A week ago, USF’s defense allowed 10 touchdowns during an open scrimmage, raising a few concerns about the unit just months after the team finished with a disappointing 5-7 overall mark. Holding the offense scoreless during the first half of Saturday’s annual spring game at Raymond James Stadium, the defense seemed to downplay many of those concerns in a 37-7 victory for the Green team.
"I was really pleased with the way the defense came out and the way they competed," Bulls coach Skip Holtz said following the game. "There is some speed on this team. This team is physical and they can run."
That touchdown total was cut in half Saturday night, as the defense frustrated starting quarterback B.J. Daniels, who missed quite a few throws and was flagged for an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone that resulted in a safety.
As the Bulls look to settle on a backup signal caller behind Daniels, both Bobby Eveld and Matt Floyd played a fair bit in the second half, leading multiple touchdown drives — a stark contrast from the first half.
Holtz’s team returns 15 starters from a season ago and is hoping to challenge for the Big East title following the departure of West Virginia to the Big 12.
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