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After getting manhandled on national television last Friday night, the USF Bulls have another shot to make a good impression on the national stage this Friday vs Navy, but it won’t be easy.
Taggart said the defense didn't play with energy and passion.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
The Midshipmen come into this game averaging 293.2 yards a game on the ground, good for fourth in the nation. The Bulls are 100th in the nation against the run, giving up 206.3 yards a game, including a career-best 210 yards to Temple RB Ryquell Armstead.
"We had no energy, and that's on me as a leader" Sanchez said about the Temple game.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
Taggart said the defense didn't play with energy and passion.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
Linebacker Auggie Sanchez put this game on him because he didn’t get his teammates lined up in the correct spots. The Bulls didn’t have a day off between the UConn game and the Temple game which could’ve been a contributing factor, Sanchez said that was an excuse and not how they felt.
"You'll see on Friday" Sanchez said about any changes to the defensive scheme
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
Taggart said there are no plans to change playcallers. It was a pretty emphatic "No"
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
Defensive Coordinator Raymond Woodie has come under fire this year because of how poorly the defense has played but Taggart is sticking with him. Taggart also said Safeties coach John Jancek isn’t an option because he ran a completely different system.
Taggart said just being in position will help with tackling. They must fill their gaps, "Gang tackle, instead of one-on-one tackles."
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
Sanchez said being gap-sound and sticking to the plan and not trying to do “your own thing” will help the defense vs the triple option.
"We don't allow our guys to cut our guys...we don't allow our guys to cut our STARTERS" Taggart on the need to practice against cut blocks.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
Those poor scout team defensive linemen.
TE Mitchell Wilcox is the starter but Kano Dillon will play. "One just started a little later than the other."
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
Wilcox got the start Friday and will continue to do so even with Dillon back.
What do you say to QB Brett Kean after being thrown into the fire after the Flowers injury.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
"God Bless You"
It wasn’t the best game for Kean as he threw an interception on his first pass and then got sacked for a safety on the next possession but that was an unwinnable situation for him.
Injury Update:
QB Quinton Flowers is "absolutely" ready for Friday.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
CB Ronnie Hoggins will play Friday.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
WR Ryeshene Bronson is doing better and Taggart said he had a nice catch today in practice.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) October 25, 2016
We know the drill by now, take every one with a grain of salt. I’d bet on Flowers and Hoggins suiting up, but completely unsure about Bronson.