The Morning After: USF Scores 11 Points in 3 Minutes to Beat Nevada on the Road

Demetris Murray and the Bulls got it going, but it was a sophomore receiver that had a historic day as the Bulls came away with the huge win in Reno (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

USF wins, USF wins.  The Bulls, hitting the road, making a huge road trip in one of the longest trips the team has ever taken, were able to rally late in a hostile environment against a skilled Nevada team, 32 to 31.  The Bulls were smacked early in the game and struggled with the high octane offense of the pistol formation of the Wolf Pack, but the team adjusted, regrouped, and escaped with one of the biggest wins in recent history.

The Bulls and Wolf Pack fought it out in a huge offensive battle between the two sides as the Bulls were gased but dug deep late in the game to make some huge stops.  Overall, USF ran for 209 yards as a team, but allowed 278 yards to the pistol offense of Nevada.  USF threw for 363 yards while stopping Nevada to 271 (572 for USF overall, 549 for Nevada).  The Wolf Pack came out early, took the lead and had the Bulls scrambling on defense, but credit the players and staff making the adjustments and really were able to get back into position to stop the offense of Nevada and were able to force some punts and stalled their drives, allowing the offense to come back and get going. 

B.J. Daniels was 22 of 40 for 363 yards for 3 touchdowns (sacked once) and rushed 11 times for 53 yards. Daniels was inconsistent at times, especially in the short, intermediate passes, throwing high and low to some of his receivers.  He over shot some receivers, but was able to fling the ball well for a few deep routes and was able to keep the offense moving.  At this stage, we all know Daniels can be wild with his passes at times and that is what we got, but when it mattered most in the last few minutes, he took care of business and made the completions count.

The running game got going more than they did last week with Williams back at left tackle and the addition of Lindsey Lamar to the backfield.  With Marcus Shaw out with the ankle sprain, Lamar carried the ball 8 times for 85 yards and scored a touchdown, showing his great speed on the field and coming up huge.  Demetris Murray had 13 carries for 60 yards and  a score as he got going as well.

The skill players got open and came up big for the Bulls.  The biggest target was Andre Davis.  The sophomore recorded 12 receptions for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The Tampa native set the single game record for receiving yards and came down with the 53-yard score to win the game for the Bulls.  All through the spring and fall we have heard all about Davis and his big play and potential to break out for the 2012 season and today, we saw it happen.

Davis was not alone in the big day in the receiving game.  Chris Dunkley, filling in for the injured Sterling Griffin, had 2 receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown.  Terrence Mitchell had 2 receptions for 29 yards.  Landi had 1 for 28 yards, Welch had 1 for 23 yards, Murray had 2 for 16, Derrick Hopkins had 1 for 5 and Victor Marc had 1 for 4 to round out the receiving corps big day.

The defense, facing a tough offense that was ready to run up and down the field, gashed them early and had many fans wondering if this would be another Pitt game (from last season).  The coaching staff and the team were able to make adjustments and corrections, while battling fatigue, and came away with big stops when it mattered most for the Bulls.  I'll be honest, watching the defense, rotating the second team in, watching guys with hands on the hips and sucking air and running to the oxygen masks, it didn't look good early on for the Bulls, but they dug deep and got the job done.  Mike Lanaris led the way with 10 tackles.  Mark Joyce had 9 tackles.  DeDe Lattimore had 9 tackles and 1 sack.  Kayvon Webster had 8 tackles, Sam Barrington had 8 tackles and forced two fumbles, and Josh Brown had 5 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss.

This was a huge win for the Bulls and a real test to their character.  The team did not fold, adjusted, dug deep, and got a huge win facing tough circumstances.  The Bulls now have a short week as they prepare for Rutgers on Thursday night.

Other notes from the game:

Several Bulls were injured during the game.  Defensive tackle Elkino Watson left, but was able to return late in the game.  Defensive back Kayvon Webster was injured, but was on the bike and said he would be back out there for Thursday (still waiting to hear how bad he is hurt, but holding out hope for him).  Sam Barrington, late in the game, was down after a big hit on the final drive of the game.  He walked off the field, but was tested for a concussion (waiting to hear on him).  The worst news was wide receiver Sterling Griffin who was helped off the field with a knee injury.  He was stretching, but went down again and was ruled out for the game and at first glance, it doesn't look good, but we are still waiting to hear on him.