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College Football Rankings: Top 25 after spring practice

By Cody Williams

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) runs the ball around South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Stephon Taylor (98) during the first quarter in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) runs the ball around South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Stephon Taylor (98) during the first quarter in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
20

South Florida Bulls

2016: 11-2, 

The Charlie Strong era in Texas was not exactly what he or anyone else had hoped it’d be. He was tasked with coming into a broken program with unrealistic expectations and fell short — like most any mortal man would. After his dismissal, though, he makes his way to the helm of a talented South Florida Bulls team. The expectations aren’t nearly as high, but the outcome in 2017 could be every bit as fruitful as what Longhorns fans believe their team should be every year.

At the heart of South Florida is star quarterback Quinton Flowers. A dual-threat player at the position, Flowers was exceptional in leading the Bulls to an 11-2 season last year. Flowers threw for 24 touchdowns to only seven picks while also rushing for over 1,500 yards and scoring an extra 18 times with his legs. With Strong coming in and bringing a Big 12 style of offense with him, Flowers could put up even more ridiculous numbers as a senior.

The two things that will be key for the Bulls, though, are going to be the defense and the running back position. For the former, Strong’s defense at Texas was abysmal last season. What’s more, the talent level certainly isn’t the same at South Florida. With that being said, Strong will be motivated surely and could help them step up on that side of the ball.

Meanwhile, the offense needs to replace Marlon Mack at running back with no lone candidate ready to do so. A committee could work in the new style of offense, but that remains to be seen. Either way, Strong, Flowers and plenty of talent makes for a promising Bulls team in 2017.

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