Here's three things USF needs to do in tonight's game at Florida Atlantic

USF took full advantage of in its last game by what analytics say is a decidedly weaker second-half schedule.

After playing a schedule rated the 8th-toughest opening six-game stretch in the country, the numbers say the Bulls’ final six games of the regular season are the 126th toughest slate.

In other words, the second half should be much easier to navigate after getting face-planted by Alabama, Miami, Tulane, and Memphis.

That rang true in a 35-25 win over UAB to start the second half, although the Bulls sputtered through the first 30 minutes before outscoring the Blazers 28-10 in the second half.

They’ll try to build on the good vibes from that game when they face semi-rival Florida Atlantic tonight at 7:30 on ESPN2. The American Athletic Conference has tried to hype this by calling it The Sunshine State Showdown. Maybe these two schools share the same state, but -- put it this way -- the game still is no War On I-4.

Still, it's a conference game and one USF desperately needs to win.

Anish Shroff will provide the play-by-play, joined in the booth by analyst Andre Ward. Paul Carcaterra is the sideline reporter.

If the Bulls are to improve their overall record to 4-4, and 2-2 in the AAC, here are three things that need to go their way.

CONTINUE TO BE A BAND ON THE RUN. USF coach Alex Golesh had to be pleased to see the ground game operate at a high clip against the Blazers, particularly in the second half. They lit up UAB for 131 yards over the final 30 minutes.

That was a welcome sight after combining for just 112 rushing yards in their previous three games.

FAU ranks 121st in rush defense, allowing 200.7 yards per game.

Bulls running back Kelley Joiner is coming off a 94-yard effort against UAB and will no doubt figure heavily in the game plan against the Owls.

PLAY WITH A CHIP ON THEIR SHOULDER. FAU demolished the Bulls last season 56-14 on Homecoming at Raymond James Stadium. It was one of only four wins for the Owls, and it gave the Bulls a lovely parting gift by successfully executing an onside kick late in the game.

It was one of just four wins last season for the Owls. Maybe it was karma, but they lost five of their last six games after beating USF.

The AAC has tried to build this up as a rivalry game, but it still lacks the venom of the War On I-4 between the Bulls and UCF. Although USF’s players and coaches weren’t chirping too much this week, you could tell last year’s game left a mark that wasn’t fully healed.

CARPE PASS-UM. Yes, the Bulls need to run first, but assuming that strategy works, their quarterback should get some home-run chances through the air.

Golesh hasn’t revealed his starting quarterback, but if Bryce Archie gets the shoulder tap for the third straight game, he has shown more touch on the deep throws than injured incumbent Byrum Brown.

Golesh said Brown has been practicing and has made good progress since a lower left leg injury on September 28 at Tulane.

He added, however, that since much of Brown’s game depends on his ability to run, it wouldn’t be fair to put him out there until he’s fully recovered.

Archie had a 67-yard TD pass to Keshaun Singleton against UAB, one of his two scoring passes, and finished 17-for-31 for 201 yards.

His offensive needs to make sure there’s no repeat of the three sacks Archie against the Blazers. If they can keep him upright and the running game is working, it should open the passing attack.