Part 11 of 12 part CANE 2012 opponent series

In Part 11 of the 12 part opponent series, we're going to preview the 2012 South Florida Bulls, a team that just might win the Big East this year. Last year, they were very disappointing after having high expectations in 2011. They went 5-7 and missed out on a bowl game for the first time since 2004.  Let's look at each area of the 2012 Bulls

Offensively, they have RS Senior B.J. Daniels (6' 217) back and the strides he's made in his career are just amazing. In 2011, the picks went down from 13 in 2010 to 7 and the TD passes went up from 11 in 2010 to 13 last year. He has better command of the Offense and this is a player that won't make as many mistakes now that he would have earlier in his Bulls career. There's reason for high optimism in the Tampa Bay area this season. One of those reasons is because of the receiving core coming back. 

RS Junior Sterling Griffin (6' 194) had a team high 43 receptions in 2011, in spite of the fact that he missed their four games of the season. Also, they add Florida transfer RS Sophomore Chris Dunkley (6' 180) to the mix. This kid has a world of potential, that's why the CANES were very high on him during the recruiting process a few years ago, and Sophomore Andre Davis (6'1" 207) is going to be a player that could have a breakout season. At the TE position, they have a converted WR in Senior Evan Landi (6'3" 236) who might be able to have another big year. 

The running game is going to take a big hit in 2012, with the early departure of their leading rusher from 2011 in Darrell Scott (undrafted FA who signed with Dallas), so other guys are going to have to step up and fill those big shoes left behind. The guy that will carry most of the load is 5th year Senior Demetris Murray (6' 215), however Senior Lindsay Lamar (5'9" 180), who's a converted WR, is going to have to come up huge in 2012, if they to contend for a Big East title. To put in perspective how important Scott was last year, they led the Big East in rushing, however, with Scott gone, that changes dramatically.  Their passing game was 2nd in the conference, so they should be fine there and to be frank, their Offense wasn't the issue, their D was..

Speaking of Defense, there's a new man in charge in Tampa, and his name is Chris Cosh. He's comes from K-State and is going to have to find a way for his defense to step up and make plays late to seal victories. To more specific, the  losses to Cincinnati, Rutgers, Miami, and the now Big East – departed West Virginia really hurt because if they win say two to three of those games (Cincy, RU, and WVU), they might have gone to a bowl game, maybe even win the Big East and be in a BCS game. 

The strength of their D is at LB. Senior Sam Barrington [6'1" 230], 5th year Senior Michael Lanaris [6' 236], RS Junior DeDe Lattimore [6'1" 232] all return in 2012. Their secondary also return some quality players, specifically Seniors CB Kayvon Webster (5'11" 198), and 5th year Senior SS Jon Lejiste (6' 205), and Junior FS Mark Joyce (5'10" 200). The big question there is who will be their other CB?

If there's a concern in Tampa, its on the DL because its pretty thin. RS Junior Ryne Giddins (6'3" 266) need have a huge year, so far in his career, he's only been able to have flashes of greatness. They need him to be consistently great, which he can be. 5th year Senior DT Cory Grissom (6'2" 316) is back as well, however,  he suffered a broken ankle in the spring and there are questions whether he can stay healthy all year. The one that the coaching staff have their biggest eye on is Junior Tevin Mims (6'3" 245), who came from the JUCO ranks. If they can get the DL to stay healthy and put a solid pass rush together and can penetrate the running lanes, watch out because their back 7 is very good. 

On to the Special Teams, they have a decent Kicker in 5th year Senior Maikon Bonani. The problem with him is his inconsistency. He misses a 27 yard FG at the end of the Rutgers game last year, which would have won the game, instead, they lose 20-17 in OT. At the Punter position, they have a RS Freshman in Mattias Ciabatti who may be able to take over if their incumbent Justin Brockhaus Kann can't hold him off. 

Here's how I see the Bulls in 2012: This team has all the tools to win the Big East title this year. However, the fast starts and pitiful finishes have prevented that from happening. That's been the M.O. in the Bay area for years (Fast starts and then crash and burn at the end), The question is can they step up and be hot all year and win the BE title. 

If they are to do that, they need to be much better on 3rd downs and their defense has to step up and make plays late. Looking at their schedule, they have to go out to Reno early to face a pretty good Nevada team, then fly back cross-country for a game at home on a Thursday Night vs Rutgers. If they can get by both Nevada and Rutgers, they can possibly be 4-0 when Florida State comes calling on September 29th at Raymond James Stadium. In the end, I'm predicting for USF in 2012 a 9-3 season.

In the 12th and final part of this series, we'll preview the 2012 Duke Blue Devils.