/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65308623/1174710170.jpg.0.jpg)
USF football head coach Charlie Strong began his weekly media availability talking about his team’s practices during the bye week. Strong said the team spent increased time focusing on the basics and fundamentals. Strong went on to say that they used this week to prepare the team for the schedule ahead, beyond even the next game against SMU.
Coach Strong says the bye was used to focus on fundamentals and basics to prepare them for season ahead
— Seth Varnadore (@SethVarnadore) September 23, 2019
Speaking of SMU, Strong praised the Mustangs for their 4-0 start to the season. He singled out their victory last week at TCU as being particularly impressive. He stated that his team will need to play at a very high level to win this game.
Strong praises SMU for their win over TCU. Says Buechele does a great job with the offense and that the defense is very multiple.
— Seth Varnadore (@SethVarnadore) September 23, 2019
Strong said SMU is balanced on offense, specifically praising his former Texas QB Shane Buechele and RB Xavier Jones for their play this season. He also cited the importance of curtailing the Mustangs’ ability to create explosive plays.
Former offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert told The Daily Stampede last year that Buechele was one of the best quarterbacks he’s ever had.
Strong says one of the big keys this week defensively will be to limit the explosive plays. SMU likes to take shots down the field.
— Seth Varnadore (@SethVarnadore) September 23, 2019
Strong also praised the multiplicity of the SMU defense. He said they like to present different looks to the offense. For instance, sometimes the Mustangs will bring pressure and then later in similar situation, they will sit back and play coverage. The have also shown different front structures defensively during their first four games.
Notes
- Strong was asked about the QB situation and stated that Jordan McClould was their guy. He also mentioned that senior Blake Barnett needed to stay prepared as they may need him at some time down the road.
Strong says McCloud is the guy they are going with at QB.
— Seth Varnadore (@SethVarnadore) September 23, 2019
- Strong had no update on the condition of linebacker Nico Sawtelle
- Kelley Joiner is listed second on this week’s depth chart at HB. Strong praised Joiner for his speed and quickness. Strong also stated that Trevon Sands would be back this week.
Strong praises Kelley Joiner for his ability to make people miss and generate explosive plays.
— Seth Varnadore (@SethVarnadore) September 23, 2019
- USF released the depth chart for this week
Coach Strong is done speaking with the media. Here is the depth chart for the SMU game. @StampedeSBN pic.twitter.com/inzlI3GIjY
— Seth Varnadore (@SethVarnadore) September 23, 2019