USF's X-Factor Versus the Irish?

Who could be an x-factor in the Bulls first game of the season vs. the Irish? (Picture: J. Patrick Price)

As USF prepares for one of the biggest games in program history (big for Holtz as well, no matter how much he tries to put it off) everyone continues to talk about the big names on the team. Such as B.J. Daniels and what he will do this season, the play of Ryne Giddins on the defense, and so on.

However, there is one name that could be a huge x-factor during the game and the way USF can utilize his abilities, could turn the game in our favor in just one play. [keep reading]

Wide receiver/running back Lindsey Lamar is one of the most dynamic players on the USF roster and could be a big time killer against the Irish in South Bend.

The 5-9 168-pound junior is not the biggest man on the field, but he lets his feet do the talking for him.

Last season, Lamar moved to wide receiver and caught 25 passes for 161 yards (recorded 12 carries for 37 yards as well). The passing game was very inconsistent last year with B.J. Daniels struggling to figure out the offense in his first year, so the numbers were not that great for Lamar, but it wasn't catching the ball that made Lamar a household name.

Lamar became the primary return man for the Bulls throughout the season and was a one man highlight reel. He made 34 returns on the season, totaling 899, and scored two return touchdowns, the biggest being the 100-yard return against Louisville (a personal favorite of Mike's).

Lamar missed the Spring practices as he recovered from shoulder surgery, but fully participated in the Fall camp. An odd note from the Fall camps was the lack of mention of him, either from great or bad plays, coaches were quiet about him, but he will be on the field this season, doing what he did last season.

So how exactly is he an x-factor against the Irish?

Lamar can change the game in three ways for the Bulls. One, in the passing game. The Bulls have a deep corps of receivers for the first time in a long time. Daniels will have more weapons to throw to and should be more confident in his second season under Todd Fitch. Lamar can help spread the field with his speed, lining up on the outside, lining up in the slot, or coming out of the backfield. His speed and ability to run routes will make him a nightmare for linebackers to cover underneath and the defensive backs will have to watch the downfield threats in Sterling Griffin and A.J. Love.

Lamar can also be used as a running back as well. With Murray and Scott getting a bulk of the carries, he won't be carrying the rock too much in this game (or during the season), but he could be a player the Bulls could use on the option run, something that was featured quite extensively last season (helps Daniels move his legs and get out of the pocket). If they are able to use direct snaps of any idea, delay handoffs, or the option, giving Lamar any kind of space, the results could be big gains for the Bulls.

The third and most obvious way Lamar can change the game is his kick return ability. With the Bulls and Irish expected to be locked in a close game (on paper at least) field position and special teams can be a huge deciding factor. Lamar has proven that he can change the course of a game with his legs and if there is a slight crease in the kick return unit of the Irish, Lamar could be throwing up his horns in the Irish endzone.

So as we get ready to dig into the Irish information and start to analyze everything (trust me, there is a lot to cover and we will have it all for you starting next week) remember to find Lindsey Lamar on the field, because the next time you see him, he could be winning the game.