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For the first time in a long time, the USF Bulls enter a game following a loss. Two weeks ago, they fell to conference rival Memphis Tigers. After a crucial bye week, USF faces four games remaining in the regular season (two home, two road).
The Stakes: Playoff Hopes on the Line
- USF’s Path: If the Bulls win their final four games and make the American Athletic Conference Championship, they have a legitimate shot at a College Football Playoff appearance—a program first.
- The Memphis Loss: USF controlled that game but let the Tigers rally back. The game ended agonizingly when kicker Nico Gramatica missed a potential game-winning field goal wide left. This was a massive win for Memphis, putting them back in the driver’s seat in the AAC race.
UTSA: Coming Off a Major Upset
The UTSA Roadrunners arrive at Raymond James Stadium fresh off a significant victory, having defeated the Tulane Green Wave.
- UTSA’s Remaining Schedule: They also have four games left (two road, two home). Their road game following USF is against the disappointing Charlotte 49ers, followed by home games against East Carolina and Army.
- Bowl Eligibility: If UTSA wins two of their final four, they secure bowl eligibility.
- Tough Loss: Their only previous loss was to the North Texas Mean Green, who currently hold the distinction of being the only team to beat North Texas.
- Keys to Victory: UTSA showcased offensive firepower against Tulane, racking up over 500 yards of total offense while forcing four turnovers—a tactic they will undoubtedly attempt to replicate against USF.
USF’s Season Snapshot
The Bulls are having a banner year, already bowl eligible for the first time in program history. They control their own destiny to reach a conference title game.
- Previous Setbacks: Aside from the Memphis loss, USF’s only other defeat came against the Miami Hurricanes earlier in the season.
- Defensive Note: In the Memphis game, USF failed to generate a single turnover—the first time that happened since their season opener. They need to return to the defensive aggression that fueled their first eight wins.
- Offensive Balance: The offense has been balanced all season, and special teams have contributed reliably. Expect the Bulls to play with an edge following the tough second loss.
Game Information
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM at Raymond James Stadium
- Television: Nationally televised on ESPN
This contest is critical for both sides: A USF win keeps their conference championship and CFP dreams alive. A Roadrunners victory locks them into bowl contention and spoils the Bulls’ momentum. This high-stakes clash between two capable offenses promises an entertaining matchup.
Can the USF Bulls bounce back after their loss to the Memphis Tigers? Leave a comment below.
For all your college football news, log on to ngscsports.com
For more, follow me on social media on Facebook: Bradley Walker, on X: bradwalker3083, on YouTube: The Walker Report, and my two weekly sports podcasts, the P&W Sports Report and The Walker Report.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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