USF Football: 3 reasons not to panic about the Bulls

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 2: Head Coach Charlie Strong of the South Florida Bulls talks with his players during a timeout in the second quarter of their game against the Stony Brook Sea Wolves at Raymond James Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 2: Head Coach Charlie Strong of the South Florida Bulls talks with his players during a timeout in the second quarter of their game against the Stony Brook Sea Wolves at Raymond James Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
(Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /

1. USF still has Quinton Flowers playing at quarterback

In the first two games of what could still very well be a Heisman-winning season, Quinton Flowers has hardly looked like the best player in the country. Against San Jose State in Week 0, Flowers completed less than 50 percent of his passes. But the USF quarterback also averaged 9.2 yards per attempt as he threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 70 yards and another score, showcasing his dual-threat ability.

Against FCS Stony Brook in the Week 1 home opener, Flowers seemed to regress. The veteran threw his first interception of the season and dropped to 5.8 yards per attempt drop with 178 yards in the air. But he lifted up his completion percentage on 19-of-32 passing, and threw two more touchdown passes. Flowers also led the Bulls with 67 rushing yards in another consistent effort on the ground.

It seemed like Flowers would light up the scoreboard and the stats sheet against these first two opponents. But it must be remembered that Flowers is adjusting to Sterlin Gilbert’s system just like the rest of the offense. USF will be just fine as they move into the heart of the season and should start scoring more frequently, thanks to their third-year starter running the offense.