The 1-0 University of South Florida Bulls are traveling to West Point to take on the Army Black Knights this Saturday. The Bulls are coming off a 19-9 victory over FIU last week in the first game of head coach Brian Hartline’s tenure.
While South Florida won the game, the Bulls have several areas that need to improve as they open American Conference play. South Florida struggled to run the ball, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry on 38 attempts.
With nearly 68% of their offensive plays coming on the ground, averaging under three yards per carry is not a recipe for long-term success. The Bulls were outgained by FIU 381-208, but three timely turnovers forced by the defense allowed them to come away with a win in a hard-fought game.
On Saturday, South Florida will be going against an Army team that allowed 149.9 yards per game on the ground. Hartline said after the game that he believes running the ball should be what an offense is built around.
“The basis should be built in the trenches with the offense and defensive line. You can talk about it, or you can put your actions to your words.” Hartline put those words into action against FIU and didn’t show any hesitation in committing to the ground game.
While the Bulls will surely try to set the tone with the run, it is important that the passing game gets on track as well. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr.’s first game as a Bull was underwhelming. Van Buren Jr. completed 11-of-18 passes for 100 yards.
Van Buren Jr. was plagued by drops ,and Hartline mentioned the offense’s inability to make plays through the air as a reason for further committing to the ground game. However, for the Bulls to have sustained success and compete for a conference championship, both the run and passing games will need to improve.
On the other side of the ball, the Bulls’ defense will be facing a Black Knights offense that is more than familiar with the run. Army ran the ball over 80% of the time last season and had 15 different players register a carry in last week’s game against Bryant.
The run game is led by quarterback Cale Hellums, who ran the ball 304 times last season for 1,223 yards and 18 touchdowns. Standing next to him in the backfield is sophomore running back Godspower Nwawuihe, who had 11 carries last week, half of his 21 carries during the entire 2025 season.
The South Florida defensive front will have its work cut out for it against Army’s triple option attack. The Bulls struggled to stop the run last year, but the new defense held FIU to just 80 rushing yards in the opener. Hartline has a lot of respect for what the Black Knights do, saying, “The way Army operates, frankly, it feeds into everything I believe in. “It’s not about your talent level. It’s about your skill and discipline level.”
The keys to victory for South Florida include getting the offense into rhythm and stopping the run. If the Bulls’ offense can get on track and make the most of its possessions it will force an Army offensive predicated on long, gritty drives to put the ball in the air. If the game stays close, the Black Knights can begin to wear down the South Florida defense and turn the game into the physical battle that Army prefers.
South Florida and Army will kick off Saturday at noon at Michie Stadium in West Point. The game will on CBS Sports Network.
Final Score Prediction: Bulls 24, Black Knights 10
