Daniels looking to rebound

Posted Oct 21, 2009 by Gregg Becnel

Updated Oct 21, 2009 at 07:41 PM

University of South Florida QB B.J. Daniels will look to rebound in Saturday’s Big East showdown at No. 20 Pittsburgh after his subpar performance in last week’s loss to Cincinnati.

The redshirt freshman finished 15-for-32 for 208 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against the Bearcats.

“It eventually is going to happen for a young freshman to come out and miss some things,” offensive coordinator Mike Canales said. “He did some good things as well, though, and we are going to build on the positives and correct the negatives.” 

In three games as a starter, Daniels is completing just 48 percent of his passes (35 of 73) for 631 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.

“He’ll grow as he goes. It’s a new learning experience every time out,” Coach Jim Leavitt said. “You expect your quarterback to be perfect all the time, and that’s very difficult, especially for a guy in his third game.”

ANOTHER ARM: Looking to add depth behind Daniels, freshman Victor Marc was moved to quarterback from his defensive back position.

“He was a quarterback in high school,” Leavitt said. “He’ll stay there the rest of the year and we’ll see if we can teach him a little bit of the offense and then make a decision at the end of the year.”

ODDS AND ENDS: RB Aston Samuels (stomach) will not play at Pitt. … Former USF and current Detroit Lions CB Anthony Henry donated funds to build the nearly-completed nutrition bar in the weight room, Leavitt said.