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USF preps for high-powered ECU offense

 
Published Oct. 9, 2014

TAMPA — While plenty of attention has been centered around East Carolina QB Shane Carden, USF defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan hasn't forgotten about the rest of the high-powered offense.

"I don't even want to give an impression of one guy," he said. "They have so much talent. … From the quarterback, to the running back, to the receivers — there's not a bad spot on the team. So, we've got our hands full."

ECU ranks fourth in the nation in total offense in large part due to Carden, who is averaging 376 yards through the air. Bresnahan said his secondary has to take advantage of that by getting more pressure on receivers to help force turnovers.

"This is an offense that, with the ball being thrown around the field, you do have some opportunities," he said. "They're a minus-1 in turnover ratio, so …we've got to make that an advantage for us."

PURPLE PROBLEM: To help promote homecoming week, free T-shirts were handed out. The only problem? They were purple — the same color as ECU. According to the Oracle, USF's student newspaper, the school's Campus Traditions Board spent $5,600 of student activity and service fees on 1,200 purple shirts. Two hundred shirts were distributed before the student committee was notified of the oversight. The board reordered 1,000 green shirts for $4,200, according to the Oracle, and the remaining purple shirts will not be given out.

UF: Jones hobbled

GAINESVILLE — RB Matt Jones has missed some practice this week because of a swollen left knee. He ran 23 times for 114 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's win at Tennessee. He has been on the sideline since, bothered by the same knee that kept him out much of last season. Jones tore the meniscus in his left knee against LSU last year and had season-ending surgery. The Gators host the Tigers in a rematch Saturday night. LSU ranks last in the league in rushing defense. Coach Will Muschamp says, "I fully expect (Jones) to play, certainly do."

more injuries: WR Valdez Showers (ankle) is out, DT Leon Orr (knee) is questionable and LB Mike Taylor (flu) will play. Freshman WR C.J. Worton (broken hand) is expected to make his debut.

Times wires

FSU: Greene's back

TALLAHASSEE — Rashad Greene returned to practice after missing several days with a concussion. ''He's actually going to be able to practice (Wednesday), run around with some individual drills," coach Jimbo Fisher said. "He's been cleared to do that, and then we'll judge as practice goes and make decisions. If he has any recurring things he won't get hit (Wednesday), and then if he does, if he's okay … he could possibly get hit (today) and get banged around a little bit." The senior receiver, who is four catches shy of becoming FSU's all-time leader, suffered the concussion in the first half of last weekend's game against Wake Forest. Fisher said FSU will need a big performance from Jesus "Bobo" Wilson if Greene cannot go Saturday.

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