Oct 183 min read

USF Looks to Save Its Season Against UAB Blazers

The USF Bulls (2-4, 0-2 American Athletic Conference) take on the UAB Blazers (1-5, 0-3 AAC) at 3:30 p.m. EST on Oct. 19 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Both the Bulls and the Blazers have had less-than-stellar first halves of their seasons. This clash could put the winner back on the right path.

What is at Stake?

For the Bulls, they have had quite an eventful few weeks. After losing to Tulane on Sept. 28 in New Orleans, USF thought it would play Memphis at home in Raymond James Stadium. Due to Hurricane Milton, that plan had to change. The game was pushed back a day and played on Oct. 12 instead of the intended Oct. 11 date. They also played in Orlando's Camping World Stadium due to the storm. The Bulls lost that game 21-3. Now, they return home to face UAB in a massively important showdown. If the Bulls can win it, they can get back on track to make a bid for a bowl game appearance. USF will also want to return the favor from 2023, where UAB won this matchup, 56-35.

For UAB, it is coming off back-to-back losses to Tulane (Oct. 5) and Army (Oct. 12), giving up a combined total of 105 points in those two games alone. The Blazers have a lot to work if they don't want to go 1-6. As it is, Blazers head coach Trent Dilfer is on the hot seat with only one win to show for this season. It appears both UAB and USF have taken a step back in each of their coach's second season.

Key Players: USF Bulls

QB Byrum Brown

The Bulls are hoping to see star quarterback Byrum Brown return for this matchup. He has been battling injuries almost the entire year. A left leg injury forced him to miss part of the game against Tulane and the Memphis game, with a bye week in between the two games. They hope he will be ready to go this weekend. If he is not, then backup Bryce Archie, who led the offense to three points against Memphis, will likely take the reins of the offense again.

LB Mac Harris

Defensively, the Bulls were given a chance in the Memphis game to win by holding the Tigers to just 21 points. The Bulls will rely on their front seven to shut down anything UAB does, and linebacker Mac Harris will have to lead the charge. Harris leads the team in tackles and has a forced fumble on his resume, making him the most impactful defensive player for the Bulls. If Harris and the defense can force things into a passing game for the Blazers, the Bulls will have them on the back foot.

Key Players: UAB Blazers

RB Lee Beebe Jr.

The Blazers head into the matchup looking save their season. They are on a five-game losing streak. It can easily become six. Blazers quarterbacks Jacob Zeno and Jalen Kitna have been inefficient to say the least, combining for 1,291 yards halfway through the season. Running back Lee Beebe Jr. has been the bright spot of the offense, producing 383 yards on the season, a total that amounts to more than any UAB receiver has gained through the air. In order for the Blazers to stay on schedule, Beebe will have to continue to run efficiently to put the offense in advantageous down-and-distance situations.

DE Desmond Little

For the Blazers' defense, they will need to play the best game of their season. Defensive end Desmond Little will have to be a large part of that effort. Pressuring the quarterback, whoever that may be, will be a crucial factor in slowing down USF's offense. Little has established himself as one of the better players on the defensive line, leading the Blazers in sacks with two. On a defense lacking true talent, Little will need to get going early and often.

Things To Watch

If the Bulls are able to get Brown back for this game, expect things them to become overwhelming favorites for this game. If he doesn't, take the under and get ready for a field-goal-fest.