The No. 18 University of South Florida Bulls will travel to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the No. 5 University of Miami Hurricanes this weekend. South Florida is coming off an upset win last week in Gainesville where they went into the Swamp and knocked off the University of Florida Gators 18-16. Miami has already beaten a top-10 ranked University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish team that was in the national championship last year.
South Florida
The Bulls have opened the season 2-0 for the first time since 2018 and are ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time since Week 9 of the 2018 season. Both of their wins have come against ranked opponents and a win this week in Miami would firmly put themselves in position to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.
Quarterback Byrum Brown has starred on the offensive side of the ball, accounting for 473 yards through the air and 109 yards on the ground, both team highs. He also has accounted for three touchdowns, two on the ground and one passing touchdown.
The defense for South Florida has been dominant as they have given up just 23 points over two contests which is good for just 11.5 points allowed per game. The defense has thrived behind the strength of linebackers Jhalyn Shuler and Mac Harris who have combined for 40 tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble.
Miami
The Hurricanes entered the season ranked No.10 and have climbed to No. 5. An elite defense and transfer quarterback Carson Beck at the helm have positioned the Hurricanes as a contender in the ACC and potentially the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Miami’s offense has been firing on all cylinders this season as they are scoring 36 points per game while averaging over 400 yards per contest. Quarterback Carson Beck has been impressive through his first two games as a Hurricane, throwing for 472 yards and 4 touchdowns in his two games.
Wide receivers Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels have been reliable targets for Beck as they’ve combined for 22 catches for 281 yards and 4 touchdowns. The run game has also been strong, as running back Mark Fletcher has carried the ball 26 times for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Matchup Breakdown
On paper, Miami enters as a heavy favorite, but South Florida has already beaten both Boise State and Florida. Miami is the bigger team in the bigger conference with the better rank. However, South Florida has been a resilient team who has stuck to its identity and have played their brand of football.
South Florida’s offense isn’t flashy and oftentimes leaves a lot to be desired. They run a fast-paced hurry up offense that is largely just swing passes and screens, but every once in a while a big play will break out and lead to a long touchdown.
This style has worked because the Bulls defense has been nothing short of elite. They have limited offenses to just 11.5 points per game.
For Miami, their high-powered offense figures to be the last truly hard test for South Florida’s defense this year, and they’re expected to move the ball and score points in bunches.
On the other side of the ball, Miami’s defense is much improved from last year and should be able to stop the USF attack. Quarterback Byrum Brown, poses the biggest threat for this Hurricanes defense as his size has been a handful for both the Broncos and Gators.
X Factors
Carson Beck: Beck has been great for the Hurricanes over his first two contests, but just a year ago he had significant turnover issues a year ago at Georgia where he threw 12 interceptions. If Beck is able to limit turnovers and continue being as efficient as he’s been he should give the South Florida defense a lot of problems.
Byrum Brown: Brown will be the x-factor for the Bulls all season as they go as he goes. He has shown flashes of brilliance with his legs across each of his first two games. USF’s air attack isn’t a major threat, but Brown is a threat. His size and speed is a perfect storm to give any defenses a tough day.
Bulls’ Defense: Defense has been the calling card for USF this year as they have held opponents in check giving the offense time to spring to life. They have been excellent to start the year and face a big test with the Hurricanes this week. Their balanced attack will keep the Bulls on their toes, but if they can continue their stellar play look for this to still be a game late.
Prediction
Miami’s talent and depth far outweighs that of South Florida, but South Florida has been in the business of shocking teams thus far. As much of a Cinderella story as the Bulls have been, the Hurricanes will just be too much for South Florida and will hand them their first loss of the season.
Final Score Prediction: Miami 31, USF 13
The University of South Florida Bulls take on the University of Miami Hurricanes on Saturday Sept. 13 at 4:30 p.m. EST at Hard Rock Stadium. The game can be watched on The CW channel.
