Coming off of its improbable 32-31 win over Nevada the Bulls are set to open Big East play tonight against Rutgers.
The nationally televised game has attracted the attention of a number of recruits who will be in attendance; Bulls247 caught up with some of these recruits to discuss their expectations and find out what they hope to see out of USF.
Robert Garcia USF Commit
“I want to see a big win. Last year they had a lot of close games and couldn’t really finish the game, but this year they proved they can finish against Nevada,” the three-star defensive lineman said. “Maybe this game the defense can get off the field more. I would just like to see more stops and get the ball to the offense. I want to see the offense posses the ball, control the clock and force Rutgers to make a lot of defensive substitutions.”
To control the clock Garcia sees the Bulls having a strong run game.
“With the spread option kind of look, give the ball to Murray or have B.J. keep it. Defensively you have to penetrate the gaps, plug holes; most of the time who runs the ball the best will win because the defense is worn out,” he said.
What should the Bulls take from its win over Nevada?
“You want to keep that same fight. Not to give up, keep going at it and finishing the game. That’s the biggest thing I saw is that they didn’t stop. The game is 60 minutes long so you have to keep fighting and keep the intensity,” Garcia said.
Connor Rafferty USF Commit
“I think it’s going to be low-scoring, like 14-10 in USF’s favor,” the Bulls’ two-star offensive line commit said. “I just hope to see the same thing they been doing the last two weeks in their rushing game.”
Bruce Hector USF Commit
Being at a nationally televised game will be new for the Bulls’ three-star defensive line commit
“I want to see a good atmosphere,” Hector said. “It will be my first nationally televised game and my first USF game ever.
“I just want to see them work hard and I’m going to be particularly looking at the defensive line and how coach Patrick coaches,” Hector said.
The game could very well be won and lost in the trenches.
“I want to see how aggressive the defensive line gets and see them get down and work hard and fight against the Rutgers’ offensive lineman,” he said.
The three-star linebacker has USF among his leaders alongside Vanderbilt and Arizona.
“I want to see a great defense; a stout defense that makes the stops and gives the offense an opportunity,” Harris said. “I want them to create a lot of third and long; just basically making it a great game for the offense.”
The Bulls also came up with timely turnovers in its 32-31 win over Nevada last week.
“That’s a big key; have a better turnover margin. If you create more turnovers then you are probably going to win the game,” Harris said.
“I want to see them compete. Even if they didn’t get the win I want to believe they gave it their all. I want to see a good atmosphere; a good atmosphere where I could see myself playing.”
What did the three-star prospect take from the Bulls’ win over Nevada?
“They never gave up. They were down a lot and they kept fighting. I want to see Andre ball out like he did against Nevada,” he said. “I want to see the defense step up and do everything they can. I would like to see them pitch a shutout.”
The Bulls have won just two of its previous seven meetings with the Scarlett Knights.
“I’m hoping to see a turn around and get a win,” the three-star prospect said. “Being it’s a televised game I expect it be a really crazy environment. It’s pretty exciting to go.”
He, like Godwin, wants to see the defense play extremely well.
“I would like to see a shutout; that would be pretty nice,” Stevenson said. “I hope to see some defensive backs come up and help with run support.”
George Campbell 2015
The dynamic athlete is being pursued by a number of programs and USF has offered him as a wide receiver.
“As a team I like USF. They’re a great team; they have the athletes to beat anyone,” Campbell said of the Bulls. “I’m not looking for anything specific; I just want to see them get a win.
“I want them to control the game from the beginning and not need a comeback again.”
Isaac Tanner WKU Commit
“I want them to win first of all,” the two-star linebacker said. “It’s a big game so hopefully the stands will be packed; a good atmosphere. I want to see good team play, none of those penalties.”
In order to beat the Rutgers Tanner has a key to the game that might be different than most.
“I would say special teams is the most important part,” he said. “Field position is going to be huge. It gets overlooked a lot, but that [special teams] and time of possession they need to win.”
Kyle Gibson 2014
“I expect USF to win,” the 2014 corner said. “They have been playing well the last couple weeks I think they'll do fine.”
Gibson thinks that the defense will have to step up and expects former Jefferson standout wide receiver Andre Davis to be the game’s breakout player.
The former UCF commit has recently opened his recruitment and USF is one of the schools he is considering.
“For them to beat them this year would be amazing,” the three-star WR said. “They have a chance to beat them through the air, I think. They have a nice passing game. To beat them I think they have to really pass the ball and be precise with the ball.”
Defensively Benjamin thinks the Bulls need to keep it simple.
“They just need to play sound football; play sideline to sideline and just be after the ball,” he said.
- Kyle Bennett
- USF Insider - Bulls247