After taking the field last Saturday on campus, the Bulls return to the field, this time under the bright lights of Raymond James Stadium (game slated for 6PM, rain could be in the area however). The Bulls did a lot of good things in their last scrimmage, but there are a lot of areas they need to work on. Here are 5 players and 5 areas they need to work on in this last scrimmage before the fall camp begins later this year.
Here are the 5 players to watch during this game. They are different names from the last scrimmage, but just as or even more important in this game.
Sterling Griffin - USF top receiver from last season has been quiet lately. Other names like Andre Davis and Ruben Gonzalez continue to get the praises, but no word on Griffin. Griffin is the Bulls primary target this season and needs to continue to rise up and take over the starting role on the depth chart and be the go-to target this season.
Mike McFarland - The tall tight end towers over everyone on the field and has a knack for making the over the shoulder catches in the endzone, but as Holtz stated, he has to get more consistent. He needs to make the plays that are routine, catching passes in the flat (direct quote from Holtz) and continue to get better in the passing game, not just making the highlight catch once in awhile.
Austin Reiter - The sophomore has taken over the center position, setting himself ahead of others and the line is responding to him and his leadership. USF will need him to continue to mature in the position and become the anchor in the center of the offensive line this season.
Elkino Watson - The Bulls are without Cory Grissom for awhile (ankle injury) and will need their young defensive tackles to rise up and make an impact. Watson came up big last season and has the talent to take over. With the spot open with Grissom out, he needs to rise up and take the position.
Mark Joyce - The Bulls made a lot of big plays in the passing game, targeting the corners and displaying some weaknesses in the USF secondary. Joyce, a key player this season, will need to become a consistent playmaker in the secondary and could come up big and make some strong plays to show he can be an every day starter for the Bulls.
Here are 5 general areas the team needs to work on in this scrimmage.
The Quarterback Battle- This will be a constant throughout the summer and into the fall, so get use to it. Both back-ups, Eveld and Floyd, played well in the scrimmage last week. Both will get another chance to put themselves ahead of the other in this scrimmage.
2nd Running Back - The Bulls are still looking for that second running back behind Murray. Lamar has been impressive, but so has Shaw. Battles and Davis are battling for positions as well and will have another prime chance to come out and put on a show in front of the crowd and the coaches.
No Injuries - The Bulls are going down with injuries. Anthony Hill (ACL) and Cory Grissom (ankle) are out for a long time. JaQuez Jenkins and Danous Estenor are both getting healthy which is a good scene, but the Bulls can not afford another big injury, especially facing each other before the summer. Everyone just needs to play smart and avoid hobbling off the field.
No Penalties - The Bulls committed 12 penalties on defense in the last scrimmage, something that killed the team last season and continues to anger the coaches. Playing at game speed and with referees is much different than at practice, they will learn. Hopefully they will watch the tape, learn and learn to avoid those yellow flags that can kill a team.
Progress in All Fields - There is a lot of expectations for this team and they need to get better in every department, special teams, offense and defense. The Bulls had issues all last season in all phases of the game and have a lot of work to do. As long as they continue to work hard, they will get better and continue to prepare for the season ahead.
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