South Florida Bulls
2012 Overall Rank #50
# 4 Big East Conference 
South Florida Team Page
South Florida is a scary talented team but never lived up to their potential a season ago, finishing with a 5-7 record, including a three game slide that ended their season, which snapped a streak of six straight bowl appearances. They are hoping to turn things around in 2012 under Skip Holtz, who is entering a crucial third season. They have many young players who are starting to mature so their outlook seems better for the 2012 campaign.
2011 Record: (5-7, 1-6)
2011 Bowl: None
Coach: Skip Holtz (13-12 at South Florida, 51-39 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Fitch
Defensive Coordinator: Chris Cosh
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: B.J. Daniels, QB, 769 yards
Passing: B.J. Daniels, QB, 2,604 yards
Receiving: Deonte Welch, WR, 433
Tackles: DeDe Lattimore, LB, 62
Sacks: DeDe Lattimore, LB, 7
Interceptions: JaQuez Jenkins, DB, 2
Other Key Returnees: WR Lindsey Lamar, WR Victor Marc, RB Demetris Murray, DB Kayvon Wester, LB Michael Lanaris
Key Losses: RB Darrell Scott
Strengths:
South Florida is a very athletic team on both sides of the ball. On the offensive end their rushing game is one of the most dangerous attacks in the nation. They are spearheaded by dual threat quarterback B.J Daniels. He can do everything they need him to and more, giving their offense an explosive and dependable playmaker. Although they lost Darrell Scott, running back Demetris Murry looked solid last year and will only be better as the featured back.
On the defensive end their athleticism is showcased by their sack tally. A season ago they notched the fourth most sacks per game in the nation. They are returning their sack leader and many other key defensive players who can apply pressure. This type of pressure makes it difficult for opposing offenses to throw the ball, allowing the Bulls to load up the box in an effort to stop the run. Their defense should be locked and loaded for the 2012 season.
Weaknesses:
Although the Bulls were able to generate a lot of pressure last year, which certainly helped to mask their weakness in the secondary, teams will still able to abuse them. Although they were young and should be better this year, especially with the pressure the defensive line will produce, the secondary could still be abused. Teams will work on quick strike passing attacks which will neutralize their pass rush and allow them to move the ball down the field. South Florida also needs to improve their punting game to help their defense. Last year they were 100th in the nation in net punting, which will not cut it in 2012. With an improved punting unit, the Bulls defense should allow fewer point per game as teams will have further to drive down the field. The pass defense needs to be upgraded in order for South Florida to regain form and be competitive in the Big East Conference.
The Bottom Line:
South Florida had a disappointing 2011 season and is determined not to have another letdown in 2012. They will be reliant on their athleticism on both sides of the ball to beat their Big East foes. Their offense looks explosive and the defense looks to be solid, so the Bulls should be one of the better teams in the Big East and earn a trip to a bowl game.
Projected Bowl: Pinstripe Bowl
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 183.17 (31st in the nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 249.58 (42, 2)
Total Offense: 432.75 (30, 2)
Scoring Offense: 29.25 (48, 3)
Rushing Defense: 107.33 (15, 4)
Pass Defense: 244.00 (83, 5)
Total Defense: 351.33 (39, 5)
Scoring Defense: 22.67 (37, 4)
Turnover Margin: .17 (T-42, 4)
Sacks: 3.25 (4, 3)
Sacks Allowed: 1.33 (30, 1)
Madness 2012 Football Recruit Rankings:
#150 Sean Price
#167 D'Vario Montgomery
