Five Ways USF Can Win/Lose to Syracuse

Here are 5 ways USF could win or lose this game. After losing 4 straight games, there are probably more than 5 ways the Bulls could lose this game at Syracuse, but we are keeping the faith, right?

5 ways USF can win this game

Run the ball - Scott had 100 yards on the ground against Rutgers and continues to show his power and speed (although might miss the game due to injuries). Mix in Murray and Lamar and the occasional Daniels run, and the USF rush game is solid. They average over 200 yards a game and with the passing game being inconsistent, expect to see a lot of runs early and often in this game.

Control the clock - The Bulls will need to control the clock in this game, not allowing Syracuse on the field and keeping long drives going (sustained offense). Clock will all depend on how well the Bulls can run the ball and how well Daniels can run the offense and execute when it matters most, such as third down. If they can do that, score enough, and dictate the pace, they should win.

Lattimore will pressure Nassib.

Defensive pressure - Ryne Giddins and DeDe Lattimore were able to get a lot of pressure on the quarterbacks of Rutgers and will need to do the same against Ryan Nassib and the Orange. With Van Chew as the Orange deep threat, USF cannot let Nassib sit back in the pocket and pick them apart. Look for the speed rush of Giddins and for blitz calls for Lattimore.

Team speed - We have talked about it all season, but USF is full of speed. Now they get to play on a turf field, in a dome, where their speed can be used at its best. Look for USF to get the ball to the speed players like Lamar in space where they can create. The Bulls need a spark and this would work to their advantage.

Back against the wall - Backs are against the wall, what will the team do? USF is facing a losing season and a chance of missing a bowl game, will they take that? Will they throw the towel in or will the team rally, come out focused and angry and win a key game on the road? The Bulls have to stand up in this game or the season is over.

5 ways USF can lose this game (there are more than 5 ways they could blow this one too)

Another weekday game - USF is not the best at playing these games during the week and mix in the fact they have to travel on the road, makes it even harder for them. USF will be facing a hostile crowd and will have to find a way to come together and try to get a win.

Injuries mounting - The number of injuries are mount. T-Rex is questionable and with Darrell Scott banged up, the team gets thinner. The offense is relying on tons of young players, players who are not use to these situations while the defense is held together with tape at this point. Depth is a big concern in this game and the rest of the season.

Deonte Welch has become a prime target for Daniels, but is young.

Too young at wide receiver - The Bulls are using a wide receiver by committee approach and it is showing. Welch is playing well, but Davis has been quiet (dropped a key pass at Rutgers). Marc has made mistakes and A.J. Love is nowhere to be found. The Bulls are really young at receiver, hurting the passing game and the ability to block down the field.

B.J. Daniels - He continues to the epic-center of the success or failure of the team. When he is playing at this best, the Bulls can run the tempo they like and push opponents and beat them down. But if Daniels makes bad plays and can't execute the offense, the team will struggle to get down the field and will have to punt more and more (not the best thing in the world).

Turnovers - Something that kills every team, but with the Bulls play on the razors edge, one bad interception or fumble could doom the team. USF had a chance in overtime at Rutgers, but the Daniels interception in overtime killed that drive. The Bulls have to cause turnovers and protect the ball themselves if they want to stand a chance in this game.