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By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA, OCT. 27, 2015 – What started as a march to victory has turned into a sprint toward continuous success for Willie Taggart's Bulls.
USF (4-3, 2-1) is on a three-game winning streak for the first time since 2011 after rolling past SMU, 38-14, last weekend at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls will chase after their first three-game conference winning streak since 2010 when they face Navy in Annapolis, Md., on Saturday afternoon.
“We have to stay locked in, especially with a young football team that hadn't been in this position before,” Taggart said. “We have to stay humble and hungry.”
USF got a taste of success in a 45-24 home win over Syracuse on Oct. 10 and kept things moving forward with a 28-20 triumph at UConn on Oct. 17. The Bulls proved they can consistently handle opponents last week and USF's appetite for victories seems to keep growing with time.
“Now that we have the feeling of winning consecutively, we really like it,” safety Tajee Fullwood said. “It only makes us want to strive for more and get better every day, so we can keep that streak going.”
Taggart continuously says winning in college football isn't easy and the Bulls know they'll have to step their game up even more this week. Navy (5-1, 3-0) is off to its best start since 2006 and seeks its eighth straight win at home dating back to last year.
“You can't be mentally weak against that team because they are disciplined and mentally tough,” Taggart said. “They can fight through a lot. If they're tired, they fight through it. When they're hurting, they fight through it. It's kind of how they're built.”
USF's respect for Navy goes far beyond the football field as well.
“The commitment they make to go there and afterwards give to this country is incredible,” left guard Thor Jozwiak said.
Student Body Giving Bulls Strong Support
USF players have a little extra pep in their step walking around campus these days because of the support they're getting from the student body.
“We're starting to move in the right direction and it's an awesome feeling,” Jozwiak said. “People are starting to get excited again and I hear it all the time in my classes.”
USF has given the fan base plenty to cheer about during the past three games while outscoring opponents, 111-58. The Bulls know they have to stay focused to accomplish goals set at the beginning of the year, but the love sure does feel good.
“We try to stay in our cocoon, but for a student-athlete, and especially some of the younger guys, it is nice to hear that satisfaction coming from your fellow peers in your classroom,” Jozwiak said. “We want to continue to win, not only for them, but for us, for the alumni and for everyone that believes in us.”
Navy's Dangerous Ground Attack
Staying mentally tough is extra important for the “Bull Sharks” defense this week. Navy ranks fifth nationally in rushing offense (301 yards per game) and defending the triple option is no easy task. The Midshipmen have rushed for 300 or more yards in 19 of the past 25 games and they're averaging 56 rush attempts per game this season.
“As a defense, when you have rules and responsibilities, you have to stay patient and stay locked in,” Taggart said. “That's how they get you because they'll keep doing it and keep doing it. That one time you lose focus and not do your job, that's when they'll hit you. They'll get you really good.”
Bulls Bits
- Taggart said quarterback Quinton Flowers (thigh contusion) and running back D'Ernest Johnson (knee) continue to make progress. Flowers took part in 7-on-7 drills Tuesday and Johnson was back to running around at practice. “I really felt a lot better seeing them do that today,” Taggart said.
- Tampa native Tajee Fullwood ranks sixth in the FBS with 16.6 yards per punt return this season with a 46-yarder against FSU and a 45-yarder against SMU. “There are a lot of kids that want to stay here and play and do it for their city. Tajee is a prime example of that,” Taggart said. Learn more about Fullwood's success in a city he calls home in Wednesday's practice report.
- USF's defense forced a season-high four turnovers against SMU, including three fumble recoveries. “By far, I thought it was the best defensive performance we've put out this year,” Taggart said. USF is ninth in the FBS with 8.1 tackles for loss per game.
The USF Football program is in its 19th season overall and 16th at the FBS level. The Bulls have made six bowl appearances, including every season between 2005-10, and have four bowl game victories. USF has produced 14 All-America selections, 25 NFL Draft picks and reached the No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press Poll in 2007.
