USF Football: 5 reasons Bulls will win 2017 national title
By Zach Bigalke
3. With a new coaching staff a veteran defense should improve
New coaching could be a boon for the defense as well as the offense. Last season, South Florida was bailed out of many games by its offense. Both its losses came despite at least 30 points of assistance from Flowers and crew. The 31-plus points per game conceded by the Bulls in 2016 ranked 92nd nationally.
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In many ways, the Bulls got to 11 wins last year despite themselves. At the same time, even a mediocre offense could have been the difference between 11 wins and 13 last season. Luckily for South Florida fans, the team is bringing aboard a coach who certainly knows defense.
After Willie Taggart helped revive the offense, it is Strong’s turn to do the same on the other side of the ball.
Strong, remember, was the defensive coordinator of the Gators’ championship teams in the past decade. Florida’s two national championship teams in 2006 and 2008 both gave up fewer than two touchdowns per game. His last Louisville team ranked seventh nationally in Defensive S&P+.
If anyone can get this Bulls unit playing at least average, it is Strong and defensive coordinator Brian Jean-Mary. With all its returning talent, a unit that ranked in the bottom third in the nation in 2016 should be at least in the top 50 this year.