USF Game Notes: Syracuse | Gameday Central: Syracuse

Interchangeable Parts
Disregard the starting lineup on the defensive line because defensive coordinator Joe Tresey and defensive line coach Kevin Patrick feel like they have 11 capable players. The only starter each and every week is two-time All-American George Selvie. Otherwise seven other players have started. The only players that have not started and appear on the USF depth chart are Patrick Hampton (behind Selvie), true-freshman Ryne Giddens and juco transfer Leslie Stirrups. Eigth of the 11 defensive linemen have registered at least a one tackle for loss and all of them have at least three tackles.

Meet Skinny
USF junior defensive back Mistral “Skinny” Raymond might be the best story on the 2009 team. After playing a bit role in 2008, he is a key cog on Joe Tresey's defense. As defensive graduate assistant and former NFL standout J.R. Reed said, “He's impressed me from day one. He can step in at any position in the secondary and help us.”

What makes his story even better is that Raymond did not participate during the spring. Yet he's practiced at such a level that he is a trusted backup at every position in the secondary. His story came to the forefront when he picked off a pass against WKU. He has 15 tackles and one interception this season. Raymond spent two seasons at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa - one as a redshirt - before joining the Bulls. He led Ellsworth with 67 tackles in 2007.

The Playmaker
After spring practices, USF co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach David Blackwell said that Chris Robinson has a knack for making big plays, but needs to become more consistent. Through four games, he's making Blackwell a proud coach. Robinson has three tackles for loss and 17 total tackles. His playmaking abilities were evident during his freshman campaign (2006) when he had seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

Defensive Trends
• USF has allowed just 27 points in the first four games, which is the lowest total over any four game stretch in program history and the reason the Bulls are No. 2 nationally in scoring defense. The previous bests were 33 over four games in 1997 and 34 in 1998. USF hasn't had stretch of four games with less than 48 points in the past decade.
• USF has only allowed three touchdowns this season and is ranked No. 2 nationally in scoring defense ... The defense has given up just 23 rushing touchdowns over the past 35 games ... Three of the rushing touchdowns came in a blowout win over Pitt in the last regular season game of 2007 and two in the Bulls' loss to Pitt in 2008 ... Additionally, the Bulls allowed just seven rushing TDs in 2007 and nine in 2006.
• The USF defense has intercepted a pass in 20 of the last 30 games and has 35 picks during that time ... The Bulls were fourth nationally with 23 interceptions in 2007 and have added defensive coordinator Joe Tresey, whose defenses have been characterized by their ability to produce turnovers.
• Since 2005, USF has forced 123 turnovers and if you include blocked kicks, the number jumps to 135.
• In Joe Tresey's debut as USF defensive coordinator, the Bulls forced two fumbles and recovered both.

Mr. Clutch
Playing in front of the largest crowd of his career, Allen gave the Seminoles a fit in Tallahassee, where he recovered one fumble and was responsible for two pass breakups and a tackle for loss. Allen has made a name for himself throughout his career by producing momentum-shifting turnovers in crucial moments. Here is the rundown:
2009 vs. FSU: Allen filled up the stat sheet with tackle for loss, fumble recovery and a pair of pass break ups, including one in the end zone that would have been a sure touchdown.
2008 vs. Kansas: With just 41 seconds left on the clock, Allen intercepted a Todd Reesing skinny post and returned it 40 yards to setup the game-winning field goal by Maikon Bonani.
2007 at Auburn: Allen has an interception, fumble recovery and forced fumble in the Bulls' upset win at Jordan Hare Stadium. He was named Nagurski National Player of the Week for his efforts.
2007 vs. West Virginia: In front of a sold out crowd, Allen has a fumble recovery and 44-yard return, plus a second-half interception in the Bulls' 21-13 win over the Mountaineers.
2007 at Pitt: With the score at 20-14, Allen intercepts a pass and returns it 37 yards for a touchdown. The TD keyed a 27-point swing that led to the Bulls 48-37 win over the Panthers.

Fewest points allowed by USF in a loss:
10 (vs. The Citadel (USF 7), away Sept. 13, 1997)

Most points allowed by USF in a win:
44 (vs. TCU (USF 45), double overtime, away Sept. 25, 2004)

USF has shut out opponents nine times and held opposition to single-digits 28 times. The Bulls' defense held Charleston Southern scoreless this season, routing the Bucs 59-0.