Thoughts on Thursday: South Florida Bulls vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview and Prediction
By Rich Lynch
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are headed to sunny South Florida to play the USF Bulls Thursday night at 7:30 pm EST in the weekly ESPN prime time showcase. Both teams are undefeated coming into Raymond James Stadium, and each has the opportunity to get an initial leg up in the Big East Conference with a win in the opener.
The Bulls defeated Chattanooga and Nevada this season by a combined score of 66-44. Senior quarterback B.J Daniels has thrown for 588-yards, six touchdowns and one interception over the first two games to lead the Bulls. The USF defense is ranked 56th in the country in points allowed per game at 22.
The Scarlet Knights defeated Tulane 24-12 in Week 1 and most recently they shut out Howard University 26-0. Running back Jawan Jamison leads the Rutgers offense. Jamison has 28 carries for 222-yards and one touchdown this season. The Rutgers defense is ranked 4th in the country, allowing just 6 points per game.
Last season, Rutgers beat USC in Piscataway, 20-17 in overtime.
Each team has yet to face a BCS conference opponent. This is the first conference game and the first test of the season for each squad. Look for an outcome similar to last season in terms of score differential and total points.
USF has the best player in this match-up with Daniels leading the way. He will be the key to the game. His ability to throw and run will give the Bulls the advantage, as well as the weather — it’s expected to be in the 80s at kickoff.
Final Score: South Florida 20-Rutgers 19
If I am incorrect, blame former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, now the head coach of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs share Raymond James Stadium with USF.