USF Bulls 2021 College Football Preview
Created August 15, 2021
2020 Recap
Record – 1-8
ATS – 4-4-1
Yuck.
The Bulls took down The Citadel in their opener (W 27-6) and then things took a nasty turn to TURD TOWN as they lost their final eight games in a row. The good news? There were a pair of close calls (Temple, Memphis) and they gave UCF a game at the end of the year (L 58-46), so we suppose there’s hope for 2021.
USF Bulls 2021 Outlook
OFFENSE
The offense struggled as expected LY and the Bulls ranked #90 in the FBS in total offense (365 YPG) and #101 in scoring output (#101). Former QB Jordan McCloud had his moments in 2020 (62%, 9-2 TD to INT) but it’ll be up to someone new to lead the way in 2021. Cade Fortin threw just 8 passes LY but has some nice upside (formerly UNC) and they added Jarren Williams from YOUR Miami Hurricanes. Four of the top-five targets are back and add a few P5 transfers to the WR group. It’s still unclear if they have a true #1 option in the mix. The RB room is pretty deep with talent and it includes the top-two producers from LY in Kelley Joiner (368, TD) and Brian Battie (7.2 YPC). The OL returns all five starters but they’ll need to do a better job in pass protection as they allowed 30 sacks in 2020 (last AAC sacks allowed/game).
DEFENSE
It wasn’t a surprise that the Bulls struggled LY on defense and they yielded 39.9 PPG (last AAC) and 441 YPG (#9 AAC). There were also issues with PENETRATION as they only tallied 7 sacks in 9G. The success of the defense will be largely dependent on the continued strong performance of the fine LB duo of Antonio Grier and Dwayne Boyles. Those two men led the team in tackles LY and combined for 10.5 TFL. They could use some size and pass rushing ability up front. We’re also concerned about the secondary BUT it’s important to note that THE CALVARY may have arrived via the transfer portal. They added a lot of capable bodies on the back end but we’ll have to see how all the new pieces fuse together.
SPECIAL TEAMS
It was a HORROR SHOW a season ago and it’s not clear if we can expect better in 2021. Spencer Shrader made 4/6 FG and they’ll need to find a new punter. The PR and KR doods were mediocre LY.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – It’s really tough to find potential wins in here. Florida A&M should be a 900 STAR COVID CASE FRAUD BUSTER LOCK. East Carolina? Maybe. After that? <crickets>
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at BYU (September 25th)
They get to face a bunch of 28 yr olds (just kidding. not really.) in a tough venue and this game precedes the start of conference play.
Season Win Total
per 5Dimes August 15
Over 3.5 +100
Under 3.5 -120
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under.
We don’t see a ton of upside with this team. 458 of our 501 sets of power ratings have them winning three games or less.
MEGAmazing Tidbit
The Bulls are a medicore 31-33 at home over the L10Y.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
It looks like another long season ahead in Tampa. Jeff Scott is probably a fine hire as HC but this roster needs a lot of upgrades. The schedule doesn’t do them any favors so they’ll need to earn every win they’re able to cobble together. We’ll call for 2-3 wins and a much better showing in 2022.
Want more South Florida football ?
WEBSITE
https://gousfbulls.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://247sports.com/college/south-florida/Board/South-Florida-Bulls-Message-Board-Forum-59416
https://usf.forums.rivals.com/forums/the-bullpen.8/
https://247sports.com/college/south-florida/Board/South-Florida-Bulls-Message-Board-Forum-59416
NEWS
http://www.thedailystampede.com/
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bulls/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/58/south-florida-bulls
TWITTER
Hashtag – #US2F, #HornsUp
Accounts to follow