Canales: “We’re not going to slow down.”

Posted Sep 21, 2009 by Gregg Becnel

Updated Sep 21, 2009 at 09:16 PM

When the University of South Florida takes on No. 18 Florida State Saturday, the Bulls’ offense won’t change a bit with redshirt freshman QB B.J. Daniels taking over for an injured Matt Grothe, offensive coordinator Mike Canales said.

“We’re not going to slow down,” Canales said. “We’re going to let (B.J.) play. We don’t want to harness what he can do. He’s got a lot of talent. … He’s one that doesn’t lack confidence, I promise you that. He believes in what he can do.”

Daniels has been impressive in the limited amount of time he’s played. He has completed 80 percent of his passes (12 of 15) for 179 yards and two touchdowns, while not throwing an interception. He also is USF’s second-leading rusher with 133 yards and three touchdowns.

But his success thus far has come against three inferior opponents. How well Daniels handles himself against FSU will provide a truer barometer of what USF can anticipate the rest of the season.

“We expect no drop off. We won’t accept anything like that,” Canales said. “We expect him to play at a high level and play at the level that Matt played at. … He’s going to have to learn fast and play fast.”

Grothe, who attended Monday’s practice, was lost for the season with a torn ACL suffered in Saturday’s win against Charleston Southern.

ODDS AND ENDS: When asked if Eric Schwartz would continue handling the kickoff and field goal duties, Coach Jim Leavitt said, “I imagine I’d go that route.” … Grothe will travel with the team to Tallahassee and to all remaining away games this season, Leavitt said. … Sophomore SS Jerrell Young, who broke his arm in Week 1 remains out.