 2013
White hits Andre Davis for a career-long 73-yard reception. Bulls at the SMU 16. 6:59 to play.
— USF Football (@USFFootball) November 24, 2013
Davis now with 1,441 career receiving yards has vaulted into 5th all-time at USF, just six yards out of 4th.
— USF Football (@USFFootball) November 24, 2013
#NotTooDamnLikely RT @USFAthletics: .@USFFootball falls 16-6 to SMU. #BeatUCF.
— Tim (@greenandgold56) November 24, 2013
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