Photo Credit: NC Football News
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The South Florida Bulls will travel to Greenville, North Carolina, for an important American Conference showdown against East Carolina. Both teams enter Friday night’s matchup looking to strengthen their conference standing. USF enters the contest with a 6-2 overall record and a 2-2 conference mark. Meanwhile, East Carolina sits at 4-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play. The Bulls have won two consecutive games, including a 30-10 victory over UAB on Halloween. East Carolina also enters with momentum following a 17-9 victory over Temple. Friday’s contest kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. ESPN2 will carry the game nationally.
South Florida vs. East Carolina
Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium • Greenville, NC
USF Looks to Keep Its Momentum Rolling
First-year head coach Brian Hartline has guided the Bulls to six victories through their first eight games. However, their offense continues searching for consistency. USF averages 27 points and approximately 318 offensive yards per game. Meanwhile, its defense allows just 14.5 points per contest. That defensive production ranks among the nation’s best and gives USF an advantage entering Friday’s matchup. The Bulls demonstrated their defensive strength against UAB, holding the Blazers to just 10 points. However, the offense struggled to establish consistent production through the passing game. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. remains an important player for Hartline’s offense.
Van Buren has thrown for 1,299 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. However, his availability remains a concern entering the East Carolina matchup. Reports entering the week list Van Buren as questionable. Consequently, Luke Kromenhoek could play another significant role if Van Buren cannot start. Against UAB, Kromenhoek completed seven of ten passes for 39 yards. However, he also rushed for 92 yards on 15 carries. His mobility could provide USF with another offensive weapon against the Pirates.
Key Players for the USF Bulls
Running back D.J. Crowther remains one of the most important players in USF’s offensive attack. Crowther leads the Bulls with 578 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. His ability to establish the running game could determine whether USF controls the offensive tempo. Meanwhile, wide receiver Bryson Rodgers leads the team with 33 receptions for 345 yards and two touchdowns. Rodgers must create opportunities against an East Carolina defense that limits passing production. Joshua Porter and Cameron Seldon could also provide valuable contributions in the receiving game.
Defensively, Ayden Jackson leads USF with 42 tackles. His ability to recognize offensive formations and make tackles could prove especially important against East Carolina’s rushing attack. Michael Williams II also provides a pass-rushing presence for the Bulls. His ability to pressure the quarterback could disrupt East Carolina’s offensive rhythm. USF must also continue protecting the football. The Bulls enter Friday with a plus-six turnover margin, among the nation’s strongest marks.
East Carolina Looks to Protect Its Home Field
East Carolina head coach Blake Harrell understands the importance of winning conference games during November. His Pirates enter Friday seeking their fifth victory and a stronger position in the American standings. The Pirates average 24 points and approximately 351 offensive yards per game. Their rushing attack produces 164 yards per contest. However, East Carolina has struggled with offensive consistency, particularly on third downs. The Pirates convert just 31.3 percent of their third-down opportunities. That weakness could become a significant problem against USF’s defense. Quarterback Mitch Griffis has thrown for 753 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 130 yards against Temple. However, the Pirates secured that victory through their defense and rushing attack. East Carolina allows approximately 24 points per game. The Pirates must improve that performance against a USF team capable of capitalizing on defensive mistakes.
Key Players for the East Carolina Pirates
Running back TJ Engleman Jr. represents East Carolina’s biggest offensive threat. Engleman has rushed for 689 yards and five touchdowns this season. Against Temple, he recorded 107 rushing yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. His ability to gain yards between the tackles could create problems for USF’s defensive front. Meanwhile, wide receiver Ray Ray Joseph leads East Carolina with 33 receptions, 303 yards, and three touchdowns. Landon Sides also deserves attention following his recent improvement. Sides caught seven passes for 58 yards against Temple. Previously, he recorded seven receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown against Memphis. Defensively, linebacker DJ Johnson Jr. leads the Pirates with 56 tackles. He will play an important role in limiting Crowther and USF’s rushing attack. The Pirates also need pressure from their defensive front. Forcing USF into difficult third-down situations could help East Carolina control the game.
How USF Can Beat East Carolina
The Bulls must establish their running game early and avoid becoming predictable offensively. Crowther should receive consistent opportunities, especially against an East Carolina defense allowing approximately 140 rushing yards per game. Additionally, USF must create manageable third-down situations. Long-yardage situations could allow East Carolina to pressure whichever quarterback starts. Hartline should also utilize Kromenhoek’s mobility if he receives significant playing time. Defensively, USF must contain Engleman and force Griffis to make difficult throws. The Pirates cannot afford turnovers against a defense that consistently creates problems. The Bulls should also attack East Carolina’s red zone struggles. The Pirates score on just 76.7 percent of their red-zone opportunities. Finally, USF must maintain its discipline. The Bulls average just 37 penalty yards per game, giving them an important advantage. Avoiding unnecessary penalties and protecting possession could help USF secure another conference victory.
How East Carolina Can Beat USF
East Carolina must control the line of scrimmage and establish Engleman early. The Pirates cannot allow USF’s defensive front to dictate the entire game. Consequently, their offensive line must create rushing lanes and protect Griffis. Harrell should also utilize short passes to keep USF’s defense from attacking aggressively. Joseph and Sides could provide opportunities through quick routes and underneath coverage. However, the Pirates must avoid costly turnovers. East Carolina enters the matchup with a minus-two turnover margin. That number becomes especially concerning against USF’s opportunistic defense.
Defensively, East Carolina must prevent Crowther from consistently reaching the second level. The Pirates should force USF into passing situations and challenge its quarterbacks. Additionally, East Carolina must improve its third-down efficiency. Extended drives could keep USF’s defense on the field and create scoring opportunities. Finally, the Pirates must take advantage of their home crowd. A strong start could create pressure on the visiting Bulls.
Previous Meetings Favor East Carolina
Recent history gives East Carolina an advantage entering Friday’s contest. The Pirates defeated USF 48-28 during their most recent meeting in 2022. East Carolina also earned a 29-14 victory in Greenville during the 2021 season. Additionally, the Pirates defeated USF 44-24 in Tampa during the 2020 season. However, USF previously defeated East Carolina 45-20 in Greenville during the 2019 campaign. The Bulls also secured a 20-13 victory over the Pirates in 2018. Those previous matchups demonstrate how competitive this conference series can become. However, both programs feature different coaching staffs and personnel entering Friday’s contest.
Final Prediction: USF Wins a Close Battle
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE
USF Bulls 27
East Carolina Pirates 20
USF enters this matchup with the stronger defense and a slight statistical advantage. However, East Carolina’s home-field advantage could make this contest extremely competitive. The Bulls must avoid the offensive mistakes that have limited their production throughout the season. Meanwhile, the Pirates need a strong performance from Engleman to keep their offense moving. Ultimately, USF’s defense could become the deciding factor. If the Bulls contain East Carolina’s rushing attack, they should force Griffis into difficult passing situations. Furthermore, Crowther’s rushing ability could help USF control possession during the second half. Expect East Carolina to challenge the Bulls throughout the evening.
However, USF’s defensive consistency should provide enough opportunities to secure another victory. A win would move the Bulls to 7-2 and improve their American Conference record to 3-2. More importantly, it would give Hartline’s team valuable momentum heading into its November 12 matchup against Memphis. For USF, Friday presents another opportunity to demonstrate its progress under Hartline. For East Carolina, the matchup offers a chance to protect its home field and improve its conference standing. Both programs have plenty to play for as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida 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 host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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