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Holtz disappointed by receivers' play vs. Miami

 
Published Nov. 19, 2012

MIAMI -- There weren't many things for Skip Holtz to be pleased with in USF's 40-9 loss to Miami on Saturday, but he was particularly unhappy with the effort of his wide receivers, who weren't able to step up to make life easier for No. 3 quarterback Matt Floyd.

"Honestly, I don't think he got a whole lot of help from the receivers tonight," Holtz said. "I don't know what his numbers ended up being, whatever they were, but he got exactly what was thrown for. It's not like we broke a lot of tackles, got extra yards or made any circus catches."

USF's quarterbacks completed 23 passes Saturday, but 13 of those weren't to receivers -- running back Demetris Murray led the team with six receptions for just 25 yards, while tight end Jeff Hawkins had the Bulls' longest catch of the night at 32 yards.

USF's top receiver, Andre Davis, finished with a single catch for 4 yards in the fourth quarter; sophomore Terrence Mitchell had five catches for 46 yards, and while senior Victor Marc had three grabs for 57 yards, the Bulls missed on nine other passes intended for him.

For whatever reason, Holtz sent a message to his receivers on the opening play, opting to start walk-on Jordan Duval, who has yet to catch a pass at USF, ahead of established players like Davis and Mitchell.

USF's receivers were a contrast to Miami's injury-depleted unit -- the Hurricanes averaged 12.5 yards per pass attempt, while USF finished with 4.7 yards per attempt.

USF has a short week ahead, traveling to face Cincinnati on Friday night, and while the Bulls practiced Sunday night, coaches and players were not available for interviews.