TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bulls Defense Steps Up

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2008

TAMPA - When the University of South Florida defense got on its second-half roll against Syracuse, Bulls LB Tyrone McKenzie said it almost happened so fast that the team couldn't enjoy it.

"You're in there and it's all these three-and-outs," McKenzie said. "It's going by so fast, you must be doing something good. It's great for us to give the offense a chance to make some plays."

Using a 24-0 second half, the Bulls pulled away from Syracuse 45-13 for a homecoming win Saturday.

In the first half, Syracuse had 221 yards. In the second half, the Orange had six possessions and no first downs. They ran 18 plays for 9 yards.

"I've never seen us more dominant," said McKenzie, who had a team-high 6.5 tackles. "I feel great that we came out in the second half and stepped it up"

The Bulls (6-1, 1-1 Big East) visit Louisville (4-2, 0-1) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

DEBUT AT NO. 16: USF debuted at No. 16 in the first BCS rankings, released Sunday. Last year, the Bulls debuted at No. 2 and ended the regular season at No. 21.

The Bulls, who were No. 19 in last week's Associated Press rankings, moved up to No. 14 in both the AP and coaches' polls.

DIRTY PLAY? Syracuse coach Greg Robinson told the Syracuse Post-Standard that he had not asked RB Curtis Brinkley about his comments after Saturday's game accusing the Bulls of playing "dirty" and taking "cheap shots."

"He would know better than I would," Robinson said Sunday.

Robinson said he "didn't sense" any cheap shots by USF at Brinkley after watching tape of the game.

"I sensed that it was a fairly clean performance," Robinson said.

WHAT WENT RIGHT: USF's offense took advantage of the Big East's worst defense. Sporting a "Grohawk" for the first time this season, QB Matt Grothe had 320 total yards and accounted for a career-high-tying four touchdowns. "The Grohawk is here to stay," Grothe said. ... Senior RB Ben Williams got the start and had three receptions for 65 yards. ... For the second time in three games, the offensive line did not allow a sack.

WHAT WENT WRONG: The Bulls only had six penalties, but two gave Syracuse first downs: Cameron Perkins' running into the kicker penalty on fourth-and-3 and Aaron Harris' offsides penalty on fourth-and-inches from Syracuse's 20. ... WR Marcus Edwards lost a fumble inside the Syracuse 20 in the third quarter.

Brett McMurphy

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT