game day

5 things to watch for on Saturday

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Lindsey Lamar and the return game will be a big factor on Saturday.

Here are five things you should be watching for during the game on Saturday afternoon as the Bulls take on Pittsburgh for the lead of the Big East.

B.J. Daniels
In the losses to WVU and Syracuse was simply terrible. He made bad decisions and turned the ball over too many times. In the 3 straight wins, Daniels has protected the ball and managed the games much more effectively. He will face a tough Pitt defense that rushes the passer. Daniels will have to make good decisions with the ball, know when to scramble and when to get rid of the ball, and keep the offense on the field.

Running backs get going
Mo Plancher was banged up last week and was not effective. He is feeling better and should be back ready to go against Pitt. Demetris Murray had a break out game and will have to continue to run hard for the Bulls to help keep the pressure off of Daniels. Bradley Battles made his season debut last week and Richard Kelly helped carry the ball a few times as well. Look for offensive coordinator Todd Fitch to continue to mix in option runs to help get the ball moving.

Defensive line must dominate
Defensive end Craig Marshall is still out, which means David Bedford, Patrick Hampton, Ryne Giddins, and others will have to step up to create pressure on Tino Sunseri for Pitt. The defensive line must also watch out for the two running backs of Pitt, Dion Lewis and Ray Graham, both of which are fast, athletic runners. Controlling the line will be a key factor throughout the game.

Stop Jon Baldwin
Jon Baldwin is big and fast receiver. The USF secondary will have to gameplan to stop Pitt’s top target and Sunseri’s favorite weapon. Mistral Raymond is back healthy and has the height to match up with Baldwin. Keyvon Webster and Quenton Washington will be tested and the safeties of USF, Jerrell Young and Mark Joyce, will have to keep the big Pitt receivers in front of them as well as stay up in the box at times in order to help stop the Pitt running game and uses zone reads at times to get one lanes.


Lindsey Lamar
The fast sophomore changed the game in the win over Louisville and has become one of the nation’s best at kick return. He will need to have another solid game and help put the USF offense in great field position to help the offensive unit as well. Lamar is always a threat to score as well. The Bulls are mixing him in more on offense at both running back and wide receiver, so Lamar will look to touch the ball as much as he can and the Bulls are hoping he will be able to break a few plays for them.