In three games this season—victories over Bethune-Cookman and Southern Miss, along with a 42-16 loss at Alabama that was competitive until late in the fourth quarter—Brown has completed 47 of 84 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns. He has also rushed for 254 yards, the second-most by a quarterback this season, along with two touchdowns on 46 carries. “When a quarterback can run, it’s a bit daunting,” said defensive coordinator Lance Guidry. “A passing-only QB means we have two more defenders than they have offensive players, but a running quarterback means we need an extra player committed to stopping the run, which can weaken our pass defense.
Running quarterbacks create problems because they can extend plays with their legs and break tackles. You could see that against Alabama—they had a strong defense, and Brown managed to evade some of their tacklers. It’s going to be a significant challenge. We need to focus on stopping the run first, making their offense one-dimensional, and forcing them to rely on their passing game.”
“Cam’s last option is to run,” Guidry noted. “But if Brown goes through his reads and doesn’t find an open receiver, he’s likely to take off because he has confidence in his running skills and plays more like a running back. While they have their differences, Cam’s mobility in the pocket has certainly benefited us.”
However, it’s not just Brown who poses a threat in the USF run game. The Bulls feature a trio of experienced running backs who can also make significant contributions. Graduate student Kelley Joiner has logged 30 carries for 220 yards and four touchdowns. Another graduate student, Nay’Quan Wright, a former star at Carol City, has 33 carries for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Ta’Ron Keith has contributed with 20 carries for 105 yards and three touchdowns. As a team, USF ranks eighth in the nation with an average of 268.67 rushing yards per game.
In contrast, the Hurricanes have been exceptional at stopping the run, allowing just 65.67 rushing yards per game, which is the 12th-best average nationally. To put it in perspective, Miami has allowed fewer rushing yards this season (197) than USF averages in a single game. Saturday’s game will certainly test that defensive strength. “We’ve done pretty well so far,” Mauigoa said. “There’s still room for improvement in playing disciplined football and reading our keys before the snap. Focusing on the small details will help us elevate our game and strengthen our run defense while reacting to the pass.”
