Tag: USF Football

Cincinnati vs USF Prediction, Game Preview

Cincinnati vs USF prediction, game preview, how to watch, lines, and why each team might – or might not – win this Saturday.

Cincinnati vs USF prediction, game preview, how to watch: Friday, November 12

Cincinnati vs USF How To Watch

Date: Friday, November 12
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
How To Watch: ESPN2
Record: Cincinnati (9-0), USF (2-7)
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Cincinnati vs USF Game Preview

Why Cincinnati Will Win

Alright, Cincinnati. Enough is enough.

The Bearcats haven’t exactly set the world on fire with everyone watching to see if they’re worthy of the high rankings and College Football Playoff consideration, but now they get a 2-7 USF team that shouldn’t be able to run the ball, has an inefficient passing game, and named to get past 400 total yards twice all yards – the wins over Temple and Florida A&M.

There’s no reason to take any wild chances here. Just start running against the porous Bull defensive front and keep it all going. USF has allowed 250 or more rushing yards in three of the last four games, and UC is WAY overdue to get back on track after struggling on the ground over the lsat three weeks since dominating UCF.

– College Football Expert Picks, CFN Week 11

Why USF Will Win

Cincinnati really isn’t playing all that well considering how good it is.

Wins are wins are wins, and it has managed to hold on, but Navy, Tulane, and Tulsa are all having problems this season and they all had too many good moments.

Cincinnati hasn’t hit 125 yards on the ground in any of the last three games, it’s not all that big on controlling the clock, and it’s coming off a three-turnover game against Tulsa.

USF stayed alive in the 54-42 loss to Houston with two kickoff returns for scores from Brian Battie, a little bit of a passing attack, and …

– NFL Expert Picks: CFN Week 10

What’s Going To Happen

USF isn’t playing all that poorly, but Cincinnati is so much better than it showed.

It’s coming – the Bearcats have too much explosion and too much production on the lines to continue to be so mediocre. USF will be jacked at home, it’ll play well for most of the first half, and then the Bearcat defense will take over.

The Cincinnati running game will look the part again as it dominates the last 20 minutes.

– College Football Schedule: Week 11 Predictions, Lines

Cincinnati vs USF Prediction, Lines

Cincinnati 44, USF 17
Line: Cincinnati -23.5, o/u: 58
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: House of Gucci
1: Yellowstone

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Houston vs USF Prediction, Game Preview

Houston vs USF prediction, game preview, how to watch, lines, and why each team might – or might not – win this Saturday.

Houston vs USF prediction, game preview, how to watch: Saturday, November 6

Houston vs USF How To Watch

Date: Saturday, November 6
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
How To Watch: ESPNU
Record: Houston (7-1), USF (2-6)
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Houston vs USF Game Preview

Why Houston Will Win

The passing game heated up when it had to last week in the thrilling win over SMU.

The rushing attack will get 150ish yards or so, but Clayton Tune is coming off a brilliant 412-yard, four touchdown day with a whole lot of big plays all while taking the offense to another level.

USF has a decent pass defense, but it’s hardly a rock. It allowed 220 yards or more in every game except the win over Temple, and it’s about to allow at least that many in this – along with a whole lot of yards on the ground.

Houston would rather work through the air, but the Bull D gave up 251 yards in the loss to East Carolina last week and 269 to Tulsa a few weeks earlier. But …

– College Football Expert Picks, CFN Week 10

Why USF Will Win

USF has been better.

The running game ripped through Temple two weeks go, and it followed it up with close to 200 yards against East Carolina. Keeping the chains moving is a bit of an issue, but the offensive line hasn’t been all that bad overall and it should keep the Cougars out of the backfield.

On the flip side, for all of the good things Houston has done, it doesn’t allow a whole lot of sacks, the rushing attack has to be forced a bit, and …

– NFL Expert Picks, CFN Week 9

What’s Going To Happen

Here comes the Houston pass rush.

Yeah, the USF offensive front has been great in pass protection, but there’s about to be a problem against a Houston D line that’s great at stopping offenses from getting going.

Houston is among the best teams in the country at third down stops, USF is among the worst at converting on third downs.

– College Football Schedule: Week 10 Predictions, Lines

Houston vs USF Prediction, Lines

Houston 38, USF 17
Line: Houston -13, o/u: 52
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

Must See Rating: 2

5: Belfast
1: Ghostbusters: Afterlife

 

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USF vs East Carolina Prediction, Game Preview

USF vs East Carolina prediction, game preview, how to watch, lines, and why each team might – or might not – win this Thursday.

USF vs East Carolina prediction, game preview, how to watch: Thursday, October 28

USF vs East Carolina How To Watch

Date: Thursday, October 28
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Venue: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC
How To Watch: ESPN
Record: USF (2-5), East Carolina (3-4)
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USF vs East Carolina Game Preview

Why USF Will Win

Was it just a case of finally playing someone it could beat?

USF was awful to start the season, but outside of the easy win over Florida A&M from the FCS, there weren’t any games the team was supposed to win.

And then it got Tulsa and lost in a 32-31 thriller – both teams were on the same level. And then head coach Jeff Scott finally got his first win over an FBS team with a 34-14 blowout of Temple last week.

East Carolina is also in the USF wheelhouse.

The Bull running game went ballistic on the Owls with 421 yards. Jaren Mangham took off for 152 yards and two scores and Kelley Joiner added 126 – now they all get their shot against an East Carolina run defense that been strong but should give up 200 yards.

As good as the Pirate offense has been at times, it’s awful on third downs converting just 25% of the time and coming off a 1-of-12 day in the loss to Houston.

– College Football Expert Picks, CFN Week 9

Why East Carolina Will Win

Yeah, USF played a bunch of teams it shouldn’t have beaten – NC State, Florida, BYU, SMU – but the pass defense really is that mediocre.

The D couldn’t stop much of anything that those four teams tried to do, but Tulsa put up 535 yards with a dangerous and balanced attack.

East Carolina is coming off its worst rushing day of the season 82 yards against Houston – but the passing game has been consistent and should be able to keep pushing the ball down the field against a secondary that allowed multiple scoring passes to ever FBS team but Temple.

It’ll help that the USF defense is the worst in America in sacks with just four sacks and one in the last four games.

On the other side, the ECU D might have issues against the USF running game, but the line should be okay at getting bend the line.

– College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Week 9

What’s Going To Happen

It’s going to be fun.

East Carolina has a defense this year to go along with the normally good offense, but USF is starting to find its groove.

The Bull running game will be good, the East Carolina passing attack will be great, and the home team will generated two key takeaways to pull off a solid win.

– NFL Expert Picks, CFN Week 8

USF vs East Carolina Prediction, Lines

East Carolina 34, USF 30
Line: East Carolina -10, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: The French Dispatch
1: Finch

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Temple vs USF Prediction, Game Preview

Temple Owls at USF Bulls prediction, game preview, how to watch, lines: Saturday, October 23

Temple vs USF prediction, game preview, how to watch: Saturday, October 23

Temple vs USF How To Watch

Date: Saturday, October 23
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: Temple (3-3), USF (1-5)
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Temple vs USF Game Preview

Why Temple Will Win

Don’t get caught up in the 52-3 loss to Cincinnati – that’s just the way the American Athletic Conference rolls this year.

Temple was able to get by Memphis in a key win thanks to a decent passing attack and just enough balance to get by. Oh there are issues, but the pass defense hasn’t been all that bad – at least until the last two games – there isn’t a turnover problem, and the team is rested after getting two weeks off.

Now it gets a USF team that just can’t get this thing going. The Bulls struggle to get to 300 yards offensively, but …

– Week 8 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why USF Will Win

This team is so, so close to finally turning a corner.

No, there’s not enough consistent offense – it’s sort of the shocker so far under head coach Jeff Scott – but it in the game against Tulsa and it put up a decent fight against BYU.

The 32-31 loss to the Golden Hurricane was the first time all year USF played an FBS team its own size, and it showed. The other losses? NC State, Florida, at BYU, at SMU.

Getting Temple in Tampa is a real chance to pull off the first win over an FBS team since late October in 2019.

– Week 8 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

This is a bit of a defining moment for both teams.

Temple is deep in the hunt for a bowl game if it can win this – there are two more wins to possibly be had on the rest of its slate if it gets to 4-2.

This might be the last winnable home game for USF with Houston and Cincinnati the final two chances – and it’ll make the most of it.

Don’t expect anything pretty.

The USF defense will have problems giving up big plays, but Temple has a hard time moving the chains. It’ll come down to the last few drives, and at home, the Bulls will finally be on the right side of the breaks

– CFN Week 7 NFL Expert Picks

Temple vs USF Prediction, Line

USF 34, Temple 31
Line: USF -2, o/u: 55
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1
– 10 Best Picks Against The Spread: Week 8

Must See Rating: 2

5: Succession
1: Dancing with the Stars: Grease Night

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Tulsa vs USF Prediction, Game Preview

Tulsa vs USF prediction, game preview, how to watch: Saturday, October 16

Tulsa vs USF prediction, game preview, how to watch: Saturday, October 16

Tulsa vs USF How To Watch

Date: Saturday, October 16
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
How To Watch: ESPNU
Record: Tulsa (2-4), USF (1-4)
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Tulsa vs USF Game Preview

Why Tulsa Will Win

The USF defense isn’t getting it done.

The offense isn’t anything fantastic, but the real problems are on the other side with a D that’s the third-worst in college football – allowing close to 500 yards per game – with no pass rush and big problems against the run.

In this, it’s about whether or not the Tulsa passing game can get going.

Davis Brin has had his moments.

He hasn’t been all that accurate, but when he gets time to work and he’s in a groove, the Golden Hurricane offense can hit the big plays down the field. With eight touchdown passes in the last four games, he’s been fine for an offense that’s averaging 444 yards per game.

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Why USF Will Win

South Florida, it’s time to turn the machine on.

The Tulsa defense isn’t totally abysmal, but it’ll give up plenty of yards through the air and has a massive issue on third downs.

The USF O has potential. The coaches are solid, the running game hasn’t been that bad, and the passing attack came up with a season-high 223 yards two weeks ago against SMU. It was a 41-17 loss, but once again, the offensive line wasn’t miserable and there was some fight to get back in the game in the third quarter.

The Bulls didn’t control the clock – they’re usually on the right side of the time of possession battle. They will be this week.

– Week 7 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Expect a fun shootout that you’ll have to turn over to watch for a bit in the early slate of games.

Both teams will go back-and-forth. USF is rested after two weeks off, and it’s finally playing someone its own size after losing to NC State, Florida, BYU, and SMU – all ranked in the top 25.

Tulsa will bomb away on the road, but the turnovers that weren’t there in the win over Memphis – it was +3 in turnover margin – will pop up in Tampa.

– CFN Week 6 NFL Expert Picks

Tulsa vs USF Prediction, Line

USF 34, Tulsa 31
Line: Tulsa -8.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: Caramel apple anything
1: Pumpkin spice anything

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USF Bulls: CFN College Football Preview 2021

College Football News Preview 2021: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the USF season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2021: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the USF season with what you need to know.

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– USF Schedule Analysis
– USF Bulls Previews
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

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2020 Record: 1-8 overall, 0-7 in AAC
Head Coach: Jeff Scott, 2nd year, 1-8
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 113
2020 CFN Preview Ranking: 101
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 104

USF Bulls College Football Preview 2021: Offense

– The offense went through a few growing pains – to be nice about it. Head coach Jeff Scott obviously knows how to run an attack after he served for years as the Clemson co-offensive coordinator, but his O – helped by OC Charlie Weis, Jr. – didn’t exactly have a decided schematic advantage averaging just 365 yards and 23 points per game.

That’s all about to change with ten starters expected to return, and that doesn’t even sound the most important guy on the field.

– The Bulls might have their quarterback. Jordan McCloud transferred to Arizona, but former North Carolina transfer Cade Fortin looked the part this offseason and should have a hold on the gig if former Miami starter Jarren Williams doesn’t rise up and rock in fall camp.

The passing game needs more pop and explosion, but four of the top five pass catchers are back. Bryce Miller averaged fewer than ten yards per catch in the slot, but he made 33 grabs, Omarion Dollison and Latrell Williams are veterans who should be able to do more, and Xavier Weaver has big play potential.

Helping the cause is an active transfer portal that lost a slew of backups and other parts, but brought in some interesting prospects headlined  by former Auburn star recruit Matthew Hill.

– The offensive front has top be stronger after having a nightmare of a time keeping defenses out of the backfield. All five starters return with terrific size to go along with the experience. The running game wasn’t all that bad at times behind this group, and the backs are there to do more.

Kelley Joiner is a speed back who led the team with 368 yards and a score, and flashy Brian Battie is a smallish, quick option who averaged over seven yards per carry. However, Johnny Ford – a longtime part of the puzzle in a variety of ways – left for Florida Atlantic.

– What You Need To Know: Defense
– Top Players | Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– USF Schedule Analysis

NEXT: USF Bulls College Football Preview 2021: Defense

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College Football News Preview 2020: USF Bulls

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the USF Bulls season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the USF Bulls season with what you need to know.

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– USF Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 5-7 overall, 2-6 in AAC
Head Coach: Jeff Scott, 1st year
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 76
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 104
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 78

No one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: USF Bulls Offense 3 Things To Know

– And here comes the USF offense. After finishing 112th in the nation and last in the AAC – it averaged just 331 yards and 21 points per game – the program now gets Dabo Swinney’s offensive coordinator to ramp things up.

Jeff Scott spent the last five years dealing with the Clemson wide receivers along with his job as the co-OC, and now the 39-year-old will combine forces with his own coordinator – Charlie Weis Jr. – to turn things around.

And they have the pieces to do it. At least, they have the experience to do it.

CFN in 60 Video: Texas Preview
USF at Texas, Sept. 5
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It all starts with finding a quarterback who can start pushing the ball down the field more for an attack that finished 116th in the nation. Last year’s offense wanted to throw more, but it just didn’t work.

Sophomore Jordan McCloud led the way with 1,429 yards and 12 scores with eight picks – and ran for 283 yards and four touchdowns – but in comes 6-3, 220-pound North Carolina transfer Cade Fortin to make a push.

Also entering the ring is Alcorn State transfer Noah Johnson – a dangerous dual-threat option – and freshmen Jordan Smith and Katravis Marsh will each get a shot.

– Leading receiver Mitchell Wilcox is gone after making 28 grabs from his tight end spot. Juniors Bryce Miller and Randall St. Felix are back after combining for just 43 catches for 493 yards and six touchdowns, and they were the team’s top two wide receivers.

Senior Jacob Mathis has the upside to be a deep threat tight end, and former Michigan star recruit Eddie McDoom has the potential to blow up as a deep threat after making 13 grabs. Everyone should get to fed a lot more passes under the new coaching staff.

– The offensive line that struggled so much in just about every way – the Bulls were 126th in the nation in sacks allowed and 114th in tackles for loss given up – gets back three starters and gets a little help from the recruiting class and transfer portal.

One thing this group  has is bulk – 6-5, 328-pound junior Donovan Jennings will handle one tackle job, and 6-3, 324-pound junior Demetris Harris will work at a guard spot. The starting five will likely end up averaging close to 320 pounds per man.

Leading rusher Jordan Cronkrite is gone, but the running backs should be interesting. South Carolina transfer Lavonte Valentine comes in to battle with Johnny Ford – a 5-5, 180-pounder who missed half of last year and never got going – and speedster Kelley Joiner.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: USF Bulls Defense 3 Things To Know

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Saints’ XFL pickup Deatrick Nichols talks jump to the NFL, playing against Tom Brady

The New Orleans Saints signed Houston Roughnecks DB Deatrick Nichols, who led the XFL in interceptions. He spoke about what’s next for him.

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Deatrick Nichols returned to the NFL in a better spot than he left it, having last played a handful of special teams snaps for the Arizona Cardinals. It was hardly the career turn he anticipated after graduating from the University of South Florida back in 2017, having put up gaudy statlines including 11 interceptions in three years as a starter. But his time with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks convinced the New Orleans Saints to recruit him, and now he’ll have a chance to compete in one of the NFL’s most talented depth charts.

Nichols discussed his path forward with Deuce Windham of Canal Street Chronicles, acknowledging that his success in Houston won’t be enough to guarantee a roster spot in New Orleans. He’s eager to prove he can make plays covering punts and kickoffs, and earn his place on the 53-man roster.

“Field position is everything in this game,” Nichols said. “You’ll get way more respect and love from your teammates and coaches off making plays on special teams. I know special teams is going to be my path to making the Saints roster. The first day I get in the building I am going to the special teams coach and introducing myself. It’s a great feeling to run down the field and make a tackle before the 25. Special teams is the way you make a NFL roster!”

Other Saints players have learned the same lesson Nichols stressed here: excellence in the game’s third phase have made careers for prospects who might have been on the fringe of NFL interest otherwise. Just look at safety J.T. Gray, who made the roster outright as an undrafted rookie a few years ago before earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition in 2019.

But while Nichols is enthusiastic about the impact he can make in the kicking game, he’s also looking forward to getting on the field on defense. When faced with a scenario where he could be pushed into a game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Buccaneers, Nichols emphasized the importance of keeping a good attitude.

“Being able to face a guy like Brady and knowing most likely it’s coming your way,” Nichols mused, noting that it’s critical to not feel overmatched by the moment. “This is a perfect time to make a story for your grandkids. However, my mind set in football is ‘stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.'”

It’s clear that this opportunity isn’t something Nichols is taking lightly. He’s already experienced life on the edge of NFL relevancy, bouncing on and off of a team’s practice squad and testing the waiver wire each week. A strong summer with the Saints and consistent performance at training camp could go a long well to ensuring he sticks around, and he’ll do all he can to make that happen.

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Watch: Deatrick Nichols highlights with XFL’s Roughnecks, USF Bulls

The New Orleans Saints signed XFL interceptions leader Deatrick Nichols, who starred for the Houston Roughnecks and the USF Bulls in college

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The New Orleans Saints made a big pickup from the XFL on Monday by signing defensive back Deatrick Nichols to a one-year contract, adding a versatile cover corner with experience in the slot. Nichols is known for his knack for making big plays (he led the league with three interceptions in its first five weeks), which he credits to meticulous film study.

Nichols and teammate Cody Brown each intercepted Dallas Renegades quarterback Landry Jones early in their game, prompting a sideline interview shared by the FOX Sports broadcast. Brown said that they had noticed some cues on Jones’ previous game tape that put them in the right position, and Nichols agreed, saying, “Just like he said, (we’ve been) watching film since last Sunday, and letting plays come to us.”

Later in the game, Nichols again put himself in the right spot at the right time to intercept Jones one more time. It’s something he’s had a gift for since his college days at Southern Florida, which the USF Bulls official Twitter account proudly shared in their own highlight reel of Nichols’ best moments. See it for yourself to get an idea of the kind of talent the Saints are adding:

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Saints sign Deatrick Nichols, XFL’s interceptions leader

The New Orleans Saints signed former Houston Roughnecks and USF Bulls defensive back Deatrick Nichols, who led the XFL in interceptions.

The New Orleans Saints landed one of the early stars of the XFL, the upstart professional football league that closed its inaugural season early in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Per his agent Aston Wilson, the Saints signed Houston Roughnecks defensive back Deatrick Nichols, who paced the XFL with three interceptions (and six pass breakups) in its first five weeks. The 5-foot-10, 189-pound defender also recorded 24 tackles (with three tackles for a loss of yards).

With both pro leagues agreeing to allow former XFL players to sign contracts as free agents with NFL teams on Monday, Nichols becomes one of the first to make the jump from one level to the next, along with Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker (who signed with the Carolina Panthers).

Nichols has played both cornerback and safety in his collegiate and XFL careers, though his previous NFL experience was limited to 11 snaps on special teams with the Arizona Cardinals back in 2018. The University of South Florida graduate was a ballhawk in college, racking up 11 interceptions and 24 pass breakups (plus 15 tackles for loss) in three years as a starter. He’ll have ample opportunities to earn playing-time in the Saints secondary.

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