Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 16:35

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

CFP Top 25 Rankings
RankLWTeamW–LLast WeekThis Week
11Auburn12–1W 47–14 vs 10 LSU---
22USC12–1W 20–18 vs 14 UCLA---
35Clemson11–2W 23–10 vs 8 Miami---
43Utah12–1W 24–19 vs 19 Kansas---
54Oklahoma10–2------
68Alabama10–2------
79Penn State10–2------
86Miami10–3L 23–10 vs 3 Clemson---
910Pittsburgh10–2------
107LSU10–3L 47–14 vs 1 Auburn---
1112Florida State10–2------
1211Michigan9–3------
1314Georgia9–3------
1413UCLA10–3L 20–18 vs 2 USC---
1515Notre Dame9–3------
1617Oregon9–3------
1716Louisiana12–1W 45–7 vs James Madison---
1819Boston College9–3------
1922Kansas9–4L 24–19 vs 4 Utah---
2020Tennessee9–3------
2122USF11–2W 27–24 vs Tulane---
2221Florida International10–3W 55–13 vs Kennesaw State---
2323Boise State10–2------
24NRTCU7–5------
2524Oregon State9–3------
Dropped from rankings: Tulane 25
Conference Championship Scores
CUSA Championship: #22 FIU 55, Kennesaw State 13
MWC Championship: New Mexico 37, Hawai‘i 25
MAC Championship: Ball State 31, Eastern Michigan 24
Big 12 Championship: #4 Utah 24, #19 Kansas 19
Sun Belt Championship: #12 Louisiana 45, James Madison 7
SEC Championship: #1 Auburn 47, #10 LSU 14
AAC Championship: #21 USF 27, Tulane 24
ACC Championship: #3 Clemson 23, #8 Miami 10
Pac-12 Championship: #2 USC 20, #14 UCLA 18
National Players of the Week
Defensive: Jeremiah Marcelin – MIKE – FIU | W 55–13 vs Kennesaw State | 9 TKL, 1 INT, 1 FF, 2 FR, 1 TD
Offensive: Deuce Knight – QB – Auburn | W 47–14 at 10 LSU | 26–38, 358 PASS YDS, 6 PASS TD, 22 CAR, 75 RUSH YDS
Heisman Finalists
PlayerPos.SchoolChangeLast Game Result & StatsSeason Stats
Deuce KnightQBAuburnW 47–14 at 10 LSU 26–38, 358 PASS YDS, 9.4 YPA, 6 PASS TD 22 CAR, 75 RUSH YDS4,186 PASS YDS, 38 TD, 3 INT 628 RUSH YDS
Tyrese JermanWRAuburnW 47–14 at 10 LSU 5 REC, 39 REC YDS, 7.8 AVG, 1 REC TD101 REC, 1,329 REC YDS, 21 TD 355 YAC, 4 DROPS
Landon RoldanWRGeorgiaNo Game Last Week95 REC, 1,460 REC YDS, 15 TD 445 YAC, 2 DROPS
Cameron DyerQBLouisianaW 45–7 vs James Madison 29–38, 346 PASS YDS, 9.1 YPA, 2 PASS TD 18 CAR, 55 RUSH YDS, 1 RUSH TD3,779 PASS YDS, 26 TD, 5 INT 720 RUSH YDS
Jaylen MbakweWRClemsonW 23–10 vs 8 Miami 2 REC, 37 REC YDS, 18.5 AVG81 REC, 1,282 REC YDS, 20 TD 506 YAC, 3 DROPS

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 16:53

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USF RECRUITING REPORT
BULLS CLEAN UP MOST LOOSE ENDS WITH THREE SIGNINGS ON EARLY NSD

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-JUCO sophomore TE Sergio Isaac has signed with the Bulls. Isaac is the 1120th ranked player in the nation. At 6'6” with good speed for his size he should prove to be a good redzone target in Tampa.
-OT Enrique Lorenz, a strong pass blocker from Michigan, also has signed. Lorenz is ranked 87th in the nation at OT.
-Athlete Keon Brents is a 6'3” 228 pound versatile player who projects at linebacker, runningback or receiver.
-USF's class is now at 15 players, all three stars. The class is ranked 22nd in the nation with a score of 158.70. Navy's 134.75 score is second in the American, ranked 34th in the nation.
Class of 2028
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Smith
Dakota
WR
HS
:threestar:
468
60
80
6'1”
177
Tampa, FL
Kush
Immauel
SS
HS
:threestar:
494
65
10
6'0”
201
Tampa, FL
Doubs
Jacques
DT
HS
:threestar:
547
34
32
6'5”
301
Cartersville, GA
Peppers
Tyrone
DT
HS
:threestar:
584
8
34
6'3”
304
Saint Louis, MO
Tuten
Tyler
RG
HS
:threestar:
643
81
48
6'1”
307
Vero Beach, FL
Traore
Peter
SAM
HS
:threestar:
719
87
56
6'3”
230
Dunnellon, FL
Sowells
Jahzir
DT
HS
:threestar:
816
61
44
6'4”
290
Carrolton, GA
Bragg
Dom
K
HS
:threestar:
922
105
7
5'11”
166
Ocala, FL
Terrell
Lonnie
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
938
108
54
6'3”
221
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Lanovoi
Stanley
ATH
HS
:threestar:
966
110
21
6'1”
307
Jacksonville, FL
Isaac
Sergio
TE
JUCO SO
:threestar:
1120
131
59
6'6”
221
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Sauer
Enrique
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
1163
135
73
6'2”
230
Bradenton, FL
Lorenz
Enrique
RT
HS
:threestar:
1249
31
87
6'4”
315
Southfield, MI
Barr
Josh
WR
HS
:threestar:
1474
171
274
6'1”
186
Bradenton, FL
Brents
Keon
ATH
HS
:threestar:
1533
183
99
6'3”
228
Orlando, FL

Current Targets
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Stage
Top Schools
Efaw
Mohammad
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
631
27
32
5'11”
226
Cleveland, OH
Top 8
USF, ND, Cincy
Cherry
Kenya
WR
HS
:threestar:
1705
205
308
6'1”
165
Sarasota, FL
Top 5
USF, SDSU, ODU

Unsigned Targets
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Reason
Signed With
Hurns
Grant
DT
HS
:threestar:
500
11
27
6'1”
294
Flossmoor, IL
Signed Elsewhere
Temple
Michelle
Kyle
WR
HS
:threestar:
975
111
168
6'4”
188
Bradenton, FL
Removed
---
Kiwanuka
Jabari
RT
HS
:threestar:
1217
143
83
6'6”
293
Davenport, FL
Dealbreaker - Playing Style
---
Cantwell
Rodney
WILL
JUCO SO
:threestar:
1270
148
97
6'0”
206
Winter Park, FL
Signed Elsewhere
UCF
Ellington
Quincey
DT
HS
:threestar:
1327
21
73
6'3”
292
Chandler, AZ
Removed
---
Swayne
Barry
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
1338
157
81
5'11”
218
Winter Garden, FL
Signed Elsewhere
Army
Neilon
Mychal
RT
HS
:threestar:
1464
169
99
6'7”
313
Kissimmee, FL
Dealbreaker - Playing Style
---
Johnson
Ray
WR
HS
:threestar:
1556
186
284
6'3”
193
Bradenton, FL
Removed
---
Nkwenti
Akeem
DT
HS
:threestar:
1627
194
83
6'0”
303
Pensacola, FL
Removed
Wake Forest

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 16:59

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
2027 PLAYOFF REVEAL
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Count
Posts: 2330
Joined: 19 Dec 2018, 08:38

Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by Count » 06 Dec 2025, 17:05

FSU back in the playoffs :letsgo:
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 17:37

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS
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Heisman | QB Deuce Knight, Auburn | 4,186 Yds 38 TD, 628 Rush Yds 1 TD
Maxwell | QB Deuce Knight, Auburn | 4,186 Yds 38 TD, 628 Rush Yds 1 TD
Walter Camp | QB Deuce Knight, Auburn | 4,186 Yds 38 TD, 628 Rush Yds 1 TD
Bear Bryant | HC Brian Centeio, Louisiana | 12-1, Playoff berth
Davey O'Brien | QB Deuce Knight, Auburn | 4,186 Yds 38 TD, 628 Rush Yds 1 TD
Chuck Bednarik | CB Cormani McClain, Clemson | 61 Tkl 8 Int 1 FF 2 TD
Bronko Nagurski | MIKE Jameer Green, UConn | 100 Tkl 4 Int 1.0 Sck
Jim Thorpe | CB Cormani McClain, Clemson | 61 Tkl 8 Int 1 FF 2 TD
Doak Walker | HB Daniel Hill, Auburn | 1,247 Yds 21 TD, 220 Rec Yds
Fred Biletnikoff | WR Tyrese Jerman, Auburn | 1,329 Yds 21 TD, 349 KR Yds
Lombardi | LEDG Amaris Williams, Auburn | 51 Tkl 22 TFL 13.5 Sck
Unitas Golden Arm | QB Dante Moore, Oregon | 3,409 Yds 36 TD 3 Int, 336 Rush Yds 7 TD
Defensive End OTY | LEDG Amaris Williams, Auburn | 51 Tkl 22 TFL 13.5 Sck
Outland | C DJ Chester, LSU | 932 Snaps 0 Sacks
John Mackey | TE Davin Stoffel, Illinois | 873 Yds 3 TD
Broyles | OC Drew Narmour, Louisiana | 12-1, Playoff berth
Dick Butkus | MIKE Jameer Green, UConn | 100 Tkl 4 Int 1.0 Sck
Rimington | C DJ Chester, LSU | 932 Snaps 0 Sacks
Lou Groza | K Shane Kurtz, UTSA | 25/26 FG 41/41 XP
Ray Guy | P Marshall Aviles, Army | 76 Pt 3,482 Yds 45.8 Avg 15 In20 7 TB
Jet Award | WR TJ Abrams, Florida | 14 KR 472 Yds 33.7 Avg 1 TD, 31 PR 469 Yds 15.1 Avg 1 TD
Shaun Alexander | QB Manny Bomar, Miami | 3,393 Yds 39 Td 8 Int, 293 Rush Yds 5 TD
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 17:38

Count wrote:
06 Dec 2025, 17:05
FSU back in the playoffs :letsgo:
happy to see that too :yup:
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 17:50

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
AMERICAN CONFERENCE REPORT
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1st Team All-Conference
PosNameTeamYear
QBKadin SemonzaTulaneSR (RS)
HBKhalifa KeithFlorida AtlanticSR (RS)
HBJalen DupreeMemphisJR (RS)
WRTyler WilliamsUSFSR (RS)
WRNathan WallaceUTSAJR (RS)
WRAdrian WilsonFlorida AtlanticSO (RS)
TEJonathan HardingMemphisJR
LTZonovan ReddFlorida AtlanticSO (RS)
LGZac TuttMemphisSO
CTeriyan MormanUSFJR (RS)
RGDominic StewardTulaneJR (RS)
RTMalachi CarneyFlorida AtlanticSR (RS)
LEDGIra SingletonUSFJR (RS)
REDGJordan NormanTulaneSR (RS)
DTDinellson ExumeUSFSR
DTRiley Van PoppelNorth TexasSR
SAMDevin RobinsonTulsaSR (RS)
MIKEEric RanceUSFJR
WILLDJ Johnson Jr.East CarolinaSR (RS)
CBJavion WhiteTulaneSR
CBZabien BrownNavySR
FSMike Wright IIIFlorida AtlanticSR
SSSergio DayTulsaJR
KShane KurtzUTSAFR
PMarshall AvilesArmySO

2nd Team All-Conference
PosNameTeamYear
QBTyler ChambersCharlotteJR (RS)
HBJekail MiddlebrookCharlotteSR (RS)
HBChauncey BowensTulaneJR (RS)
WRTee ParrishNorth TexasJR (RS)
WRD’ontea FultonRiceSO (RS)
WRGary Givens IIIMemphisSR
TEWill SwartzRiceJR
LTTyson MacDonaldTulsaJR (RS)
LGTJ LawrenceUSFJR (RS)
CEvan McClureTulsaJR (RS)
RGJoe BrownCharlotteJR (RS)
RTPayton KirklandFlorida AtlanticJR (RS)
LEDGGavench MarcelinMemphisJR (RS)
REDGDanny FeltonUSFJR (RS)
DTCameron BlaylockUTSASR
DTJahsear WhittingtonTempleJR (RS)
SAMJimmy BrownMemphisJR (RS)
MIKEMatt FarrowTulaneSO
WILLJuan ThibodeauxRiceJR
CBIzaiah GuyUSFSR (RS)
CBDerrion HorsleyEast CarolinaSO (RS)
FSCedrick HawkinsUSFSR (RS)
SSCam Upshaw Jr.UTSASR (RS)
KMike HoodFlorida AtlanticSO
PCarl WhiteheadEast CarolinaSO

Freshman Team All-Conference
PosNameTeamYear
QBEmanuel RomeUTSAFR (RS)
HBTyrese CharbonnetUABFR
HBDamien ForteTempleFR (RS)
WRDaWann TroupUSFFR (RS)
WRCortez CraytonTulsaFR (RS)
WRJohn OkineCharlotteFR (RS)
TEKyrie MichaelsUSFFR (RS)
LTBrian BravoRiceFR
LGAustin AnsahEast CarolinaFR
CCaleb SparksMemphisFR
RGFrank WilburEast CarolinaFR
RTClint KendricksUSFFR (RS)
LEDGDakota PrestonNavyFR
REDGDeionte FigueroaEast CarolinaFR (RS)
DTCaesar CorreaUTSAFR
DTDalton IncoomMemphisFR
SAMA.J. RountreeTulaneFR (RS)
MIKEJabari WentzRiceFR (RS)
WILLChester CardenNorth TexasFR (RS)
CBCedrick HigginsRiceFR (RS)
CBDarrell VaughnsUABFR (RS)
FSBranden OkungTempleFR (RS)
SSClyde PriesterRiceFR (RS)
KShane KurtzUTSAFR
PJeff RicksNavyFR

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 17:52

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
LANNING TO NOTRE DAME AS COACHING CAROUSEL STARTS TO SPIN FAST
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The first wave of the offseason coaching carousel delivered a flurry of high-profile moves, highlighted by Notre Dame, who made the stunning decision to let go of Marcus Freeman. Equally or perhaps even more surprising was how quickly former Oregon head coach Dan Lanning pounced on the job.

California fired Jonathan Smith, opening the door for former defensive assistant Tavarius Bayless. California made one of the boldest moves of the cycle by elevating Bayless from linebackers coach to head coach. Long regarded as a rising motivational figure with a strong defensive pedigree, Bayless now takes over a Cal program searching for stability and a renewed identity on that side of the ball. His job security begins in a favorable place, but expectations in Berkeley remain high as the Bears look for a fresh start.

Beyond Bayless’s promotion, the national board revealed a dramatic wave of dismissals that underscored an increasingly impatient landscape.

Army parted ways with Jeff Monken, ending one of the most successful coaching eras in program history. Illinois moved on from Bret Bielema. Northern Illinois dismissed Alani Tonga, who would quickly find new life at Western Michigan. Western Michigan relieved Jay Sawvel following a 1–11 campaign that placed him squarely on the hot seat. West Virginia also chose to move on from Rich Rodriguez. The number of firings in a single cycle signaled a climate where athletic directors are showing less tolerance for stagnation and sluggish results.

With vacancies piling up, several programs moved swiftly to secure new leadership. Old Dominion hired DII's Skylar Hurns, banking on his defensive background. Illinois turned to Pete Lembo after his departure from Buffalo, hoping his track record can stabilize a volatile situation.

Fresno State scooped up Jonathan Smith following his exit from Cal. Syracuse brought in Bob Chesney in an attempt to regain footing in the ACC. Western Michigan moved quickly to bring in Tonga after firing Sawvel. Michigan State put its future in the hands of Marcus Freeman as it looks to rebuild. West Virginia tabbed Kade Bell from Pittsburgh, indicating a push toward a more modern, aggressive offensive identity, while Sam Houston and UTSA also filled their openings with Rich Rod and Mike Elko, respectively.

Altogether, the movement amounted to a cascade of coaching changes, where fired head coaches found soft landings, coordinators made unexpected leaps, and powerhouse programs reshuffled their foundations. With bowl season still underway and more programs expected to evaluate their direction in the coming weeks, the coaching carousel is far from finished. But if this initial wave is any indication, the 2027–28 offseason may become one of the most transformative in recent memory.
CoachPrev. PositionPrev. SchoolNew PositionNew SchoolReason
Tavarius BaylessDCHCCaliforniaHired
S. HurnsDCHCOld DominionHired
Jeff MonkenHCArmyFired
P. LemboHCBuffaloHCIllinoisHired by Another Team
J. SmithHCCaliforniaHCFresno StateFired
N. ColemanOCFIUHCArmyHired by Another Team
Bret BielemaHCIllinoisFired
B. ChesneyHCJames MadisonHCSyracuseHired by Another Team
A. TongaHCNorthern IllinoisHCWestern MichiganFired
Marcus FreemanHCNotre DameHCMichigan StateFired
R. DouglasHCOld DominionFired
Dan LanningHCOregonHCNotre DameHired by Another Team
K. BellOCPittsburghHCWest VirginiaHired by Another Team
P. LongoHCSam HoustonHCFired
M. ElkoHCSyracuseHCUTSAFired
R. VilainHCUTSANFLWent to NFL
R. RodriguezHCWest VirginiaHCSam HoustonFired
Jay SawvelHCWestern MichiganFired

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 18:05

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
ALL AMERICANS
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1st Team All-Americans
POSNAMETEAMYEAR
QBDeuce KnightAuburnSO (RS)
HBDaniel HillAuburnJR (RS)
HBDeshaun BuchananLouisianaSR (RS)
WRTyrese JermanAuburnSO
WRTyler WilliamsUSFSR (RS)
WRLandon RoldanGeorgiaSO (RS)
TEDavin StoffelIllinoisSR (RS)
LTDramodd OdomsSMUJR
LGTree BabatundeOregonSR (RS)
CDJ ChesterLSUSR (RS)
RGCooper CousinsPenn StateJR (RS)
RTGuerby LambertNotre DameJR (RS)
LEDGAmaris WilliamsAuburnSR
REDGArmando BlountMiamiSR
DTJamarious BrownAuburnSR (RS)
DTAmare AdamsClemsonJR
SAMMo CherryIowa StateSO
MIKEJameer GreenUConnSR (RS)
WILLCyrus PoluUtahSO (RS)
CBCormani McClainClemsonSR (RS)
CBMakari VickersColoradoSR
FSTamarcus CooleyClemsonSR (RS)
SSKaleb HarrisAuburnSR
KShane KurtzUTSAFR
PMarshall AvilesArmySO

2nd Team All-Americans
POSNAMETEAMYEAR
QBCameron DyerLouisianaSO (RS)
HBTaylor TatumUSCSR
HBJerrick GibsonPittsburghSR
WRJaylen MbakweClemsonJR (RS)
WRShelton Sampson Jr.Mississippi StateSR (RS)
WRDerek BulagaUSCFR (RS)
TELafayette KaiuwaiTCUSR (RS)
LTGarrett SextonPenn StateJR (RS)
LGEugene BrooksTexasJR
CZach RicePenn StateSR (RS)
RGNoah DunhamMiamiJR (RS)
RTAndre Roye Jr.ColoradoSR (RS)
LEDGHayden LoweMiamiJR
REDGCole CogshellUCLASO (RS)
DTAydin BrelandOregonJR (RS)
DTWilliam EcholesOle MissSR
SAMBlake PurchaseOregonSR (RS)
MIKEK’Vion ThunderbirdFresno StateSR (RS)
WILLChristian McKinneyMiami (OH)SR (RS)
CBBrandon FinneyOregonSO (RS)
CBChuck BarcooNorth CarolinaSO
FSDashawn SpearsAuburnJR (RS)
SSCole BlaylockSouth AlabamaSR (RS)
KJoey ValerioUMassFR
PGrant ProcheCoastal CarolinaFR

Freshman All-Americans
POSNAMETEAMYEAR
QBManny BomarMiamiFR (RS)
HBNick WoodenKansasFR (RS)
HBTy LawFlorida StateFR (RS)
WRDerek BulagaUSCFR (RS)
WRJahill CobbsGeorgia StateFR (RS)
WRMax TurbinTCUFR (RS)
TEPat BlountNorthern IllinoisFR
LTZach BenedictPenn StateFR (RS)
LGAngel CobbBYUFR (RS)
CLogan McClellinTexas TechFR
RGShareef CanadyMiamiFR (RS)
RTBarry BooneClemsonFR (RS)
LEDGDelvin BlosseyToledoFR (RS)
REDGDarin AntwineLSUFR (RS)
DTJames HinishWake ForestFR
DTDiego NalliTexas A&MFR
SAMLiAngelo GammonNebraskaFR (RS)
MIKESione ManupunaSMUFR
WILLJacoby ZettelGeorgiaFR (RS)
CBMarshall GolladayRutgersFR (RS)
CBRashawn MiddletonAuburnFR (RS)
FSDeontae RobertAlabamaFR (RS)
SSCris SteinerUNLVFR
KShane KurtzUTSAFR
PGrant ProcheCoastal CarolinaFR

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 18:26

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USF NEWS
USF TO FACE SOUTHERN MISS IN MYRTLE BEACH BOWL
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USF’s remarkable season will finish on the Carolina coast, where the No. 21 Bulls are set to meet an intriguing Southern Miss squad in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on December 20. The matchup pits one of the American Conferences most complete teams against a Sun Belt opponent that doesn’t always look imposing on paper, but plays with a toughness and explosiveness capable of unsettling anyone.

Southern Miss arrives at 8–4, the product of a schedule that ended with a combined opponent record of 82–65 and forced the Golden Eagles to fight for every inch. Under head coach Charles Huff, whose reputation as a master motivator fits the identity his team carries into every Saturday, the Golden Eagles have become known for a balanced offense, disruptive defense, and a handful of playmakers who have carved out standout seasons.

The offense runs through quarterback Aaron Philo, whose 2,311 passing yards and 11 touchdowns only tell part of the story. Philo isn’t the type to put up overwhelming numbers, but he operates the offense with poise, spreads the ball efficiently, and provides enough mobility to punish defenses that fall asleep. His ability to extend plays matters even more because Southern Miss features one of the most productive backs in the Sun Belt. Junior tailback J.P. Powell has been the tone-setter all year, racking up 993 yards, eight touchdowns, and nearly a first down’s worth of yardage every time he touches the ball on early downs. His blend of east-west elusiveness and downhill finishing ability has yielded 366 yards after contact and 13 explosive runs, making him the kind of back who can tilt a drive or even a full quarter on his own.

Philo’s top target, Rafeald Campbell, gives the Golden Eagles a legitimate No. 1 receiver. With 104 catches, 1,152 yards, and six scores, Campbell has proven both durable and dynamic, routinely doing the heavy lifting in the passing game. His run-after-catch ability turns modest completions into chain-moving gains, and Southern Miss leans on him in every high-leverage situation. Together, Powell, Campbell, and Philo form an offense that rarely overwhelms opponents with pace but steadily forces them into mistakes.

Defensively, Southern Miss has fashioned itself into a group that thrives on disruption. Zachariah Keith might be one of the most underrated defensive players USF has faced all year; his 22 tackles for loss and 11 sacks speak to a relentless motor and a frame that’s difficult to contain. Interior lineman Chris Hayes provides additional punch with eight tackles for loss and three sacks from the inside, while safety Corey Myrick anchors the back end with 81 tackles and a knack for reading quarterbacks. The corner tandem of Kobi Blackwell and Josh Bledsoe has combined for six interceptions and more than 100 tackles, giving Southern Miss a secondary that plays physical and opportunistic football.

All of that sets up a fascinating test for USF. The Bulls enter the bowl at 11–2, riding the momentum of one of the best seasons in program history. DJ Porter’s team has grown into a balanced, composed outfit capable of imposing its will on both sides of the ball. But Southern Miss brings a very different challenge, one defined less by overall ratings and more by players who can change a game in a single moment. For USF, containing Powell early, preventing Campbell from owning the middle of the field, and keeping Keith away from the pocket will be crucial to controlling the tempo.

The Myrtle Beach Bowl often produces unpredictable games, and this one has all the ingredients to follow suit. USF is the ranked team, the deeper team, and the one with the stronger résumé, yet Southern Miss arrives with a level of resilience that has already carried them through tight finishes and tough venues. With the nation watching a rare morning kickoff on the Carolina coast, the Bulls will seek to cap a landmark season with a twelfth win, while the Golden Eagles look to punctuate their year with the kind of upset that resonates well beyond December.
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