College football

Hall combines air game with the run

By GREG AUMAN
Published October 17, 2005

TAMPA - For half a season, USF has tried to find a consistent pass-catching threat to complement the running of Andre Hall .

On Saturday, it found an answer: Andre Hall.

The senior running back caught seven passes for 131 yards, the sixth-highest receiving yards in USF history and most by a running back. His 76-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Pat Julmiste was the third-longest scoring catch in school history.

"They were in a Cover 2 zone, so the middle was wide open, with everybody dropping back and playing more to the sideline," Hall said. "(Offensive coordinator Rod ) Smith made some adjustments to try to get me the ball more in the middle of the field."

Add his 79 rushing yards and Hall had 220 yards from scrimmage, the fourth-best total in school history. He holds the record of 274 yards against UAB last season. Hall was held under 100 rushing yards for the third game in a row, and this week he'll face the Big East's toughest rushing defense when the Bulls host West Virginia for USF's homecoming Saturday.

THIS AND THAT: Coach Jim Leavitt said he will stick with Julmiste, and won't alter his offensive line despite the Bulls giving up nine sacks in the past two games after allowing one in the first four. ... Urgent need? After falling behind by 14 late in the third quarter in Saturday's 31-17 loss to Pittsburgh, the Bulls needed more than six minutes and 15 plays to drive 49 yards, all for a missed field goal. USF finished with two 11-play drives and no points for either.

[Last modified October 17, 2005, 01:19:13]