USF Football: Game preview and prediction vs. Illinois
I present you with the Week 3 preview and prediction for Friday’s USF football game against Illinois.
On the surface, this matchup might seem like a lopsided rout with a ranked opponent facing a Power Five perennial loser. This game won’t be a cupcake for the Bulls, though — not by a long shot. Illinois may end up being one of those Cinderella stories this season that defy the odds and end up winning games against ranked opponents and messing up the betting numbers. They beat up on western Kentucky last week, and they were eight-point underdogs in that game.
Illinois is better than it appears at first glance and far better than in past seasons. The Illini should be able to hang around with the Bulls, no problem. Their defense, in particular, was stellar last week against a loaded Hilltoppers offense. South Florida is the better team, but its quarterback hasn’t shown much mettle yet this season, and the Bulls first couple games were bland, at best.
Here’s how you can watch Friday’s South Florida vs Illinois game:
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Date: Friday, Sept. 15
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: Tampa, Fla.
Venue: Raymond James Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
This is the first matchup between these two teams, so history won’t be a factor here. South Florida has a rough record against teams in the Big Ten Conference with 2-12-0 .
The most recent game against a Big Ten opponent was in 2014, when the Bulls fell to Wisconsin 27-10. In addition, their inability to convert on third downs — at a meager 32 percent — could spell trouble for the Bulls.
The Bulls’ running game is great, and if they can capitalize on that, this game could be a high-scoring battle.
In addition, Quinton Flowers has the capability to run the zone-read offense. While the passing game has not been great yet this season, the Bulls have a secret weapon in kicker Emilio Nadelman. Last season, Nadelman had a perfect record, nailing 7-for-7 field goals and converting 52-of-53 extra points. If the game on Friday is a nailbiter, the Bulls can count on Nadelman to bring in those crucial extra points.
Illinois defends well against the run. The Illini average 2.6 yards per carry. With that being said, the Illinois defense can keep up with the South Florida run game. The Bulls will have to improve their passing game if they want to stop the Illinois defense.
Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of Sportsbook Review
Point Spread: South Florida -14
Over/Under: 51.5
Prediction
South Florida will get have another weak start, and this may cost them. Illinois has a solid young defense, but can they maintain that level of success? South Florida has struggled this season, particularly against Stony Brook, which should have been a rout for the Bulls. They do have the advantage of an extra week off, but I’m not sure it’s going to help.
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Granted, this will be the toughest test yet for the Illini, but I honestly think they are going to be this season’s rags-to-riches story. I’m going to give this one to Illinois.
Final Score: Illinois 31, South Florida 27