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The Bulls travel to Temple on a short week as they look to become the first 7-1 team in program history.
Bulls in shells today because, on a normal game week, this would be a Wednesday practice. #USF
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) October 18, 2016
The team practiced Sunday, Monday and today and their next day off will be on Saturday. They have not had a day off since last Monday so keeping their bodies fresh and healthy are a top priority.
“We need to get our bodies right to recover the best we can for this short week,” center Cameron Ruff said. “Everyone’s gonna be banged up at this point in the season and we just gotta stay fresh.”
"We're trying to be the best offensive line to come through here."
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
Ruff and company are making a good case for it. They’ve allowed only eight sacks on the year while leading the way for a rushing attack that is averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Quinton Flowers and Marlon Mack are on pace to be the first dual 1000-yard rushers in USF history.
"We had a couple guys out of their gaps and we just harped on staying the gaps." Senat about getting better at rush defense.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
Saturday was the first time the Bullshark defense held an opponent under 100 yards rushing. They have a decent shot at it again this week at Temple, who have been held under 100 yards three times this year.
"They are a really good oline, they're very physical...The game's gonna be won on the line."
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
The Owls offensive line averages 308 pounds, and only one player is under 300 lbs (298). The line is bookended by two 6’5”, 320-pound tackles in LT Dion Dawkins and RT Leon Johnson. The defensive end rotation is going to have to be able to set the edge and disengage their man to stop the run.
Taggart said they work on ball security in practice but it's on the individual to hold onto the ball and take pride in it,
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
Taggart put it on the players to take pride in holding onto the ball. “They have our players’ dreams, goals and aspirations in their hands.”
"Nothing seems to surprise me with Quinton when it comes to running the football"
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
"That was pretty good footwork, he may need to go on Dancing with the Stars."
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
Taggart said that Flowers TD run was one of the best he’s ever seen. And he’s probably not wrong.
Big 12 news:
"We support no cause, foreign or domestic other than winning the American Athletic Conference Championship" Taggart about the Big 12 news
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
“It would be so disrespectful for Temple or any other of our American (Athletic Conference) brethren to worry about any other conference,” Taggart said.
Injury Update:
It appears WR Ryeshene Bronson didn't suit up today. We'll ask about him. #USF
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) October 18, 2016
I noticed Bronson wasn't in pads at the end of the game Saturday and an injury would explain the extended PT for Barr and Salomon
— Nathan Bond (@BullsNathanSBN) October 18, 2016
WR Ryeshene Bronson hurt his shoulder Saturday but there's a chance he can play.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
Bronson was leapfrogged by WR Tyre McCants in the starting lineup over the past couple of weeks. If Bronson can’t go, expect a greater role for Barr and Salomon.
CB Ronnie Hoggins practiced today and barring any setbacks will play
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 18, 2016
TE Kano Dillon practiced today and will be ready for Friday.
— Nathan Bond (@BullsNathanSBN) October 18, 2016
These two injuries may not seem like they go together, but the way Taggart answered each question about them may have given more information that the words he said. He had a very measured answer about Hoggins but was very quick to say Dillon will be ready to play: “He’s back.”