The USF Bulls (1-4) look to build on their first positive offensive game against ECU last week when they face the No. 24 Cincinnati Bearcats on Sunday.
This is the final week for USF on the road, as the team will be returning to Tampa next week for the first time in a little over a month, last playing Howard in a victorious effort at Raymond James Stadium.
This week arguably represents the biggest test on the conference schedule for the Bulls this season.
While this may not be the same Cincinnati team that went to the College Football Playoffs last season, this is a ranked Bearcats team coming into the game with one of the best college coaches in the country in Luke Fickell.
Preview
If USF wants to have a chance against Cincinnati this week, they must play solid football for all four quarters.
Last week, the offense had its most complete game of the season with Bohanon under center.
Bohanon was able to finish with three total touchdowns and over 200 yards in passing. He also had 74 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown versus ECU.
While Battie and Horn also played big parts in the game, there were still many inconsistencies with the offense last week, especially on the offensive-line.
When Bohanon was pressured, many of his throws were not wise, which caused USF, especially in the early parts of the football game, to start very slowly, as we have seen. If the offensive line can tighten up, this team can easily be one of the more dynamic teams in the conference.
However, when the defense allows 41 points in the first half, it makes the game difficult to catch up going forward.
With that being said, the defense has shown steps back from the earlier portions of the season, with a lack of execution on plays and defensive awareness.
There were many chances for USF to get off the field last week that came up short.
This week is no easier task. With a solid QB in Ben Bryant, who has been able to lead his diverse offense to victory over the likes of Indiana, Cincinnati can definitely have a field day if USF has played the way they have played on both sides of the ball early in the game, especially on defense.
Overall Thoughts
USF will have to play a complete game this week versus Cincinnati. And that’s easier said than done.
There is one USF key to this game, and that is: the fact that USF may be playing Cincinnati for the final time as a member of the AAC; hopefully this brings some energy to this USF squad. If the Bulls can come out swinging with Cincinnati, watch out if they can play smart, sound football.