Taggart: Step on people’s throat and keep it that way
USF coach Willie Taggart said his defense needs to "step on people's throat and keep it that way" in response to his defense's fourth-quarter effort on Friday against Navy. ORACLE FILE PHOTO/JACOB HOAG
Holding No. 22 Navy and its high-octane rushing attack to just 21 points through three quarters on Friday night was a stout effort in the eyes of USF coach Willie Taggart. But after allowing 286 yards and 24 points in the final quarter, Taggart is concerned with the effort in finishing out games.
After handling Navy’s potent offense for most of the opening quarters — USF went up 28-0 after the firs quarter — USF’s defense allowed four straight touchdown drives to seal the game, including a 9-yard score on the game’s final play.
"Part of it is human nature, but it can't be that way if you want to be great and you want to make a change in the perspective of what people think of you," Taggart said on the AAC’s weekly coaches teleconference of the effort in USF’s 52-45 win over the Midshipmen.
"You've got to step on people's throat and keep it that way, and having that killer instinct, I think that's what makes any good defense."
USF defense ranks 106th nationally against the run, giving up 218.6 yards per game through the first nine games of the season.
USF has a bye week this week before traveling to Memphis to take on the Tigers on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.
Flowers racks up accolades
It’s not secret that junior Quarterback Quinton has been the focal point of USF’s potent offense in 2016. The Bulls offense is ranked ninth in the country in scoring offense (43.4 ppg) with the nation’s seventh-best rushing attack (218.6 ypg).
Flowers, who racked up 395 total yards on Friday, has been a key cog in the Bulls’ scheme. On Monday, Flowers was announced as the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) National Performer of the Week after his four-touchdown performance.
Flowers ranks 14th nationally in total offense with 318 yards per game.
He also made the cut as part of the “Great 8” for the Davey O’Brien award given to the nation’s best quarterback.
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