[Empire Lindy]

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/oct...olleges-bulls/

Defense Turns Tables After Half
By GREGG BECNEL

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 19, 2008

TAMPA - After turning in a porous performance in the first half, the University of South Florida defense completely dominated Syracuse in the final 30 minutes, allowing USF to pull away for a comfortable 45-13 win at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday.

After being torched for 374 yards in its last outing - a 26-21 loss to Pitt - it looked as if the defense was in for another long day against the lowly Orange.

In the first half, USF gave up an average of 6.1 yards per play and went into the break with a precarious 21-13 lead. Syracuse ran 36 plays for 221 yards while holding the ball for 19:09.

"Syracuse moved the chains pretty well," Bulls coach Jim Leavitt said. "I didn't feel like our defense played real well in the first half. I thought they played hard, but not real smart."

But after USF made some adjustments at halftime, the New Orleans Saints might have had trouble moving the ball against the Bulls.

Consider these numbers: Syracuse ran 18 plays, gained a measly 9 yards, had zero first downs and had the ball for just 6:40.

"We went dormant on offense," Orange coach Greg Robinson said. "I wish I could tell you what specifically was the reason for that, but I don't know."

He will when he looks at the film.

"I thought defensive coordinator Wally Burnham and the defensive staff did a really good job," Leavitt said. "There were a number of adjustments we made at halftime."

While Burnham acknowledged the effectiveness of the adjustments, he deflected credit to his players.

"It's amazing when you go out there and play like we did in the first half, and then come in and do just a couple of little deals in the second half," Burnham said. "But it wasn't that, really. It was they played harder and accepted the challenge to play better."

USF received a boost with the return to the starting lineup of linebacker Brouce Mompremier, defensive end George Selvie and nose tackle Terrell McClain.

"Those guys make a big difference," Burnham said.

The second-half shutdown was crucial for a defense that was as leaky as a sieve the past six quarters.

"We needed it real bad as a defense," strong safety Carlton Williams said, "for confidence and momentum going into the other games."