USF coverage units not up to par

Posted Sep 26, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Sep 26, 2011 at 05:35 PM

Monday’s notes from correspondent Michael Manganello:

As USF prepares to open Big East Conference play at Pittsburgh on Thursday night, special teams continue to be a concern for the Bulls, particularly on kickoff coverage.

The coverage team struggled against UTEP last week, yielding an average of 31.4 yards on eight returns. Vernon Frazier, who entered the game ranked ninth nationally with a 31.9 yard average, averaged 35.4 yards on five returns and had a 67-yarder that set up UTEP’s first score.

“From a standpoint of the level we’re playing at, (kickoff coverage) is not where it needs to be,” USF coach Skip Holtz said. “That’s our Achilles heel, kind of, as a football team through our first four games and an area we have to get better in.”

The Bulls have a challenge this week with Pittsburgh’s kickoff and punt return teams ranking third in the Big East at 22.5 and 7.7 yards per return, respectively.

To help combat the problem, Holtz said he may include more defensive starters on kickoff coverage, something the players themselves have requested.

“I think we’re going to have to, with where we are,” Holtz said. “I think a lot of them are asking to be put on (special teams), especially if you’re on the defensive side of the ball and you’re starting at midfield every time. It’s like, ‘Coach, put me on the kickoff team. It’s another play of defense. Let me go out there and the kickoff team and if in one play, we can save 30 yards, we’re a better defensive unit.’”

SEVERAL OPTIONS AT PR: Another special teams question mark for USF is who will fill in as punt returner while regular starter Terrence Mitchell is sidelined with a concussion he sustained Saturday.

Junior TE Evan Landi was sent out to receive the only punt of the UTEP game after Mitchell’s injury, primarily because of the coaching staff’s comfort with his ability to maintain possession.

“We call him ‘Fair Catch’ Landi,” Holtz said.

Due to their explosiveness in the open field, WRs Victor Marc, Andre Davis and Stephen Bravo-Brown are other options as punt returners.

BULLS BITS: Junior QB B.J. Daniels (332 total yards of offense, three TDs) and junior WR/KR Lindsey Lamar (215 all-purpose yards, two TDs) were named to the Big East’s weekly honor roll for their performances against UTEP. … Holtz was impressed with sophomore DE Ryne Giddins’ performance against the Miners, which included four tackles and his first sack of the season in 60 plays. “Kind of had a little bit of his coming out party,” he said. … USF is tied for fourth nationally in turnover margin (plus-8) but ranks third in the Big East behind Cincinnati (plus-14) and Rutgers (plus-13), ranked first and second, respectively.