Game Thread: South Florida Bulls at No. 15 BYU Cougars

WHO: South Florida Bulls (1-2) at No. 15 BYU Cougars (3-0)

WHERE: LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470), Provo, Utah

WHEN: 10:15 p.m.

TV/RADIO: ESPN2, 1250 AM, Bulls Unlimited

SERIES: USF leads series 1-0. Last: Bulls won 27-23 in Tampa in 2019.

LINE: BYU -23.5; Over/Under 54

The South Florida Bulls are coming off their first win in over a year, and will look to beat a FBS opponent for the first time since October of 2019. It’s been a long time coming, and the Bulls get no quarter as the Cougars are fresh off a 3-0 start to begin the year, including a win over a ranked Utah team in the Holy War.

For USF to win the game they’ll need to create turnovers, stop the run, and cash in on their red zone opportunities. Freshman QB Timmy McClain has shown flashes so far for the Bulls, he’s had three costly turnovers in the red zone to take away points for the Bulls. He’ll need to show he can consistently hit the medium throws, as well as connecting on a few more downfield throws to keep the Cougars from stacking the box against the run.

USF beat BYU in 2019 by forcing timely turnovers, and keeping the Cougars from scoring touchdowns in the red zone, while USF scored touchdowns all three trips inside the BYU 20-yard line.

While the Cougars are looking to avenge that weird 2019 loss, most of the current Bulls weren’t even on the team then, and they’ll just be looking for the first win over a ranked opponent since 2016.

A lot at stake for both teams. Let’s make the Cougars sweat it out.