Inside the numbers: USF handles Syracuse 37 to 17

B. J. Daniels led the team in rushing again. (Picture: www..gousfbulls.com)

The 4-game losing streak is over. The Bulls got off to a slow start last night, but were able to handle business, running the ball, using short passes, and playing outstanding defense the entire night. Daniels did what he had too and the defensive pressure was able to get to Nassib and stop the Orange offense before it ever got going.

Daniels was 23 of 34 on the night, throwing for 254 yards. He made smart reads, looking down the field, and making the easy throws when he needed, not turning the ball over. He also ran the ball 21 times for 117 yards and another team as Fitch continues to let Daniels make the reads and keep the ball.

The running game, aside from Daniels, was very productive. Murray had 17 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Lamar had 2 receptions for 15 yards. Marcus Shaw had 2 for 13 yards and a touchdown (team went for it on 4th down early in the game, then gave Shaw the carry, love the call in that drive).

Deonte Welch had 5 receptions for 38 yards. Evan Landi had 4 for 36 yards including a great reception that he pulled off the ground. Andre Davis had 3 for 62 yards. Andreas Shields had 2 for 30, Marc had 3 for 46, Gonzalez had one for 14 yards, and Love had one for 11 yards. They didn't have the big plays down the field, but Daniels was able to find his receivers when it counted the most and moved the ball down the field.

Bonani put the bad game from last week behind him, going a perfect 3 for 3 on field goal attempts. JBK continues to struggle, punting the ball 4 times and averaging just 33 yards a kick. While he didn't do the worst job (that goes to the Syracuse punter) he still continues to kick the ball short, he has to get it turned around.

The defense put on a clinic in this game, allowing just 108 yards rushing for the entire team while USF ran for over 200 yards. Michael Lanaris led the team with 7 tackles, including one for loss. Barrington had 6 tackles. Mark Joyce had 5 tackles, Lattimore had 5 tackles and a sack. Jerrell Young had 5 tackles, including a jaw jarring hit on a SU receiver to break up the pass early in the game (I think we all felt that one). Davis and Giddins each had a sack in the game.

This was a great performance by the team as they finally get past the losing streak and put together a solid performance and get a big conference win and closer to a bowl game. The Bulls still have a lot of work to do, but for now can build off this win as they prepare for Miami next weekend back at home.