USF football: 3 bold predictions for AAC opener vs. Temple

2. D’Ernest Johson will reach 200 total yards against Temple defense

Losing Marlon Mack was never going to be easy for any team. Even Power Five schools would have a hard time replacing such consistent production from its tailback. But D’Ernest Johnson is slowly emerging as one of the nation’s most versatile running backs. Against Temple, he will break out in the national spotlight as he explodes for 200 total yards on Thursday night.

Though Johnson is sharing time in the backfield with fellow senior Darius Tice, he is going to force Charlie Strong to keep feeding him the ball against the Owls. A threat both as a runner and as a receiver, Johnson will keep Temple’s defense on its heels. Johnson will finish with over 100 rushing yards for his second straight game, as he puts up over 125 yards on the ground against Temple. But he will also catch three passes for 50-plus yards, pushing near 200 yards just on offense.

Johnson will break that barrier thanks to a long kickoff return. In the end, Johnson will score at least two different ways against the Owls in weekday #MACtion. He will play a critical role moving the chains, and he will also provide a valuable safety valve to get Quinton Flowers out of at least one jam.