South Florida Football: 5 reasons why Bulls will stink in 2017

1. A paper-thin schedule could be detrimental to New Year’s Six hopes

Last year South Florida at least played a state rivalry game against ACC powerhouse Florida State. Though they lost by 20, the Bulls nevertheless had an impressive game on their resume. It didn’t look quite as good as Houston did in winning against both Oklahoma and Louisville, but had the Bulls won the league it wouldn’t have been too costly.

The College Football Playoff tends to be harsher against teams with weak schedules than they are unforgiving of losses against good opponents. Without a single major-conference opponent on this year’s schedule, South Florida has absolutely no margin for error if they hope to finally make it to the school’s first New Year’s Six bowl game.

Replacing FSU as the Bulls’ Power Five opponent in 2017 is Illinois. The Big Ten afterthought comes to Tampa in mid-September and will be a clear underdog against their hosts. The other non-conference games come against San Jose State and FCS Stony Brook.

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To merely be considered for the Group of Five’s automatic bid, the Bulls first have to win the American Athletic Conference title. Only league champions are considered for that reward, as USF learned itself in 2016. But with their weak schedule that also avoids Navy and Memphis from the West in the regular season, South Florida cannot falter at any point of the season lest any stumble cost them the ultimate dream.