Defense and Daniels

Posted Oct 27, 2009 by Gregg Becnel

Updated Oct 27, 2009 at 06:06 PM

The University of South Florida has some unsettling issues going into Friday night’s ESPN2 game against No. 20 West Virginia at Raymond James Stadium.

The defense has taken a step back during the Bulls’ current two-game losing streak. Against No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 16 Pittsburgh, USF gave up 75 points and 887 yards (an average of 6.3 per play). 

“We’ve given up too many big plays the last two weeks; that’s the bottom line,” defensive coordinator Joe Tresey said. “That’s been our biggest culprit.”

Another question is the development of freshman QB B.J. Daniels and the trust the coaches have in him. In four games as the starter, Daniels is 39-for 81 (48 percent) for 685 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions.

A week after attempting 32 passes against the Bearcats, Daniels threw only eight times against Pitt.

“We have to realize he’s a freshman. You have to continue to work through it, and he’ll do that,” offensive coordinator Mike Canales said. “(Freshmen) are going to make some poor reads or make an errant throw or try to force something. … We just have to work through it and live with some of the things that are going on.”

ODDS AND ENDS: FS Nate Allen will wear Keeley Dorsey’s No. 10 jersey this week. … Coach Jim Leavitt said USF will continue to rotate running backs. “Will we feature one guy?” Leavitt said. “I don’t see that happening right now. I really don’t.” … SS Jerrell Young, who broke his arm in Week 1, was working with the first team Tuesday.