Tampa, November 2, 2018– USF showed some true color this weekend, after being definitively shown who deserves to be close second in their respected American Athletic Conference. Let’s read between the lines and assess the current standpoint for the organization going forward, with only a few regular season games left to ball out for.
Houston (ranked #17 now) crushed undefeated #21 South Florida (nowhere to be found in AP Top 25 ranks now) 57-36 this past Saturday, pulling ahead and never looking back in second half as the Cougars led by a score after a 28-21 neck n neck first half showdown. USF has gone 0-2 vs Houston and 17-1 against all other teams in the last two seasons- both AAC programs are now 7-1.
Previously, the Bulls were 7-0 for the second season in a row, equaling their best start in program history posted last year. USF are 35-6 over their last 41 games, tied with Oklahoma and Ohio State for the 3rd best record in the FBS over each team’s last 41 played; trailing only Crimson Tide Alabama & Clemson.
Outlook: USF have won 20 of their last 23 games in their home stomping grounds at Ray Jay Stadium, following its first loss since this time around last 2017 season. The fresh, young group have exceeded optimisms with an unBULLievablely odd, yet successful streak with some great chemistry- taking the graduation replacements and banged-up starters it the beginning into consideration. They have won by the skin of their teeth in a number of matchups that controversially should have ended with more dominant outcomes- yet this tenacious unit has prevailed none the less.
Prediction O’clock: I expect the Gold-helmeted crew to improve their overall to 8-1 and bounce back more resiliently, with a final of 38-20.
South Florida has two home appearances left for Bulls nation to show out loud and proud (this matchup included and UCF). USF will dance with Tulane for the first time in Tampa this Saturday at 3:30p, who are 2-2 in the American Athletic Conference and 3-5 overall. The Green and Gold are up 1-0 in this series all-time- Horns Up!
Quick Facts
– The Bulls retain Bowl eligibility for the 10th time (currently have 6 victories under Bowl Belt).
– South Florida have accumulated 30 young, ambitious draft picks in the NFL.
– Bulls’ running backs coach, Shaun King is a member of the Tulane Hall of Fame. A four-year starter at QB, King was the first player in NCAA history to throw for 3,000+ and run for 500+ in the same season.
– Home Cooking: USF has won 20 of its last 23 home games, with 15 wins coming by two touchdowns or more.
– South Florida is one of 18 teams with one loss or less on the year, four of which reside in The American, tied with the SEC for the most nationally.
– USF has gone 22-6 in American Athletic Conference games the last four seasons, the best record of any conference team.
– USF has scored at least 20 points in 38 consecutive matches- the longest streak in the nation.
#StillWinning: The Green & Gold are #2 on Twitter, #3 on Instagram and #4 on Facebook out of all AAC team social media accounts ranked by followers.
Per gousfbulls.com
Vaughan Sixbury, BCP Contributor