USF Football: 3 reasons not to panic about the Bulls

3. USF is still 2-0 heading into the toughest stretch of the season

Despite all the apparent struggles of adjusting to life under Charlie Strong and a new staff, USF is still 2-0 after Week 1. Nobody else in the AP Top 25 can boast two wins. Yes, the Bulls dropped a few spots in the polls after playing San Jose State and FCS Stony Brook closer than might be hoped.

But it must also be appreciated that the Bulls are still undefeated at this point of the season. If they can make it through a tight stretch of three games in 12 days, USF will have a win over Power Five competition after taking down Illinois. South Florida will also have a win over their biggest divisional threat in the American Athletic Conference if they beat Temple

The fact that the Bulls put up mediocre stats against some of their easiest opponents of the season is disheartening. But style points only really matter in defeat, and for teams in the American Athletic Conference the path to a New Year’s Six bowl is as simple as winning as many games as possible.

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USF has done that so far. Sure, it has not been as stylish a start as might be hoped. But a veteran team that has been familiar with a completely different coaching staff is only beginning to become familiar with a new group on the sidelines in game-time situations. As they acclimate further, the Bulls will only get better. The wins should continue to come as Charlie Strong’s team remains on path for a perfect regular season.