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

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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Nico Sawtelle #54 of the South Florida Bulls recovers the ball after quarterback Logan Marchi of the Temple Owls failed to haul in the snap during the third quarter of an NCAA football game on September 21, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Nico Sawtelle is the key cog on defense

If the success of the offense is predicated on the health of Blake Barnett, the success of the defense is predicated on the health of linebacker Nico Sawtelle.

The Bulls’ defensive slide can be linked to Sawtelle’s health last year, even though the losing streak began before his injury. The Bulls gave up over 30 points in three of their wins last season including 42 against 4-8 Massachusetts and 30 against a one-win Connecticut team. The Bulls surrendered 371 yards passing and four touchdowns against Massachusetts and allowed two Connecticut running backs gain over 100 yards.

All-in-all, they gave up over 400 yards and 32 points per game.

In a conference that has a lot of talent at quarterback, they have to better than middle of the pack in sacks and interceptions. This is also a defense that surrendered 248.2 rushing yards per game, and opposing running backs averaged 5.1 yards per carry. They weren’t physical, and didn’t get to the quarterback with just their front four.

If they want to be better next year, they need Sawtelle healthy, but they need a lot of players to step up and simply be better.

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