Completing summer camp for USF football marks the start of an eager wait for the opening game against Bethune-Cookman University. Here at Green, Gold, and Bold, we’re optimistic about the Bulls’ prospects this season, and some notable outlets share that sentiment.
The Athletic (pay site) highlighted USF as one of 13 potential dark horses for this year’s expanded playoff field. Reporter Chris Vannini noted, “The Bulls made a significant improvement in Alex Golesh’s first season as head coach, improving from 1-11 to 7-6 and securing a 45-0 bowl victory over Syracuse. With star quarterback Byrum Brown returning and a defense poised to improve, keep an eye on Tampa.”
While the non-conference schedule includes tough matches against Alabama and Miami, the conference outlook is more promising. USF will face four of the bottom five teams in the AAC preseason poll, plus play conference leader Memphis at home. If they can navigate the first five games with a 3-2 record, they could be primed for a strong finish.
It’s important to recognize that predictions like these often serve to generate interest for sports sites, and I wouldn’t advise running to Vegas just based on USF’s mention. However, it does indicate that the Bulls are gaining attention, and there’s a positive outlook for the season ahead. We’ll have a clearer picture of their playoff potential after the Miami game in Week 4.
As much as we’d love to see USF pull off an upset in Tuscaloosa in Week 2, that’s a monumental challenge. The game against Miami, however, has a different feel. It’s expected to draw a good TV audience and will be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Miami is strong enough to garner attention, especially if they defeat Florida to start the season. A win against Miami would energize USF as they head into AAC play, facing Tulane away and then Memphis at home.
Winning the AAC is likely USF’s best path to the playoffs. Nonetheless, it’s clear that USF is a trendy pick to make a comeback into the national spotlight this season after a period of relative quiet.
As we’ve mentioned before, the atmosphere on Fowler Avenue is palpable—filled with quiet confidence rather than arrogance. While seasoned sports writers like me might view a game at Alabama with concern, I believe the young players don’t feel that way. There’s likely no game on the calendar that the Bulls don’t feel they can win.
In summary, there’s valid hope that the Bulls could be the team that makes an appearance in the postseason playoffs. It all begins with belief, and USF certainly has that in abundance.
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