2012-13 Football Previews – (Big East) – USF Bulls
South Florida started the 2011 season 4-0 before falling apart and losing 7 of their last 8 games. The team lost four games by a field goal, so there were plenty of close calls. In fact, Coach Skip Holtz called it by far his most frustrating season ever as a coach.
Big East Conference 2012-2013 College Football Previews: South Florida Bulls
Head Coach: Skip Holtz
2011 Record: 5-7
USF Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win BCS Championship: +15,000
USF Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win Big East Conference: +300
USF Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
He feels like the team was a few plays away from being 10-2, but they finished with a losing record and lots of question marks.
South Florida redshirted 20 players a year ago, and this team hopes to reap the benefits of a much deeper team in 2012. The Bulls struggled in the second half last year, and they must correct those late game mishaps. Skip Holtz has a great winning history, and the Big East is there for the taking with no dominant team in the league.
Team Strengths:
The offensive front is a major strength for the Bulls heading into the 2012 season. South Florida has a great center in Austin Reitz, and that is a major key to having a successful offensive line. Depth is a major strength for this unit, and I expect them to protect the quarterback well and open lots of holes for the running game.
All three starting linebackers return, and this should be a great strength for the team. The Bulls have 51 starts between their three starting backers. DeDe Lattimore was the team’s leading tackler with 94 tackles last year. The leadership of this group should help the defense a great deal.
Quarterback B.J. Daniels improved quite a bit in 2011, and though he has struggled badly at times, I think he can be a leader for this team. Daniels has all the talent in the world, and he minimized his turnovers last year. Expect a big year from Daniels in 2012. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
The running back spot is a question mark this season. South Florida struggled in the running game last year, and now they are without leading rusher Darnell Scott. Senior Lindsey Lamar will likely see more time in the backfield this year. The Bulls need some better production from the backfield to take pressure off Daniels.
The secondary is an area where the team is lacking in depth. Holtz had to sign a couple junior college players just to finish up the roster in this area. In fact, only one cornerback is firmly entrenched as a starter right now.
2012-2013 South Florida Bulls Football Prediction: 9-4
Holtz won in Conference USA without a ton of talent at East Carolina, so I have faith he can win in the weak Big East right now as well. South Florida is deeper than most Big East teams, and the Bulls have some experienced leaders.
The Florida State game in late September will be a real measuring stick for the program. Road games at Louisville and Cincinnati may well decide who wins the Big East. At +300, there is definitely some value on this team. Expect them to finish in the top two of the Big East standings.
2012 Schedule
9/1/12 7:00 PM ET CHAT
9/8/12 TBD @NEV
9/13/12 7:30 PM ET RUTG
9/22/12 4:30 PM ET @BALST
9/29/12 TBD FSU
10/6/12 TBD @TEM
10/20/12 TBD @LOU
10/27/12 TBD SYR
11/3/12 TBD CONN
11/17/12 TBD @MIAMI
11/23/12 TBD @CIN
12/1/12 TBD PITT
