UConn duo a big concern for USF

Senior linebacker Chris Robinson immediately responded Tuesday when asked what caught his attention after watching game film of Connecticut.

"The O-line and the running backs," Robinson said. "It's going to be a tough (combination) for us to deal with."

South Florida closes the regular season Saturday against the Huskies, who feature a large offensive line similar to Miami's and a backfield featuring running backs Jordan Todman (1,079 yards, 14 TDs) and Andre Dixon (917 yards, 11 TDs). The Bulls are wary of Connecticut's duo following a 31-10 loss to Miami in which the Hurricanes racked up 240 yards rushing, averaging more than five yards per carry against USF's undersized defensive line.

The Bulls are determined to prevent Connecticut from doing the same, but that won't be easy. The Huskies rank third in the Big East in rushing, averaging more than 176 yards per game.

"You have two backs with 1,900 yards between them, you have to say that's a pretty efficient running game," USF defensive coordinator Joe Tresey said. "This is obviously the best running team we have faced."

In the loss to Miami, USF entered focused on stopping quarterback Jacory Harris, who had passed for 300 or more yards in three of the previous four games. Instead, the Canes used Javarris James, Graig Cooper and Damien Berry to churn up yards and wear down USF's defense.

The plan worked to perfection, leaving Tresey searching for ways to slow down UConn's attack, especially between the tackles. Tresey plans to tinker with different formations, and he will consider moving ends George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul inside at times to help USF's banged-up tackles.

"At the end of the day, you still have to meet and defeat blocks," Tresey said. "They know what we are going up against."

Todman is third in the conference in rushing and Dixon is fifth while running behind an offensive line that averages 307 pounds. Left tackle Mike Ryan, who is 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds, anchors the unit.

"They are big and physical," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "If we play like we did last week, we won't win the game. We don't have a chance. We're not going to stop the running game - nobody has and probably nobody will - but you have to slow it down to have a shot."