Coming off a three-touchdown performance form running back D.J. Crowther, the South Florida Bulls will face a Bowling Green Falcons defense that has struggled to stop the run all season. A win on Saturday would give South Florida its first 4-0 start since 2018.
Last week, the Bulls started slow against the Desean Jackson-led Delaware State Hornets before taking the game over in the second half and ultimately winning 59-17.
Crowther was the star of the game, rushing for 101 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries.
Crowther will look to build on that performance this week against a Bowling Green team that ranks last nationally in rushing defense, allowing 314.5 rushing yards per game. The Falcons gave up 365 yards on the ground last week in a blowout loss to Iowa State.
Head coach Brian Hartline has been adamant since taking over that the Bulls need to establish the run. After the season opener he said, “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.”
Saturday presents an opportunity for South Florida to reinforce that commitment. The Bulls have shown a balanced attack thus far, running the ball on 53% of their plays. With quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. coming off a 300-yard passing performance against Delaware State, USF has more than one way to attack the Falcons’ defense.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulls allowed several explosive plays against Delaware State that they will want to eliminate. Bowling Green enters Saturday at 0-3, averaging just seven points and 177.5 yards per game, giving the Bulls an opportunity to show improvement on that side of the ball.
The game will also bring Hartline back to Ohio to face Bowling Green head coach Eddie George. Both played at Ohio State before their NFL and coaching careers.
This will be the Bulls’ last nonconference game before they return to American conference play against Temple next week. After Bowling Green, South Florida will play seven of its remaining eight games in the American Conference as it pursues its goal of winning the conference championship.
The South Florida Bulls will take on the Bowling Green Falcons at Doyt L. Perry Stadium on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET. The game can be viewed on ESPN+.
