USF to Host 20th ranked Houston Cougars tonight

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University Of South Florida Pre-game vs 20th Ranked Houston ( Photo Credit : Cliff McAfee Jr -UMT Sports )

      The University of South Florida Looking to upset Houston for Homecoming 

Tonight in Tampa, Florida the University of South Florida is looking to bounce back against the 20th ranked Houston Cougars (7-1) after a second half melt down last week at Eastern Carolina. According to Head Coach Jeff Scott, the melt down was due to the “lack of execution.”

 

The Bulls went zero for seven on third downs, and when asked about the conversions Scott said, “Just didn’t hit the plays on first and second downs. Quarterback Katravis Marsh was 15 of 30 for only 192 yards. His longest completion was 33 yards, to wide receiver Xavier Weaver.

There is a lot of excitement on USF’s campus for homecoming week, as the Houston Cougars, come into Raymond James Stadium with a record of 7-1 and a 5-game win streak. The

Cougars average 37 points a game and the Bulls are giving up 31.9 points this season. The key match up to watch Wide Receiver Nathaniel Dell, who put up 165 yards on 9 catches and 3 touchdowns for the Cougars against SMU. The Bulls will have their hands full on defense with Quarterback Clayton Tune, who threw the three touchdowns to Dell last week. Tune threw for 412 yards in the win and the Bull’s give up 466.1 to the opposing offense.

The secondary and the pass rush will be key for the Bull’s defense, meanwhile  offense needs to play clean football in order for the green and gold to pull of the upset. It

The USF backfield has been key over the past two games rushing for over 620 yards. Jaren Mangham has led the way, verses conference opponents the Junior is averaging 5.1 yards per a carry and has 13 touchdowns. Another complimentary component of the Bulls Ground attack is Junior Kelley Joiner, who rushed for 126 yards against Temple and 103 against ECU. In order for the Bulls to set up the passing game, they MUST get these Mangham and Joiner involved early. But the defense and offense must be fundamentally sound, to secure a win. As Head Coach Jeff Scott said, “have to execute better have to make the tackles.”

The Houston Cougars blew out the Bulls 56-12 last season. They also, have a five-game winning streak verses the USF Bulls, in the series. The Bulls and the Stampede are looking for an upset and to knock off a Top 25 opponent something that they have not done since 2015, when they beat Navy who was ranked #22 and #16 Notre Dame in (2011). Expect everyone from Tampa and Saint Petersburg to be at the game. You can also anticipate the student section known as the “Stampede” to be extremely loud.

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