Bulls’ defense focuses on big plays

TAMPA — Though it still ranks first in the American Athletic Conference in total defense (319.3), USF’s secondhalf performance in its last two games has imperiled its perch.

The Bulls have allowed 49 total points after halftime against Tulane and Houston, low-lighted by Cougars QB D’Eriq King’s game-winning 20-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run with 11 seconds to play.

So what has happened with USF's defense late in games? Defensive coordinator Brian Jean-Mary believes it's about execution, or lack thereof.

“I know the scores have kind of picked up in the second half, but it's really come down to fundamental errors more than just defensive assignments,” Jean-Mary said. “... [The issue has] been more about tackling and getting off blocks.”

USF’s defense gave up four plays of 30-plus yards in the second half against Houston.

“If you watch the game, we broke it down — it was five big plays,” Jean-Mary said. “Outside of those five big plays, we felt like we played decent in the second half. It wasn't like they [Houston] methodically went down the field. It was the big plays, and that can come down to tackling and being assignment-sound.”

With seven tackles Saturday at UConn, senior MLB Auggie Sanchez will surpass Kawika Mitchell for the school’s career mark. Sanchez, sitting at 361 tackles, also will be making his 47th career start, placing him alone at No. 3 on the school's alltime list behind DeDe Lattimore (49) and George Selvie (50).

Joey Knight, Tampa Bay Times