There is no doubt that the go-go-go offense USF has employed since Alex Golesh arrived in 2023 produces points.
The Bulls averaged 32.2 points per game last season and 31.9 per game the year before that. Last year’s total was achieved with starting quarterback Byrum Brown sidelined for most of the season.
When it works, the Bulls’ offense is quick-strike and can take a toll on opposing defenses. The blistering pace at which the Bulls play can have drawbacks, however.
USF’s average time of possession last season was 25.07 minutes per game, about 10 minutes less than its opponents and about three minutes less than in 2023.
According to Team Rankings, that stat ranked 133rd out of 134 FBS teams.
That also means the Bulls’ defense was on the field 10 minutes more than their opponents.
However, don’t expect USF to change its approach.
“The biggest emphasis in terms of offensive football is points-per-possession. I would tell you, points per possession weren't where they needed to be. The higher the points per possession, the better you are, because you score more points,” Golesh said.
“I would agree with you that the less the defense is out on the field, the fresher they are. But points per possession is what we're essentially chasing.”
What does that mean for the upcoming season?
Well, even a modest improvement in possession time – say, back at 2023 levels – could have a positive impact. That’s because USF’s defense should be much deeper than in Golesh’s first two seasons.
The offensive line is also much deeper, which should lead to more productive possessions.
While all-time leading receiver Sean Atkins is gone, the overall receiver room looks deeper. And while the Bulls lost their top three running backs from 2024, they have an interesting mix of power and speed that should help them keep the ball longer and sustain drives.
“We're chasing extra possessions, and then points per possession, and that's ultimately how you score more points,” Golesh said.
“So creating turnovers on defense, creating negatives on defense, creating extra possessions, creating turnovers on special teams, creating extra possessions, and then being able to sustain drives to score more points.”