A lot of preseason pundits had South Florida's trip to East Carolina for a Friday night game circled as perhaps pivotal in determining the American Conference championship.
The Pirates were a chic pick to make a major splash after a strong finish in 2025, and the Bulls were loaded with Power 4 transfer players and head coach Brian Hartline, who was the hottest name on the "up and coming" list last season.
Well, reality has set in -- at least for the Pirates. They've been up and down throughout the season, entering the game at 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the conference. They have a 17-9 over Temple, which handed USF its first loss. But East Carolina also lost to UAB, which got drubbed 30-10 last week by the Bulls.
So what gives?
We know this much -- the atmosphere at Dowdy-Ficklin Stadium should be rocking. It's ECU's annual "Night of the Boneyard" event -- the Boneyard being the student section -- and everyone is encouraged to dress in black and go crazy. That should be easier to do that what USF tried something similar last week but got stuck with last week at home with a noon start against the Blazers.
But assuming the Bulls won't be bothered by a few thousand leather-lunged supporters of the home team, the question becomes two-fold: Can USF build on its momentum from last week, and will Luke Kromenhoek get his first start at quarterback? And can the Bulls' defense outscore the opposing offense for the third straight week?
The Bulls scored the last 30 points against UAB after falling behind 10-0. Kromenhoek coming off the bench after starter Michael Van Buren, Jr. was injured in the second quarter combined with a suffocating defense was much more than the Blazers could handle.
Even so, Bulls coach Brian Hartline is wary of the Pirates.
"I think their defense is obviously very sound and convicted. They are very smart and good at understanding plays, and how they fit, and they are very gap sound," he said. "They are well-coached. You can tell they easily anticipate what's coming. They are tough."
ECU coach Blake Harrell returned the flattery.
"They scored 14 points last week defensively in that game (against UAB). They scored 30 points total. So two of the three touchdowns were on defense, and they continue to be solid on that side of the ball and they got some guys up front, two edge rushers, who can really get after you," Harrell said.
"The big thing for us offensively is staying on schedule, keep them out of pass rush situations where those guys can pin their ears back and go because they certainly can."
How to watch USF at East Carolina
Date: Friday, November 6, at Dowdy-Ficklin Stadium in Greenville, N.C.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
How to watch: TV: ESPN2 Play-by-Play: Jason Ross Jr.; Analyst: Tyoka Jackson
How to listen: Q105 FM & Tune-In Digital Radio – Bulls Unlimited. Play by play: Jim Lighthall. Analyst: Sam Barrington. Sideline: Joey Johnson. Pregame Show (1 hour prior to kick): Darek Sharp, Rock Riley and Joey Johnson
What are the betting odds for UAB at USF?
FanDuel Sportsbook favors East Carolina by 2.5 points, although odds can change up until kickoff. The ESPN matchup predictor gives USF a 47.3 percent chance of winning.
Series between UAB and USF
The Bulls lead the series 9-4 but the Pirates have won the last three. The teams haven't played since 2022.
What's the weather forecast for this game?
Temperatures in mid-60s at kickoff with clear skies
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