The USF Bulls (2-1) host the nationally-ranked #8 Miami Hurricanes on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium for their final non-conference matchup of 2024. The Bulls opened the year with a dominant win over Bethune Cookman before traveling to Tuscaloosa and keeping Alabama on its heels for 3.5 quarters.
Last week, the Bulls went to Hattiesburg, Mississippi and defeated Southern Miss. Now, another big test looms for Alex Golesh and the Bulls when the Canes come to town. With a record-breaking number of students expected at the game, here are five ways USF can take down the Hurricanes.
Establish the Run
South Florida has to establish the run early in this game against a solid Hurricanes defense. In doing so, Bulls quarterback Byrum Brown needs to take the same gameplan he utilized against Alabama and take the ball down the field for big gains.
Running back Kelley Joiner also needs to play a significant role in the rushing attack. Getting Joiner to bulldoze through the Hurricanes defense early would set up USF to tear through the defense and put up numbers in the rushing category.
Win the Turnover Battle
USF has to win the turnover battle against Miami. Forcing turnovers on defense to make Miami change up their gameplan is a must. With Jhalyn Shuler returning for this game at linebacker, I think the Bulls need to bring the pressure on 1st and 2nd down to force Canes quarterback Cam Ward into unwanted situations.
Open the Deep Passing Attack
One aspect that USF wants back from the Alabama game is the missed deep throws. Facing Miami, opening up the deep threat and connecting on those passes will give USF an advantage on offense.
If Brown can be protected and given time in the pocket, he has the ability to connect with Michael Brown-Stephens and Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen deep down field.
Control the Line of Scrimmage
On both sides of the ball, USF has to win the battle up front. Avoiding sacks and forcing Ward to either throw the ball early or scramble into a number of defenders will win USF the line of scrimmage. Keeping Miami’s offense from gaining big plays will be a key that the Bulls need to hone in on for this game.
Home Atmosphere Leads to Miscues
Raymond James Stadium will be rocking on Saturday night. Getting the crowd loud enough to force Miami to commit penalties on offense will be monumental in this game.
The Hurricanes are not a heavily penalized offense, but that can change this weekend. However, limiting the penalties on offense can give USF the chance to go down the field and score.