Though South Florida lost to Memphis in its most recent game, falling out of the Associated Press Top 25, the Bulls still have a shot to appear in the American Conference Championship.
The Bulls (6-2, 3-1 American) started the year off strong with two wins over ranked opponents, against Boise State at home and a major upset at Florida. USF lost at Miami before rattling off four straight wins, three against league opponents.
But a close 34-31 loss to Memphis, one where the Tigers needed to come back and score in the final two minutes, changed things for USF. Now the Bulls are one of six teams in the American with one loss in conference play.
And this week USF hosts UTSA, which also still has plenty to play for.
The Roadrunners (4-4, 2-2) are back at .500 after a 22-point upset win over Tulane. UTSA had started the season with back-to-back losses to Texas A&M and Texas State, but the Roadrunners have won four of their last six including wins over FCS Incarnate Word, Colorado State, and Rice.
UTSA may need to win out as well as get a lot of help if it’s to appear in the American Conference Championship. But the Roadrunners do still have a chance at appearing in a bowl game.
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UTSA vs. USF Betting Odds
South Florida is a 14-point college football betting odds favorite against UTSA, with the Over/Under being 67.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for UTSA is +400, while it’s -550 for USF.
UTSA vs. USF On TV
The matchup between UTSA and USF will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 6. The contest is taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
UTSA vs. USF Prediction
I predict USF will win but UTSA will cover the 14-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 67.5 total points.
These two teams have some of the best offenses in the American. I fully expect this to be a high-scoring game.
The Bulls are second in the conference in scoring offense with 40.4 points per game, and the Roadrunners are fifth (34 PPG).
I trust USF’s defense much more than UTSA’s, though. Other than games against Miami, Memphis, and North Texas – which leads the American in scoring – USF has limited each of its opponents to 26 points or less.
The Bulls, led by linebackers Mac Harris and Jhalyn Shuler, are sixth in the American in scoring defense (24.4 PPG allowed) and are seventh in total defense (387.3 yards per game allowed). Meanwhile, UTSA is ninth in total defense (401.6 YPG allowed) and 11th in scoring defense (30.3 PPG allowed).
UTSA’s passing offense, led by standout quarterback Owen McCown, might also be challenged by USF here. The Bulls are fourth in the American in passing defense efficiency.
And I think USF’s offensive stars will be problematic for UTSA to stop.
USF quarterback Byrum Brown has thrown for 1,964 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions on a 63% completion percentage while also leading the team with 596 yards and eight scores on the ground. Sam Franklin (356 yards and four TDs) and Nykahi Davenport (303 yards and three TDs) have also contributed to the ground game.
Chas Nimrod (23 catches for 466 yards and three TDs), Keshaun Singleton (29 receptions for 451 yards and three TDs), and Jeremiah Koger (337 yards and five TDs on 17 receptions) have been USF’s leading receivers.
I simply think USF has too much talent on both sides of the ball. And considering the Bulls are coming off a bye and are at home, I think they’ll find a way to win a competitive matchup.
