College Football Predictions – USF Bulls 2020 College Football Preview
August 23, 2020
2019 Recap
Record – 4-8
ATS – 6-6
Time to hit the ‘reset’ button, yo.
The Bulls had an extremely disappointing campaign and posted their worst mark since 2014 when they also finished 4-8. Their win total has decreased in three consecutive seasons (10, 7, 4) and they head into 2020 on a four-game losing streak.
New HC Jeff Scott hails from the DABO SWINNEY TREE and will have every shot to turn this football program around. What should we expect this year?
2020 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
American Athletic Conference – #11
<Note. No divisions this year. One 11-team conference.>
USF Bulls 2020 Outlook
OFFENSE
South Florida has a LOT of work to do on offense. Their scoring output has declined steadily since 2016 (43.8, 38.3, 28.5, 20.8) and they ended LY ranked #112 in the FBS in total offense. Yuck.
It’s unclear how the QB situation will shake out in 2020. Jordan McCloud did the best he could without much help (12-8 TD to INT, 4 rushing TDs) and he’s certainly a possibility for the starting gig. The LEADER IN THE CLUBHOUSE just might be sophomore Cade Fortin who had a CUP OF COFFEE with North Carolina in 2018 (two starts) as he’s more of a threat in the THROW GAME. Speaking of which, it seems impossible that USF didn’t have a single player LY bag more than 350 receiving yards, particularly when you consider they don’t run the triple option. They lose their leading receiver in TE Mitchell Wilcox but have some experienced (albeit, unproven) folks back at WR. There are a couple of decent options at RB including last season’s #2 rusher Kelley Joiner Jr who averaged 5.1 yards a carry. The offensive line returns three starters but it’s a major question mark as we head to press time.
This looks like one of the weakest offenses in the conference. Keep an eye on the QB situation as it’s possible they get a spark from Fortin or an improved McCloud.
DEFENSE
The Bulls weren’t a complete waste of time on defense last season, particularly when you consider that they got no help from the offense. They finished LY ranked #8 in AAC total defense, #11 in run defense (ouch), and #6 in pass efficiency D (decent 15-12 TD to INT ratio). There’s some good news and bad news heading into 2020. On the plus side, they return their leading tackler LB Dwayne Boyles (#T1 tackles, #1 TFL LY) and return all four starters in a talented secondary. However, the front seven is a major concern given how they performed vs the run in 2019, and nobody on last season’s squad bagged more than 4 (!) sacks.
it seems as though it will be another tough road ahead for the Bulls’ defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS
“There goes the chip shot field goal. It’s up……and it misses by a mile.”
” Wow, Chuck. Tough to watch.”
The Bulls were a pathetic 7/14 on FG attempts LY (Shrader, Weiss) and both dudes are back. Not sure what to think of that. Senior punter Trent Schneider is one of the best in the conference. Their primary return men both return for duty.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – 10 games are set and ready to go. They should be able to handle The Citadel in non-conference action but the road game at FAU will be a battle. They have to face all of the big three (Memphis, Cincinnati, UCF) and two of those games are ON THE HIGHWAY.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at Florida Atlantic (September 26th)
AAC play is on deck (at Cincinnati) and the Owls should be psyched to beat a team from a “better” conference that also happens to be an intrastate foe.
Season Win Total
Waiting for Vegas/Offshore number. <awaiting final schedule>
MEGALOCKS says:
Waiting for Vegas/Offshore number.
MEGAmazing Tidbit
South Florida has only been an FBS participant since the turn of the century (20 seasons) but has been a member of three conferences (Conference USA, Big East, AAC). They also competed as an independent from 2000 to 2002 and booked a road win over ROLL TIDE in their inaugural FBS campaign (W 40-38).
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
It’s clearly a rebuilding season down in Tampa. They have access to a lot of excellent athletes in their recruiting area but it will take a few years to build the roster to the point where they can challenge the big boys in the AAC. First year head coach Jeff Scott has some excellent pedigree (two National Titles with Clemson) so this should be a fun program to watch. It’s just unlikely they can do much damage in 2020.
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