Saturday, the USF Bulls welcome in the ECU Pirates to Boca Raton, FL at FAU Stadium for the start of conference play as both teams come into this matchup coming off losses last week.
This is quite an interesting game to look at for a variety of reasons beyond just the play on the field.
This was a game originally scheduled to be played in Tampa with a 7:30pm EST kickoff, one of six scheduled home games on the 2022 slate for the Bulls. However, with the incoming Hurricane Ian that made landfall in Southwest Florida on Wednesday and for the safety of the players, USF decided on moving the game down south.
The team also moved practice to the Miami-Dade area, similar to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the team used the University of Miami and local Gibbons High School facilities for game practice for the Week 5 matchup.
Also, with the detrimental effects that have happened in Florida and the incoming effects that are set to happen in the Carolinas due to Hurricane Ian, you must wonder where the minds of each program are focused heading into a major conference game with both needing a win.
Preview
On paper, this looks like an uneven contest for South Florida, playing against an ECU squad that has been one of the best programs in the conference and almost upset #13 North Carolina State at home.
ECU is a top-50 team in total offense and defensive numbers, with USF’s stats towards the bottom of the FBS in similar categories.
However, I believe there is one major component to this game that can be a factor in giving this Bulls team a shot Saturday and that is “Playing for the City.”
With the effects of Ian, USF could be energized for this game and may play with some more emotion with the recent effects Florida has had.
But, then again, this team has to improve off a poor performance last week.
Offensively, USF needs to get a passing touchdown early and quick. If Bohanon can build more of a connection than what has been shown with his talented receiving group and start gaining some momentum with the passing attack, it will take away from relying on the run for most of the game.
Again, this team’s strong suit on offense is running the ball and it has been effective, but the Bulls need to get the passing game cooking, especially for the sake of Bohanon and the receivers’ group.
Defensively, USF has actually had some good games in terms of the secondary, with the secondary making some big defensive plays such as a few interceptions and forced fumbles, but the poor tackling and run defense needs to improve, especially playing a ECU team that features a running back duo in Keaton Mitchell and Rahjaj Harris.
Overall Thoughts
Beyond the game, all of us here in Florida and here at FL Teams are thinking of everyone who has been effected by Ian this week, with many people losing homes and business here in the state.
For both teams, this is more than just a game. This a game that they will be playing for their respective states and try to bring people some happiness in the form of a win for their respective programs.
The Bulls need to have better QB play this week and maybe Bohanon going up against a in-conference opponent will give this team some confidence.
If the Bulls can get 14 early, which is easier said than done, and if the team can clean up on all aspects of the football, USF may have a shot against ECU in Boca.
Heck maybe if USF can find success in Boca Raton, maybe FAU will lend us their stadium each week.