Miami remained undefeated after beating Ball State last Saturday, 62-0. This Saturday, the Canes hit the road to take on South Florida at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Miami (0-0, 3-0 ACC) goes into this game a 16.5 point favorite. That’s considerably less than last week. Many feel this game will be solid test Miami. The Bulls are a solid and well coached team.
With that said, let’s take a sneak peak at the Bulls (0-0, 2-1 AAC).
STRENGTH: Running Attack
USF’s offense averages 37.7 points per game (8th). The Bulls play a very up-tempo style of offense so the Canes must adjust quickly. The Bulls features a solid running attack led by QB Byron Brown. A true dual-threat quarterback, Brown leads all Bulls rushers with 268.7 yards (5.5 YPC) in three games. As a team, USF averages 424.7 yards per game. The Bulls’ running game has amassed 806 yards (5.7 YPC). Brown has also thrown for 448 yards (56.0%) for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Bulls go three deep at running back with Kelly Joiner, Nay’Quan Wright and Ta’Ron Keith sharing the load.
STRENGTH: Physicality
Miami will probably not play a more physical team than South Florida. On both sides of the ball. The Canes will have to meet this challenge and exceed the Bulls in this critical phase of the game. It’s going to be a major trench battle.
WEAKNESS: Secondary
On defense, USF is giving up 23.0 points a game (79th). The Bulls’ have given up 350.0 yards per game, with the pass defense giving up 237.7 yards per game, USF’s rushing defense is giving up only 112.3 yards per game. With Miami’s potent air attack, Cam Ward could take advantage here.
BOTTOM LINE:
If Miami can control Byron Brown and USF’s running attack, Cam Ward and company should be able to take advantage of the Bulls’ questionable secondary. But the Bulls have played tough, taking Alabama into the fourth quarter earlier this season before yielding the game.
GO CANES!
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