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Talking points on USF Bulls at Wisconsin Badgers

 
Rodney Adams, catching a pass in the first half, scored on a run in the second half.
Rodney Adams, catching a pass in the first half, scored on a run in the second half.
Published Sept. 28, 2014

Talking Points

1. Shut your "trap": Don't start about (A) Wisconsin coming out flat after last week's 68-17 romp of Bowling Green, or (B) USF representing a "trap game" for the Badgers. The former insults a Bulls defense that delivered arguably its best half of the Taggart era. The latter presumes USF was being overlooked. Wisconsin does embark on Big Ten play next week at Northwestern, but it's not like Sparty or Urban Meyer's on the immediate horizon.

2. A glimmer: Admit it, when Lakewood High alumnus Rodney Adams scored on a 26-yard receiver sweep with 6:05 to play in the third quarter, you momentarily let yourself believe. At that point, the Bulls trailed 17-10 and had re-seized momentum. But from there, USF had seven offensive snaps — seven — and four penalties.

3. White remains upright: Bottom line, the Bulls offensive line is a different unit with LG Thor Jozwiak. QB Mike White has been sacked only once in each of the two games since Jozwiak returned from shoulder and toe ailments. "Even their D-line coach came up after the game and complimented them to me," White said.

Sights and sounds

One of the Midwest's most raucous venues lived up to its billing — eventually. Roughly half the student section was empty at the 11 a.m. Central kickoff, but later filled to near capacity. When the students bounced in unison to House of Pain's Jump Around at the end of the third quarter, the press box shook. But what was really funky was the crowd's slow-motion wave midway through the game.

All atwitter

In defense I trust #USF — @Tyler_Ko

UnBULLievaBULL!!!!!!!! 3-3 tied v Wisconsin #GoBulls — @USF96

Appreciate our football program. Fought hard in a tough environment. Their hard work will pay off. — @MarkHarlanUSF

The last word

What if Swanson doesn't fumble? What if Godwin isn't flagged? What if Chandler had been available? What if … ah, forget it.

Joey Knight, Times staff writer