South Florida returns home at 4-2 (1-2) after back to back fourth quarter conference losses to Temple and UTSA. Temple drove 96 yards and UTSA 74 yards late in the fourth quarter to seal their respective victories. An unbelievably tough way for the Bulls to lose two weeks in a row.
Kent State arrives to Tampa 2-4 (1-2), fresh off a 38-7 loss at Western Michigan, making this a game the Bulls need to use as a reset before returning to conference play. South Florida needs to get back on track before the bye week, and here’s how I see it happening.
5 Keys to Victory: USF vs. Kent State
1. Get 60 Minutes From Tim Beck’s Offense
This needs to be priority No. 1.
USF has scored just 51 points over its last three games, including 14 at Bowling Green, 13 against Temple and 24 at UTSA. The Bulls managed only 288 total yards against UTSA, continuing an offensive stretch that has lacked consistency outside of the Delaware State breakout.
I do want to give Beck & Co. credit for a great first half against UTSA. My issue is with the inconsistency. The Bulls need to play a complete game and have yet to do so in 2026.
Kent State just allowed 466 yards and 38 points to Western Michigan, presenting an opportunity for Michael Van Buren and the offense to find their rhythm again. The Bulls desperately need a get back on track game to carry them through the bye week, and homecoming weekend might be just the perfect opportunity.
2. Establish D.J. Crowther Early
Without question, Crowther continues to be the most dependable piece of the offense. He ran for 83 yards and scored twice against UTSA after entering the game with 393 rushing yards, six touchdowns and an average of 5.3 yards per carry through five games.
Kent State allowed Western Michigan to pound the ball for 204 rushing yards at 5.4 yards per carry last week. USF should lean on Crowther early and use the ground game to open up play-action opportunities for Van Buren, much like the Bulls did in the first half against UTSA.
3. Make Dru DeShields Uncomfortable
Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields is the player USF has to control. Through six games, DeShields has 980 passing yards and 177 rushing yards, accounting for seven total touchdowns. His ability to extend plays with his legs gives Kent State another dimension offensively. The Bulls’ defensive line has struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks in key third down situations.
Western Michigan provided the blueprint for the Bulls, sacking DeShields five times and limiting Kent State to 298 total yards of offense.
USF needs to contain DeShields in the pocket rather than allowing him to escape pressure, especially on key third downs when the defense needs to get off the field.
4. Win the Line of Scrimmage Defensively
I mentioned this above, but it’s crucial for the Bulls to find success Saturday.
Kent State has struggled all season to establish the ground game. The Golden Flashes rushed for just 49 yards against Ohio and 75 yards against Western Michigan, averaging 1.6 and 2.3 yards per carry, respectively.
USF should look to shut down the run, force Kent State into third and long situations and make DeShields beat the Bulls from the pocket. The defense must generate pressure and force him into quick decisions.
After allowing UTSA to rush for 277 yards at 6.4 yards per carry, this is also a chance for Josh Aldridge’s defense to clean up a major issue from the previous game. It’s time for the defense to take the next step, including pass coverage.
5. Obliterate Any Hope Early
USF does not need another down-to-the-wire, four-quarter fight. The Bulls must avoid another situation where the opposition has the ball in the waning minutes with a chance to win, as Temple and UTSA did. Both losses were painful to say the least.
Kent State has been outscored 167-20 in its four losses to South Carolina, Ohio State, Ohio and Western Michigan, including 57-0 and 59-3 defeats against two Power Four opponents. The Bulls should attack early, build a lead and avoid giving Kent State any reason to believe it can pull off an upset.
A comfortable lead would also allow Brian Hartline to give younger players meaningful snaps, much like he did against Delaware State, while limiting wear on the starters before key conference clashes resume after the bye week.
The Bulls must get the offense clicking for four quarters, feed Crowther to establish the ground game, pressure DeShields in the pocket, win the line of scrimmage and create separation early.
This homecoming game should be about much more than simply adding another win to the record. After consecutive tough conference losses, South Florida needs a convincing performance that restores offensive consistency and addresses the defensive issues that plagued the Bulls against Temple and UTSA.
Kent State gives the Bulls an opportunity to do exactly that. Now it’s time for South Florida to step up and deliver a passionate, commanding victory. The Bulls must to show some vigor Saturday night.
The homecoming game kicks off Saturday, October 17, at 7 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
As always, Go Bulls!