(06-08-2015 03:44 PM)Cubanbull Wrote:  

(06-08-2015 02:46 PM)No Bull Wrote:  

(06-03-2015 06:32 PM)Cubanbull Wrote:  

(06-03-2015 06:29 PM)No Bull Wrote:  

(06-03-2015 03:45 PM)BullsFanInTX Wrote:  I keep seeing everyone pick USF last, and I can't blame them. USF had to overcome a lot when they fired Skip. Skip left the cupboard beyond bare, but recruiting has been amazing since then. So much raw talent has been brought in. On paper this is the most talented team in the conf. if you go off recruiting rankings. Flowers is going to have a breakout year and Marlon Mack is going to run wild. It's going to happen!!

Let's see who is laughing come December.

My Knights are only going to win 7 or 8 games at most... but I don't see USF winning more than 5 games. I expect USF will be getting off the bus soon.

This is my honest opinion. Still no QB. More assistant coach shuffling. I actulaly want USF to pull it's weight and go bowling...The American needs you to do well.

That's YOUR opinion and it's fine. But here it's mine, those assistant coaches shuffling you mention are actually an upgrade over last year's and QB certainly is a big question mark but as I have stated earlier, the position is now surrounded with better talent and play makers and the new offense is one that favors Flowers,Bench and the new guy Kean as opposed to what we had first couple of years.
Nothing we say here, wether is my assessment or yours will prove anything, we will have to wait until the Fall to see who was right.

college football is not about the games! Its not about your school...havent you heard the news? We all follow conferences and how much money the tv networks pay them. I root for the AAC. We are currently 6th or 7th in the conference standings but I'm hoping one day we crack the top 5. I know I should drop my te-ur ah my conference rather and root for a conference that gets more money from tv networks. A conference like the SEC or the Big 10. They are getting the most tv $ and I've heard they are going to start giving a cut to us fans for our support. I may have to switch conferences. Watching the games is so yesterday,get with the times!

With tongue firmly planted in cheek I think usf fans need to get a countdown clock until they blow up to make it more realistic and dramatic.

Nope we leave countdown clocks to UConn and UCF

(06-10-2015 05:10 AM)Cubanbull Wrote:  Nope we leave countdown clocks to UConn and UCF

You mean uconn :)

(06-08-2015 07:05 PM)BaltimoreBull Wrote:  First post and looking forward too many more.

Not going to run up in here saying USF will have a winning record or even make a Bowl Game this year. Tough schedule but it's the AAC not the SEC so no complaining. Haven't beaten a Division 1 team by more than 10 points since Skips second year. First game will say a lot. If we can't beat FAMU by more than 10 then i'm expecting the same type of year we've had the last 2 years under Taggart.

I'm more optimistic about the defense than the offense but that should be obvious after watching the last 2 years. Guy i'm most excited about, not a player but a coach. TOM ALLEN. Great hire coming from Ole Miss. Lot's of energy and intelligence. 4-2-5 scheme will help alleviate our secondary woes. Our LB's alone (Sanchez, Harris, Byrd) will help compensate for not as much depth in previous years on the defensive line so i'm still expecting solid run defensive. Fullwood and Godwin are solid at both Safeties. Corners need to play better. If Ward, Robbins, and Abraham don't give up the big plays I think we will be much improved in the secondary.

Offense is and has been a huge question mark. I'm more confident in Bench then I am Flowers but that's not saying much. I'm predicting Taggart goes with Flowers. Bronson and Adams are just names at this point at WR. Can't make a name for yourself if you don't have a QB to throw you the ball. I see a dip in Mack's number but that's because i'm thinking Johnson will get more opportunity's to see the rock. D'Ernest has impressed in the spring and deserves more of an opportunity. The interior line is a capable one but both tackles are question marks which isn't a ringing endorsement. If we can't stop the pass rush then forget about an improved passing game.

For the schedule. Starting 1-1 is a guarantee. We will lose to Memphis week 4, sorry Bull fans, they are head and shoulders a better team mainly because of their QB and Head Coach. The 2 key games are the Maryland and Syracuse game. We lose both, good night Willie. We win one, bowl game a possibility but 50-50 chance. We somehow win both, Taggart will get this team to a bowl game and maybe 7 wins. I think we have shot of winning both. Maryland lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball and will be in store for a down year. Syracuse will be better than last year but shouldn't see drastic improvement. They return their QB from injury who has talent but their defense will be pretty bad again, especially the secondary which will be very young and inexperienced. Start 3-2 and i'll be happy. Start 2-3 and i'll still watch but not expect major improvement. Start 1-4 and i'll begin prepping for basketball season.

Can't wait to get this season kicked off. GO BULLS

Good post, I agree with most of what you say. I do think D'Ernest will get his share of touches. Tice as well. Although Taggart said Mack is the best RB he's ever been around recently and he's coached NFL backs. In my opinion, USF has the best stable of backs in the AAC and it's not close whey you look at Mack, Johnson, Tice, and Flowers carrying the ball as well. Stacked. Loaded. Now the question becomes can Flowers become a solid QB. Indications during the spring were that he could. He'll be the starter opening day, IMO, and he will run wild with his athleticism in some games but may struggle at times passing but will improve. Think BJ in his freshman year. The spread concepts fit him so much better. As far as predictions, I think I predicted in another thread that USF would go 7-5 or so, and that seems reasonable to me. 6-6 may happen too. When I predicted USF would blow up, that may not happen until next year, when we will see a quantum leap, but it's certainly possible to happen this year. Realistically we'll go 2-2 OOC, but I think we can certainly beat Maryland this year. If we do, you may see an even better record this year.

suicide bomber??

I look at the season in three sets
Opening set
FAMU, at FSU,at Maryland and Memphis
I see 1-3 most likely, 2-2 if things go well, 3-1 very good, 4-0 WOW, 0-4 he is fired

Second set- critical one in my eyes for Taggart
Cuse, at UConn, SMU, at Navy
We must go 3-1 here to have a shot at going bowling, 2-2 people grumble, 1-3 or 0-4 and Taggart is done

Third set
UC, at ECU, Temple and at UCF
2-2 needed, 1-3 Taggart is in trouble, 0-4 he is fired

(06-10-2015 01:36 PM)Cubanbull Wrote:  I look at the season in three sets
Opening set
FAMU, at FSU,at Maryland and Memphis
I see 1-3 most likely, 2-2 if things go well, 3-1 very good, 4-0 WOW, 0-4 he is fired

Second set- critical one in my eyes for Taggart
Cuse, at UConn, SMU, at Navy
We must go 3-1 here to have a shot at going bowling, 2-2 people grumble, 1-3 or 0-4 and Taggart is done

Third set
UC, at ECU, Temple and at UCF
2-2 needed, 1-3 Taggart is in trouble, 0-4 he is fired

If he loses to FAMU, he will be fired immediately, IMO. FAMU is a very bad FCS team. USF should win this game by 4 TD's on the talent discrepancy alone.

I think USF has to make hay in the "easier" middle of schedule. Beating Syracuse, UConn, and SMU is a must.

(06-07-2015 02:30 PM)St. H. Gink Wrote:  I think if USF focuses on conference wins first and foremost, the bowl games, championships, and success will come. However, it is clear that conference games are not USF's number 1 priority.

Conference Records for USF

2014...3-5
2013...2-6
2012...1-6
2011...1-6
2010...3-4
2009...3-4
2008...2-5
2007...4-3*
2006...4-3*
2005...4-3*
2004...3-5
2003...5-3*
2002...Indy
2001...Indy
2000...Indy
1999...Indy
1998...Indy
1997...Indy - FIRST YEAR AS PROGRAM


So USF has been a program for 18 years and was in a conference for 12 of those years. Of those 12 years, they've only had a winning conference record for 4. Of those 4, three were a single win above .500 with 2003 being their most successful conference run ever at 5-3.

George O'Leary always preaches that the team's ONE GOAL for the year is to win a conference championship and that everything else falls into place if you focus on just that. That has led to many people criticizing GOL over the years for not putting enough importance on OOC match-ups. He's said numerous times that he treats OOC games just as he would any game but the conference success speaks for itself.

He has coached UCF for 10 conference seasons (8 in C-USA plus 2 in AAC) and has won the division championship and/or conference championship on 6 of those seasons, coming in 2nd in another season.

Every year I say that the problems at USF have to do with their Athletics Department culture and every year I get ridiculed by USF fans. When you create a culture of focusing on your conference games across all sports, it becomes contagious.

Complete of topic, where did you find the graphic in your signature. The totals are not the same as what is posted on the conference site: http://theamerican.org/documents/2015/5/...pions.pdf?

That graphic is using regular season and tournament champions but the conference is only using tournament figures

(06-10-2015 09:40 AM)BullsFanInTX Wrote:  

(06-08-2015 07:05 PM)BaltimoreBull Wrote:  First post and looking forward too many more.

Not going to run up in here saying USF will have a winning record or even make a Bowl Game this year. Tough schedule but it's the AAC not the SEC so no complaining. Haven't beaten a Division 1 team by more than 10 points since Skips second year. First game will say a lot. If we can't beat FAMU by more than 10 then i'm expecting the same type of year we've had the last 2 years under Taggart.

I'm more optimistic about the defense than the offense but that should be obvious after watching the last 2 years. Guy i'm most excited about, not a player but a coach. TOM ALLEN. Great hire coming from Ole Miss. Lot's of energy and intelligence. 4-2-5 scheme will help alleviate our secondary woes. Our LB's alone (Sanchez, Harris, Byrd) will help compensate for not as much depth in previous years on the defensive line so i'm still expecting solid run defensive. Fullwood and Godwin are solid at both Safeties. Corners need to play better. If Ward, Robbins, and Abraham don't give up the big plays I think we will be much improved in the secondary.

Offense is and has been a huge question mark. I'm more confident in Bench then I am Flowers but that's not saying much. I'm predicting Taggart goes with Flowers. Bronson and Adams are just names at this point at WR. Can't make a name for yourself if you don't have a QB to throw you the ball. I see a dip in Mack's number but that's because i'm thinking Johnson will get more opportunity's to see the rock. D'Ernest has impressed in the spring and deserves more of an opportunity. The interior line is a capable one but both tackles are question marks which isn't a ringing endorsement. If we can't stop the pass rush then forget about an improved passing game.

For the schedule. Starting 1-1 is a guarantee. We will lose to Memphis week 4, sorry Bull fans, they are head and shoulders a better team mainly because of their QB and Head Coach. The 2 key games are the Maryland and Syracuse game. We lose both, good night Willie. We win one, bowl game a possibility but 50-50 chance. We somehow win both, Taggart will get this team to a bowl game and maybe 7 wins. I think we have shot of winning both. Maryland lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball and will be in store for a down year. Syracuse will be better than last year but shouldn't see drastic improvement. They return their QB from injury who has talent but their defense will be pretty bad again, especially the secondary which will be very young and inexperienced. Start 3-2 and i'll be happy. Start 2-3 and i'll still watch but not expect major improvement. Start 1-4 and i'll begin prepping for basketball season.

Can't wait to get this season kicked off. GO BULLS

Good post, I agree with most of what you say. I do think D'Ernest will get his share of touches. Tice as well. Although Taggart said Mack is the best RB he's ever been around recently and he's coached NFL backs. In my opinion, USF has the best stable of backs in the AAC and it's not close whey you look at Mack, Johnson, Tice, and Flowers carrying the ball as well. Stacked. Loaded. Now the question becomes can Flowers become a solid QB. Indications during the spring were that he could. He'll be the starter opening day, IMO, and he will run wild with his athleticism in some games but may struggle at times passing but will improve. Think BJ in his freshman year. The spread concepts fit him so much better. As far as predictions, I think I predicted in another thread that USF would go 7-5 or so, and that seems reasonable to me. 6-6 may happen too. When I predicted USF would blow up, that may not happen until next year, when we will see a quantum leap, but it's certainly possible to happen this year. Realistically we'll go 2-2 OOC, but I think we can certainly beat Maryland this year. If we do, you may see an even better record this year.

I agree about the best set of backs in the AAC. I didn't mention Tice but he is also a capable back who could probably get a majority of carries on at least 4 teams in the AAC. As far as Quarterback, I know most of us feel Flowers will be the guy that Taggart will tab as his starter. I like Flowers potential but I truly believe Bench could run the offense better in his last year of eligibility. The only reason why I say that is because being a seasoned vet I feel Bench will not be afraid to make mistakes and try to attack the defense while Flowers still might be afraid to take chances. Will Bench turn the ball over more than Flowers? Yes. BUT I also feel Bench will generate more points for us in this offense by taking shots down field in our new spread offense. People talk about Flowers wheels but lets not forget Bench can fly too (TD scramble against Maryland and Spring Game). Obviously I'm probably not in the consensus on this and also feel Flowers will get the nod but would not be apposed to seeing Bench. I DO NOT want to see a QB rotation. If Flowers gets named opening game starter, lets ride him out for the whole year and let him gain much needed confidence.

(06-10-2015 06:29 PM)BaltimoreBull Wrote:  

(06-10-2015 09:40 AM)BullsFanInTX Wrote:  

(06-08-2015 07:05 PM)BaltimoreBull Wrote:  First post and looking forward too many more.

Not going to run up in here saying USF will have a winning record or even make a Bowl Game this year. Tough schedule but it's the AAC not the SEC so no complaining. Haven't beaten a Division 1 team by more than 10 points since Skips second year. First game will say a lot. If we can't beat FAMU by more than 10 then i'm expecting the same type of year we've had the last 2 years under Taggart.

I'm more optimistic about the defense than the offense but that should be obvious after watching the last 2 years. Guy i'm most excited about, not a player but a coach. TOM ALLEN. Great hire coming from Ole Miss. Lot's of energy and intelligence. 4-2-5 scheme will help alleviate our secondary woes. Our LB's alone (Sanchez, Harris, Byrd) will help compensate for not as much depth in previous years on the defensive line so i'm still expecting solid run defensive. Fullwood and Godwin are solid at both Safeties. Corners need to play better. If Ward, Robbins, and Abraham don't give up the big plays I think we will be much improved in the secondary.

Offense is and has been a huge question mark. I'm more confident in Bench then I am Flowers but that's not saying much. I'm predicting Taggart goes with Flowers. Bronson and Adams are just names at this point at WR. Can't make a name for yourself if you don't have a QB to throw you the ball. I see a dip in Mack's number but that's because i'm thinking Johnson will get more opportunity's to see the rock. D'Ernest has impressed in the spring and deserves more of an opportunity. The interior line is a capable one but both tackles are question marks which isn't a ringing endorsement. If we can't stop the pass rush then forget about an improved passing game.

For the schedule. Starting 1-1 is a guarantee. We will lose to Memphis week 4, sorry Bull fans, they are head and shoulders a better team mainly because of their QB and Head Coach. The 2 key games are the Maryland and Syracuse game. We lose both, good night Willie. We win one, bowl game a possibility but 50-50 chance. We somehow win both, Taggart will get this team to a bowl game and maybe 7 wins. I think we have shot of winning both. Maryland lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball and will be in store for a down year. Syracuse will be better than last year but shouldn't see drastic improvement. They return their QB from injury who has talent but their defense will be pretty bad again, especially the secondary which will be very young and inexperienced. Start 3-2 and i'll be happy. Start 2-3 and i'll still watch but not expect major improvement. Start 1-4 and i'll begin prepping for basketball season.

Can't wait to get this season kicked off. GO BULLS

Good post, I agree with most of what you say. I do think D'Ernest will get his share of touches. Tice as well. Although Taggart said Mack is the best RB he's ever been around recently and he's coached NFL backs. In my opinion, USF has the best stable of backs in the AAC and it's not close whey you look at Mack, Johnson, Tice, and Flowers carrying the ball as well. Stacked. Loaded. Now the question becomes can Flowers become a solid QB. Indications during the spring were that he could. He'll be the starter opening day, IMO, and he will run wild with his athleticism in some games but may struggle at times passing but will improve. Think BJ in his freshman year. The spread concepts fit him so much better. As far as predictions, I think I predicted in another thread that USF would go 7-5 or so, and that seems reasonable to me. 6-6 may happen too. When I predicted USF would blow up, that may not happen until next year, when we will see a quantum leap, but it's certainly possible to happen this year. Realistically we'll go 2-2 OOC, but I think we can certainly beat Maryland this year. If we do, you may see an even better record this year.

I agree about the best set of backs in the AAC. I didn't mention Tice but he is also a capable back who could probably get a majority of carries on at least 4 teams in the AAC. As far as Quarterback, I know most of us feel Flowers will be the guy that Taggart will tab as his starter. I like Flowers potential but I truly believe Bench could run the offense better in his last year of eligibility. The only reason why I say that is because being a seasoned vet I feel Bench will not be afraid to make mistakes and try to attack the defense while Flowers still might be afraid to take chances. Will Bench turn the ball over more than Flowers? Yes. BUT I also feel Bench will generate more points for us in this offense by taking shots down field in our new spread offense. People talk about Flowers wheels but lets not forget Bench can fly too (TD scramble against Maryland and Spring Game). Obviously I'm probably not in the consensus on this and also feel Flowers will get the nod but would not be apposed to seeing Bench. I DO NOT want to see a QB rotation. If Flowers gets named opening game starter, lets ride him out for the whole year and let him gain much needed confidence.

I have always like Bench's leadership and toughness but I think he tries to hard and forces the ball which causes turnovers. I think Flowers is the better talent both running and throwing deep, now if Flowers can hit the short passes and keep the drives moving we will be ok.

(06-10-2015 01:36 PM)Cubanbull Wrote:  I look at the season in three sets
Opening set
FAMU, at FSU,at Maryland and Memphis
I see 1-3 most likely, 2-2 if things go well, 3-1 very good, 4-0 WOW, 0-4 he is fired

Second set- critical one in my eyes for Taggart
Cuse, at UConn, SMU, at Navy
We must go 3-1 here to have a shot at going bowling, 2-2 people grumble, 1-3 or 0-4 and Taggart is done

Third set
UC, at ECU, Temple and at UCF
2-2 needed, 1-3 Taggart is in trouble, 0-4 he is fired

Wins famu and Maryland.*
Wins uconn, cuse, smu, navy
Wins ecu, ucf

Temple will be tough. Cincy toss up

*memphis "the dark side clouds everything impossible to see, future is"

You're predicting an 8-4 usf?

(06-11-2015 09:24 AM)jaredf29 Wrote:  You're predicting an 8-4 usf?

I believe. That 5-7 or 6-6 is more likely. BUT if Flowers and the offense are half decent this team is capable of 8-4. The defense will be strong enough to match up with everyone in schedule and keep teams under 21 points outside of FSU. So if the offense can generate 21 points a game and not turn the ball over we could have a big jump.
But the jury still out on wether the offense can do that. I think the Maryland game will give us a better idea where we stand.

(06-11-2015 09:24 AM)jaredf29 Wrote:  You're predicting an 8-4 usf?

Yep. Most pure football talent in the conference. If they get rolling we are all in trouble

I'm not rooting for them just calling it like I see it

I won't know about us until I see the defense. Lost 9 starters and the coach. That's tough I don't care who you are

Temple
USF
Ucf
ECU
Cincy
Houston
SMU
Navy
Tulane
Uconn
Tulsa

Syracuse could be terrible but they could also be pretty good. We had 17 starters who lost 4 or more starts last year to injury. We had a moron (Fired) OC who tried to pound square pegs into round holes. Our recruiting has been good...we are young and have a new OC using a new scheme. No one blew us out last year despite having the worst offense in college football...the ACC>AAC in football strength...I see Cuse winning in Tampa by 3 to 10 points. I'll be there...looking forward to meeting Cuban, etc...

Big boost for the Offensive Line. Stanford transfer and former 4 star recruit, Rilley Gibbons ruled immediately eligible. Will start right away at offensive tackle. Not sure if it will be at right or left tackle.

http://www.voodoofive.com/2015/6/12/8774...d-eligible

(06-12-2015 05:59 PM)BaltimoreBull Wrote:  Big boost for the Offensive Line. Stanford transfer and former 4 star recruit, Rilley Gibbons ruled immediately eligible. Will start right away at offensive tackle. Not sure if it will be at right or left tackle.

http://www.voodoofive.com/2015/6/12/8774...d-eligible

That's huge, he and the JUCO transfer will probably be the starting tackles and that's an upgrade over what we had last year.

Mark, I'm planning on going to the Cuse game so will definitely meet you there. I think it will be a close game but the Bulls pull it out at home