This week, the 9-0 Cincinnati Bearcats will be facing off against the South Florida Bulls. The Bearcats are currently ranked No. 5 in the new College Football Playoff rankings. The Bearcats are traveling to Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa, Florida to face the South Florida Bulls.
South Florida’s overall record is 2-7, they average 23.1 points per game and are ranked 10th in the American Athletic Conference. Their only wins came against Temple and Florida A&M. South Florida has recently been on a two game losing streak, they are hoping to not make it three games. South Florida’s head coach is Jeff Scott, who previously was the head coach of Louisville as well as with Texas. This is coach Scott’s second year as the head coach, his record thus far as South Florida’s head coach is 3-15. South Florida is led by freshman quarterback Timmy McClain. McClain has 1,289 passing yards on the season. He has thrown four touchdowns, with four interceptions on the season. Their leading rusher is junior Jaren Mangham, he has 507 yards on the season to go along with 13 touchdowns. Mangham averages 4.4 yards a carry. South Florida’s leading receiver is junior Xavier Weaver he has accumulated 576 yards on the season, with two touchdowns. Weaver is a deep threat with an average of 18.0 yards per attempt. USF’s offensive strength is red zone scoring. USF cashes in on 77% of its red zone trips.
The South Florida defense hasn’t been able to put up much resistance this season as they allow an average of 36.5 points per game. Opponents’ red zone scoring versus South Florida is at 90%. The South Florida defense is led by senior linebacker Antiono Grier. Grier has three sacks on the season, as well as 26 solo tackles and two interceptions. Their has some great defensive athletes. Linebacker Dwayne Boyles has 27 solo tackles on the season as well as two interceptions on the season. Leading safety Matthew Hill has impressed as well with 32 solo tackles and one interception. A really bright spot on this team is their placekicker Spencer Shrader, he is 100% on the season with field goals and extra points. His season-long is 52 yards.
The Bearcats odds to win this week according to ESPN is at 93.5%. Being that it will bring a road game in the sunshine state. Cincinnati will face some adversity, but if they stay disciplined they should come out with the win. The game will air Friday night at 6 pm on ESPN2. We look forward to the Friday night matchup.
