USF football fans have understandably spent much time looking at the Bulls' first three games in the upcoming season with more than a modicum of concern.
After all, playing Boise State, Florida, and Miami right out of the chute is a schedule straight out of a Frankenstein lab. That’s especially true when the latter two games are on the road.
However, fear not. Here at Green, Gold, and Bold, we offer you a drink from the glass half full. Even without tomato cans Temple and Tulsa on the schedule, here are three games where the Bulls should get a respite after that opening gauntlet.
To wit:
September 20, South Carolina State: That’s not to imply this is the scheduling equivalent of an open date. The Bulldogs went 9-3 last season and won the MEAC under first-year head coach Chennis Berry.
After losing two of their first three to start the season, SCS ran off eight consecutive wins before losing to Jackson State 28-7 in the Cricket Bowl.
However, let’s be honest, this game is where the Bulls leave the field feeling good about themselves as they prepare to open the American Athletic Conference schedule after an open date on October 3.
Speaking of feeling good…
October 3, Charlotte: The AAC opener is made to order for the Bulls. They put up 59 points at Charlotte last year and got 49ers coach Biff Poggi fired in the process. That was after scoring 48 on the 49ers the season before.
Charlotte turned to now-former Ohio U. head coach Tim Albin to turn its fortunes around. Albin did a fine job with the Bobcats, and it might not be long before he wishes he were back there.
On3.com ranked Charlotte’s 2025 recruiting class 14th in the AAC. That’s out of 14 teams, by the way.
This is one where the good times should roll for USF.
And the fun won’t be over yet, because …
October 18, Florida Atlantic. If you can’t a team when they’re done, when can you kick ‘em?
The jittery sorts among Bulls Nation will remember what happened two years ago when USF hosted the Owls on Homecoming.
USF suffered an embarrassing beatdown, which was made worse when FAU coach Tom Herman ordered an onside kick halfway through the fourth quarter with his team already leading 56-14.
The Bulls got their revenge last year, also on FAU’s Homecoming, with a 44-21 win on ESPN2. Bulls coach Alex Golesh made national headlines with his non-handshake with Herman after the game, but Herman isn’t around this year to seek retribution.
Former Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley is the new head Owl, and he does have a track record of producing high-powered offenses.
However, like Charlotte, Florida Atlantic needs a major overhaul.
Looking at the schedule, you could argue that UAB would be a lesser challenge than Florida Atlantic. However, with UCF high-tailing to the Big 12, this is as close to a rivalry game as the Bulls have.
They’ll be ready.