This is a recipe for disaster, isn't it? It's very easy to see this turning into a 35-3 kind of loss. I could even see something like 38-0 at halftime and then they just run every down in the second half.
I don't know a lot about USF but it sounds like they have legit Top 25 talent (Florida players seem to just be better at football.) We're playing a ranked team on the road in an emotionally charged environment. Our offense is highly suspect and struggles against everyone, even defenses that aren't talented.
Our defense has been solid but relies heavily on young players. What happens when they get uncomfortable and someone blows an assignment that gives up a 50+ yard TD? Once we get down 10+ points are we going to try to come back on the strength of Crouch's passing? I just don't see it.
I think this game will be a great measuring stick and the tape will be great for Big Ten prep, but the expectation should be a blowout loss. If we play conservative and stick with the run and make them grind out long drives when we're on defense, that blowout could be something like 20-3, but it's going to feel like we're noncompetitive.
If we were only playing for a win Friday night (and not long-term development), I would bust out some trick plays and bank on USF being rusty and confused. Maybe try and gamble with exotic blitz packages, etc. I just don't think that is our approach. Lovie is methodical and plays his style every week. I think it will get us some wins later in the season. Just don't bet on us doing well Friday night.
I don't know a lot about USF but it sounds like they have legit Top 25 talent (Florida players seem to just be better at football.) We're playing a ranked team on the road in an emotionally charged environment. Our offense is highly suspect and struggles against everyone, even defenses that aren't talented.
Our defense has been solid but relies heavily on young players. What happens when they get uncomfortable and someone blows an assignment that gives up a 50+ yard TD? Once we get down 10+ points are we going to try to come back on the strength of Crouch's passing? I just don't see it.
I think this game will be a great measuring stick and the tape will be great for Big Ten prep, but the expectation should be a blowout loss. If we play conservative and stick with the run and make them grind out long drives when we're on defense, that blowout could be something like 20-3, but it's going to feel like we're noncompetitive.
If we were only playing for a win Friday night (and not long-term development), I would bust out some trick plays and bank on USF being rusty and confused. Maybe try and gamble with exotic blitz packages, etc. I just don't think that is our approach. Lovie is methodical and plays his style every week. I think it will get us some wins later in the season. Just don't bet on us doing well Friday night.
