Bulls think overlooked offense can make noise against Bearcats

Much has been made of the offense for No. 8-ranked Cincinnati (5-0) heading into tonight's game against the No. 21 University of South Florida Bulls (5-0) at Raymond James Stadium.

The Bearcats run a frenzied, fast-break attack, behind celebrated quarterback Tony Pike and wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, one of the nation's best at his position.

Has too little attention been given to USF's offense?

Maybe.

"We're not shabby either,'' USF offensive coordinator Mike Canales said. "We've been using that (being overlooked). It's a weapon. We consider ourselves to be an explosive offense, too.''

USF has seven plays of 47 yards or longer this season - last season, USF's longest gain was a 47-yard play. Wide receiver Carlton Mitchell was been particularly dangerous with four receptions or at least 50 yards (giving him a program-best seven 50-yard plays for his career).

The Bulls didn't regress even when senior quarterback Matt Grothe suffered a season-ending injury on Sept. 19 against Charleston Southern. That's when USF's Big East Conference title hopes could easily have sagged.

Not in the USF locker room.

Redshirt freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels has been calm, cool, collected and very effective. He helped an emotionally charged 17-7 victory at Florida State -- in his hometown of Tallahassee, no less -- then made a handful of big plays in the Bulls' 34-20 road win at Syracuse.

Tonight is his first home start.

What is going through Daniels' mind?

"Nothing, really,'' he said earlier this week.

And that, according to Canales, sums up the essence of B.J. Daniels.

"He's really poised, really mature for his age,'' Canales said. "He doesn't get fazed by much. B.J. has always been preparing. He always felt like he was going to play in a game. He was waiting for the opportunity.

"Sad to say Matt had to get hurt for the opportunity to present itself, but B.J. was ready for it. When an injury happens, the next guy has to go in and not miss a beat. Our kids weren't going to be shaken by (Grothe's injury). Our goals don't change. We want to win the Big East championship.''

Daniels is on board with that notion.

"The more I'm out there, the more comfortable I feel,'' Daniels said. "I'm able to manage the game more instead of going out and just playing. Instead of not trying to mess up, I'm actually able to help out other players.

"I'm getting better. I'm maturing. That only has to help our offense.''