His team was too young, and his schedule was too tough.
USF coach Willie Taggart could deal with one of those problems, but could he deal with both. Fans were weary of hearing about what a mess he had inherited. USF had spent too much time as a team that was not essential. Fans were ready for signs of life.
Yet, as Taggert started off 1-3, there were those who suggested that these were the same old Bulls. That they were another team headed for disappointment.
And then the winning started.
And continued.
Tonight, as they close out their regular season against UCF, the Bulls are 7-4. Quinton Flowers has emerged as a solid two-way quarterback. Marlon Mack has had his second 1,000-yard season. Rodney Adams has emerged as a playmaker. Auggie Sanchez is a solid linebacker. Jamie Byrd is a force.
Oh, how things have turned around for Taggart. These days, the question is no longer whether Taggart will be run off. It’s whether he will run away. One more win, and a loss by Temple, and USF will own the AAC East title.
Give credit to Taggart for believing. His band of underclassmen have jelled into a nice team. The offensive line is very good. The defensive line. The plan of attack. There is speed. There is will.
This year, the Bulls have lost to FSU, which was ranked at the time, and Memphis, which was ranked at the time, and Navy, which was ranked the week after. It has beaten Temple, which was ranked at the time.
Now comes Central Florida, which beat USF 16-0 last year. But the Knights have had an awful year that has snowballed. UCF is 0-11, and its biggest weapon going into tonight’s game is the passion that comes with a rivalry game.
The Knights have given up 40 or more points in seven of their last eight games and 30 or more in their last eight. Not even changing head coaches — from George O’Leary to Danny Barrett — has made much difference.
USF, meanwhile, has scored 109 points in its last two games. It has gotten a lead in both games and has never let up.
According to NCAA stats, Central Florida has the worst offense in the nation (ranked 128th of 128 teams), and the 95th ranked defensive team against the run. South Florida is the 11th ranked rushing team in the country with Mack (22nd) and Flowers (73rd). Flowers is also 77th in passing.
Game time is 7:30 p.m.
