Been looking at this game for Thursday night and not sure what others think about it. Has there been a definitive word on the Status of Rutgers Offensive line? Are they missing 2 of their starters for sure. I don't put alot of stock into how they played Howard but I saw VegasRunner mention their secondary was "the Best in the big east". Isn't this the same team that gave up 250 plus yards to Tulane? Yes they did have a pic 6 in that game as well...I'm just looking at USF and I think they will go strictly to the air attack. WR is allegedly their strongest position even though they are without their top WR for the rest of the season. Does a trip from Nevada really make an enormous difference? Considering they didn't spend a night in Vegas or have to walk home...I'm assuming they'll be just fine for home game on National TV. My biggest question mark is how much offense will Rutgers generate with a mediocre QB and 2 offensive lineman out? USF played well the second half without their star receiver so will that be a huge impact?
VegasRunner mentioned their 0-8 on Thursday nights? Well that really sucks if your thinking of backing USF like I am. However can anyone convince me that Rutgers offense can match USF and keep it within the 8 points? A bad snap a missed block or sack and fumble and this game could get away quick...Rutgers QB has a touchdown to pic ratio of 13/11. So let's safely assume he's Not going to throw for any significant performance tomorrow.
Any thoughts ? Want to set the table nicely for a strong week 3. All starts in South Florida!
Risewise,
Here is something I posted on a different board earlier in the week:
"104 south Florida -8
Opened at -9.5, now at -8. I imagine that is the best number we will see. Really this is a tough number to lay with USF being on the short week after a long trip to Reno, probably why it has come down with money on the underdog. Also reported today that USF lost one its receivers for the year; USF is young at the receiver position. Against Nevada however the WR's did seem to be fast and athletic and the QB seems to be making good decisions so far. USF was plagued with injuries at WR last year, so many of these younger players have seen significant action. Rutgers has not had any real test yet in Tulane and Howard and I am not sure they are as good as they were a year ago. Rutgers does have much of it's defensive core back but I just think this team is going to struggle to score points especially early in the year. Initially surprised to hear that QB Nova had beat out the more experienced QB Dodd? for the QB position, and really has not been impressive yet. Putting up 24 against Tulane and 26 against Howard was largely due to the Rutgers running game and Rutgers being able to just line up and pound the ball against small and really poor defenses. Tulane's defense was horrific last year and they could be worse this year. Rutgers is going to have to throw the ball much better in this game to keep it close. I do not see them having as much success being one dimensional against USF. Rutgers also dealing with it's share of injuries under first year coach Flood. It sounds as though they will have the services of their injured C, but will be down one offensive and defensive lineman. No doubt this is a tough spot for the home team, but I just see them as a more complete going against a team that may have some offensive troubles this year."
Looks like only one thing was overlooked. USF has no business fielding a football team ever again! Fire Skip Holtz immediately. Let's forget about the 3 awful pics or even the fumbled punt for a minute...you allow a kick off to go untouched with 1:00 left? Clean house. Biggest waste of 3.5 hours I ever recall.