USF Football: Is 2019 a make-or-break year for Charlie Strong?

Offense goes as Blake Barnett goes

This offense goes as quarterback Blake Barnett goes. He was outstanding the first month of the season, throwing eight touchdown passes and only three interceptions while completing 64 percent of his passes. The fact that he threw twice as many interceptions (8) as touchdowns (4) and completed 56 percent of his passes the rest of the season lets you know about the aerial production during their slide.

In Barnett’s defense, he dealt with both ankle and shoulder injuries, missing games against Cincinnati and Central Florida. The numbers say that he can ball when he’s healthy.

If he’s healthy this season, there are plenty of complementary pieces to get the ball to in Kerwin Bell’s offense. While at Division II Valdosta State, Kerwin’s offenses averaged over 50 points per game in 2018 with a balanced attack. He has the horses to put up similar numbers in Tampa.

Last season’s leading rusher, Florida-transfer Jordan Cronkrite, returns as well as  running back/receiver Johnny Ford to an offense that averaged almost 200 yards per game on the ground.

The Bulls lose slot receiver Tyre McCants from last year, but return Randall St. Felix — one of the best freshman receivers in the country — as well as possession receiver Stanley Clerveaux. Ford and Michigan-transfer Eddie McDoom (what a name) will both see time in the slot, and Mitchell Wilcox might just be the best tight end in the country.

The offensive line returns four starters, but gave up almost three sacks per game last season. They must be better to keep Barnett healthy. If they are this could be one of the most dangerous offenses in the AAC this season.