Decisions loom after first USF scrimmage

Posted Aug 13, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Aug 13, 2011 at 09:02 PM

Here is Tribune correspondent Michael Manganello’s story from Saturday’s first fall scrimmage:

VERO BEACH USF ran about 100 plays in its first scrimmage of the fall Saturday in Vero Beach, though the expected starters only played for about 12 snaps, according to head coach Skip Holtz.

Holtz said Friday that the most important aspect of the scrimmage would be to build depth. He stuck to the plan Saturday, with the second- and third-teams getting about 45 snaps each.

“Probably the best analogy for me to use, this is our first preseason game, you’ve got to start making some decisions on your depth chart,” Holtz said. “You need to make some decisions who you’re going to start working with.”

USF was dealt some adversity just seven plays into the scrimmage when Holtz announced to the protestations of his team that due to weather in the area, the team would have to head back into the locker room.

When the team returned to the field nearly 90 minutes later, it was without starting left tackle Mark Popek, who sustained a minor head injury before the delay. Popek was one of only two USF players to leave the scrimmage early, with cornerback Ernie Tabuteau (back spasms) being the other.

The offenses were not running red zone plays, instead turning around and moving back in the other direction once they reached the red zone. As a result, there was only one scoring play, a 41-yard connection between freshman quarterback Matt Floyd and redshirt freshman wide receiver Deonte Welch, who caught three balls in total. Floyd also threw the only turnover of the game, an interception by George Baker on a deep pass attempt to Stephen Bravo-Brown. Floyd finished 18 for 25 for 161 yards.

Bobby Eveld, who finished 12 for 20 for 150 yards, nearly threw a 37-yard touchdown pass of his own, but A.J. Love was dragged down on the one yard line after an impressive catch on a jump ball.

“(Eveld and Floyd) did a really nice job,” Holtz said. “They turned, they protected the ball for the most part. I thought they did a really nice job running the offense. They’re both still young, they both need to continue to keep coming, but I think they’re doing some really good things.”

USF was without starting quarterback B.J. Daniels, who was held out with a minor hamstring injury, instead spending the majority of the scrimmage standing next to Holtz.

The Bulls continued to play with an uptempo offense in preparation for the fast-paced offenses the Bulls will see against Pittsburgh and West Virginia in Big East play.