Chattanooga @ South Florida preview

South Florida faded to the bottom of the Big East after winning its first four games in 2011. The problem was finishing as the Bulls lost by three points four times during an ugly 1-7 league season. Quarterback B.J. Daniels will try to lead the way in the opener against Chattanooga. Daniels accounted for more than 3,200 yards of total offense in 2011 and has a deep stable of receivers to choose from. Chattanooga, with eight starters back on each side of the ball, won’t be a pushover. The Moccasins had the best defense in the Southern Conference last season and will get a nice test early against the only FBS team on its schedule.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

CHATTANOOGA (2011: 5-6, 3-5 Southern): The Mocs were picked fourth by the coaches and placed three on the first-team defense in the Southern Conference preseason rankings. Defensive lineman Josh Williams is back after a nine-sack season, linebacker Wes Dothard had 98 tackles and D.J. Key leads the secondary. Terrell Robinson takes over at quarterback for B.J. Coleman, who was a seventh-round pick of the Green Bay Packers. Robinson threw for 336 yards and ran for 417 last season. Marquis Green and Keon Williams, who is back from a one-year suspension, lead a promising running game. Marlon Anthony, coming off an ankle injury, is likely Robinson’s top target.

SOUTH FLORIDA (2011: 5-7, 1-6 Big East): Even after their disappointing finish, the Bulls were picked second in the Big East preseason media poll, mainly because they have 15 starters back. Coach Skip Holtz will need more consistent play from the exciting Daniels if the Bulls are to win the league for the first time. He has five returning targets who had at least 273 yards receiving in 2011, led by Sterling Griffin. Griffin had a team-leading 43 receptions and 530 yards despite missing time with a shoulder injury. Demetris Murray takes over at running back for the departed Darrell Scott. Linebacker DeDe Lattimore led USF in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss last year.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Bulls totaled 39 sacks and allowed just 16 in 2011.

2. Four of Chattanooga’s six losses last season were by a total of five points.

3. South Florida is 10-0 when opening the season at Raymond James Stadium.

PREDICTION: South Florida 34, Chattanooga 13.