This will be the only FCS opponent for the Bulls this season, but by no means should we be complacent and not take this game seriously. On the other side, we are FAMU’s only FBS opponent of the season, so this week is one to be circled on the calendar. 
It has been two years since USF last squared off against the Rattlers, and we hope for the same outcome, giving the Bulls their first win of the season. Following week one, we talked about a few positives that we could take from the loss and it is essential to continue to improve on those and not be caught lacking. We will play against a very explosive and athletic team that has not lost a game since September 4th of 2022, so our discipline and strategy will play a major role on the outcome of this game.
Offensively, we showed a lot of promise on the ground last week, and if Golesh continues to keep that game plan along with his high tempo offense, we will be able to wear down the Rattlers’ defense yard-by-yard. This can be an effective strategy because we have the personnel and depth for it, and it opens up room for the passing game to develop and lessen the impact of the Rattlers’ First Team All SWAC linebacker, Isaiah Major. Once FAMU attempts to adjust to the running game by loading the box, it’ll put our athletes in 1-on-1 situations for big play opportunities. Ultimately, I would like to see the Bulls stay true to what could be an advantage and dominate in this game up front; as mentioned, FAMU has an athletic squad that has produced some NFL talent in recent years, but if Golesh and his staff decide to put this game on the legs of Byrum Brown, Nay’Quan Wright, Michel Dukes, and K’Wan Powell behind that offensive line, we can run away with this game early.
Defensively, one of the positives from last week was the secondary, and we will need that same style of play this week against FAMU. The Rattlers’ offense features a lot of young talent surrounding key veterans like quarterback, Jeremy Moussa, who had 22 total touchdowns last season, and wide receiver Jah’Marae Sheread, who was second on the team in receiving yards last season. It won’t be an easy task but with the confidence and experience the Bulls have in the secondary, we should be excited to see how well we perform on the back end. 
Although the defensive line was not the highlight of week one, this can be the game that establishes the assurance we need up front. For the same reason as the offensive side of the ball, the difference in this game could start right in the trenches, and we hope to dominate at the line. I predict for the defensive scheme to be extremely aggressive this week, involving a lot more gutsy blitzes to get pressure and sacks, and putting more trust in the secondary to continue to win the 1-on-1 match-ups. Be on the lookout for defensive ends, Tramel Logan and Jason Vaughn to make huge impacts this week, along with linebacker, Jhalyn Shuler.
In the same way that we don’t celebrate moral victories, we should not overlook any opponents, the Bulls have showed some improvements in specific areas, but week two will be another test for this new team and new staff. It is important that we keep that mentality going into this game so we are able to dominate the way we want to. The best way to win games like this is to set the tone from the opening kickoff and never look back. Week two will be the first home game of the season and all the students and fans that show up to Raymond James Stadium hope to see Golesh lead the Bulls to their first victory of 2023!