USF Football: Way-too-early 2021 game-by-game predictions

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 07: Donald Clay #21 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs reacts after a fourth down stop against the Temple Owls in the fourth quarter quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 5, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Southern Methodist Mustangs defeated the Temple Owls 47-23. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

5. SMU (L)

It appears that South Florida’s entrance into their conference schedule will not be gentle. Instead, it will be about as rough as expected.

Southern Methodist will be at home when they face the Bulls, and the Mustangs being 17-6 in their last two seasons is also worth mentioning. Ugly loss for USF to open the bulk of their year. And unfortunately, it’s merely a warning of what’s still to come.

Record: 1-4, 0-1 AAC

6. Tulsa (L)

One of the Bulls’ more competitive defeats will come at the hands of Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane can play decent, but are a tad inconsistent over time. The game will be at USF, and South Florida will be coming off of a bye week. However, Tulsa still pulls it out, likely by a margin of around two or three scores.

Record: 1-5, 0-2

7. Temple (L)

The Owls have proven that they, too, can suck at football. In 2020, Temple ripped off a 1-6 record. But that sole win? It was against South Florida.

USF has lost their last three meetings to Temple, all in relatively close battles (none have been decided by more than ten points). The game is in Raymond James Stadium, making the game even more contested, but Temple holds on by single digits.

Record: 1-6, 0-3

8. East Carolina (L)

East Carolina decimated the Bulls last year, but the exact opposite occurred the year before that. The Pirates have looked better as of late, and will be at home for this game. With all of that said, East Carolina should take the dub here, but they won’t make it too exciting.

Record: 1-7, 0-4

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