USF Offense Awakes From Slumber

[Jim Johnson]

From the Tampa Tribune:

USF Offense Awakes From Slumber

TAMPA - It's interesting how a win and a commanding performance from sophomore QB Pat Julmiste can change the perception of South Florida's season.

Things got so low after USF's thumping at South Carolina, some wondered whether the offense needed a map to find the end zone and if Glen Gauntt had any eligibility remaining.

But after a 45-44 double- overtime win at TCU in which the Bulls tallied 407 yards, it appears the demise of USF's offense was greatly exaggerated. ``We always knew the offense could do it,'' FS Javan Camon said. ``It makes the defense feel good because we know they're there. They backed us up last game because we weren't playing too good.''

When USF (2-1, 1-0 Conference USA) hosts Southern Mississippi (2-0, 1-0) on Saturday, Camon, who leads the Bulls in tackles with 35, says USF's defense must improve to complement the now-confident offense.

``It's good to know your offense can put up those numbers and they're capable of it,'' Camon said. ``But from a defensive standpoint, we can't ask them to score 40 points a game. We have to really step our game up and make it an equal partnership.''

INJURY UPDATE: Junior OG Chris Carothers (ankle), who has started 25 consecutive games, returned to practice in a limited role Wednesday. Freshmen Walter Walker and Jerome Springfield platooned at right guard in Carothers' absence, USF coach Jim Leavitt said.

Gregg Becnel