The Morning After: Football Wins, but Not Pretty; Questions Still Remain

Football is back and the Bulls took care of business in the first game against UTC Chattanooga, winning 34 to 13.  The defense played well, B.J. Daniels made some good plays, but there are still questions remaining after the game and as the team prepares for a long road trip to Reno on Saturday.

The Bulls had 369 yards of offense to just 151 total for UTC.  USF had 284 yards passing but just 85 yards rushing and allowed the Mocs to control the clock most of the game, but big drives and big passes got the win for the Bulls as they took care of business.

On offense, B.J. Daniels was 17 of 26 passing for 265 yards with 3 touchdowns and a bad interception at the end of the first half.  Daniels had the yards, but at times had trouble with the pass rush (tackles didn't look the best during this game).  Daniels lost yards in rushing (did have a rushing touchdown) and did not look at his best in the game, he will need to get better with his reads, get better with checking down and know when to give up on the run when a play is over.  Matt Floyd came in for him late, going 3 for 7 with 19 yards as the back-up.  

The running game was also quiet in this game.  Demetris Murray had 16 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown.  Marcus Shaw had 4 carries for 22 yards as well.  The running game has to be more effective against Nevada to keep drives alive (Willie Davis had 2 carries for 8 yards as well). 

Terrence Mitchell had 5 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown in the game as he returned to the field (also had 4 punt returns for 69 yards).  Victor Marc had 3 for 19.  Sterling Griffin had 2 for 83 yards and a touchdown.  Derrick Hopkins had 2 for 23 yards.  Landi, Montgomery, Welch, and Murray all had a reception as well in the game. 

Defense played well in the game, swarming to the ball carrier, not getting beaten and staying in their zones and attacking the ball carrier.  Terrell Robinson, the Mocs best rushing attack, was held in check and taken out of the game until late.  DeDe Lattimore had 8 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.  Cory Grissom in his return had 6 tackles and a half sack.  Todd Chandler had 4.5 tackles and 3 tackles for loss in a huge first game debut for him.  Ryne Giddins had 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the game.  Fidel Montgomery and Kayvon Webster had 3 tackles each as well.  

Special teams was solid as well.  JBK got the nod to start the game punting 4 times averaging 42 yards a tick (Ciabatti had 1 for 43).  Maikon Bonani was 3 for 3 in XPT.  Kayvon Webster had 3 kick returns for 53 yards as well in the game.  

Overall it was a strong game for the Bulls, despite not being the big blowout everyone thought it was.  There are some issues the team needs to correct and with two tough games in the next 12 days is going to be hard, but the real team will be shown then. 

Other notes from the game:

• Guard Lawrence Martin and running back Bradley Battles were suspended for the game, but should be back for the game against Nevada.
• Running back Lindsey Lamar could be redshirted in his senior season.  According to Holtz he is still rusty and with other running backs ahead of him, it would want to keep him for another year to get him more carries (barring injuries).  Others that could redshirt are Bobby Eveld, Michael Pierre, Tye Turner and Ruben Gonzalez.