The total yards allowed by the Bulls defense today?was another program high for the South Florida school. He was beaten off the line during USF’s 84-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage. “Once we did that, you saw what happened”. It was enough to leave Taggart disappointed in his team’s defense. “We were excited and it’s what we wanted to do”. Patrick, who might be one of the most improved players on the Noles roster, rushed for 124 yards with one touchdown. He did get a second opportunity with 10:22 showing on the clock in the electric first quarter. “When you play sloppy against FSU, what you get is 55-35”.
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Cook took his first carry of Saturday’s game at South Florida 75 yards – his longest carry of the season – for a touchdown that sparked the No. 13 Seminoles to a 55-35 victory over the Bulls at Raymond James Stadium.
But whether it was the opponent, the change from Rick Leonard to Brock Ruble at right tackle or just an altered mindset, the Seminoles utterly dominated the Bulls up front. But we’re going to go out there and play the same football we do every week.
With its star running back leading the way, Florida State pounded USF with the ground attack.
The game looked as if it was going to be a typical Big 12 shootout when USF and FSU each scored on their first two possessions, but the Bulls’ offense bogged down and Cook was running circles around the defense. “USF came out with a very aggressive game plan and we had to respond with points”, Cook said.
Florida State desperately needs Cook to provide them with the type of spark offensively that can help a young quarterback along this season.
“I thought we were close to 400 yards rushing, but I had no idea (it was 478)”, center Alec Eberle said. We have to practice better. In Week 4, Florida State will be searching for a non-conference win the hopes of repairing their reputation before they go back to the ACC. To make matters worse, star running back Nick Chubb injured an ankle in the second quarter and didnt return. In a near repeat of last year’s effort, Cook rushed for 267 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries.
The first interception, off a tipped pass in the end zone, led to Wolford’s 4-yard TD run that tied the score at 7. Cook also led the Seminoles with four catches for 62 yards.
“I’m very disappointed in our defense!”
“The question gets asked every week, and in my opinion, I don’t even know why it’s a question”, Cook said of his health. FSU gained a ridiculous 647 yards, but surrendered 450.
Flowers led the offense with rushing the ball 18 times for 159 yards, he also threw the ball 14 times but only completed five passes for 160 yards. “They just didn’t make them”. “We had guys that just have to execute”.
USF will open conference play next Saturday when it travels to play at Cincinnati at 7 p.m.
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Taggart is hoping that his team can put this game in the history file and move forward and get a good start against the Bearcats but also finish strong and leave OH with a victory.
