South Florida Football Aims for Perfect Home Season in High-Stakes Rice Showdown

The University of South Florida Bulls football team plays its final home game of the season tonight. They face the Rice Owls in a crucial American Athletic Conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM EST at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

This game carries massive playoff implications for both teams. USF looks to complete an undefeated home schedule and bolster its postseason resume.

Playoff Dreams and Bowl Hopes on the Line

South Florida enters the game ranked 24th nationally with an 8-3 record. Their 5-2 conference record keeps them in the hunt for a top bowl game. A victory is essential to maintain their position in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Rice arrives with a 5-6 record, needing one more win to become bowl-eligible. Their 2-5 AAC record makes this a must-win game for their postseason aspirations. The Owls’ unique offensive scheme presents a significant challenge for the Bulls’ defense.

Byrum Brown’s Historic Season and Rice’s Ground Attack

USF’s success hinges on quarterback Byrum Brown, who leads the nation in total offense. He averages 344 yards per game between his passing and rushing contributions. Brown needs just 213 combined yards to reach a rare 3,000-passing and 1,000-rushing yard season.

Rice counters with their distinctive “gun triple option” offense under first-year coach Scott Abell. Running back Quinton Jackson leads the Owls’ ground game with 808 rushing yards. Their system prioritizes ball control and misdirection over traditional passing attacks.

The Bulls’ defense must maintain discipline against Rice’s option looks. Linebackers Ty Morris and Andrew Awe will be crucial in containing Jackson. Their ability to read keys and fill gaps will determine the game’s outcome.

Revenge Narrative Fuels Bulls’ Motivation

Last season’s 35-28 loss to Rice remains fresh for USF players and coaches. The Owls built a commanding 35-14 lead late in that contest. According to reports from ESPN, head coach Alex Golesh has used that memory as motivation throughout this week’s practices.

Completing a perfect home season would mark a significant program milestone. USF last achieved an undefeated home campaign in 2002. A ninth win would also represent the program’s highest victory total since 2017.

Tonight’s South Florida football game represents more than just another regular season contest. It offers a chance at perfection, revenge, and postseason security. The Bulls must contain Rice’s unconventional offense to secure their perfect home record and strengthen their playoff positioning.

Info at your fingertips

What channel is the USF vs. Rice game on?

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Coverage begins at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Viewers need a subscription to the streaming service to watch.

What are the stakes for South Florida?

USF can complete an undefeated home season for the first time since 2002. They also need a win to maintain their position in the College Football Playoff rankings and secure a better bowl game.

What is Rice’s “gun triple option” offense?

It’s a unique system that uses shotgun formations to run triple-option plays. The scheme emphasizes rushing and misdirection over traditional passing, helping Rice rank 13th nationally in rushing yards.

What milestone is Byrum Brown approaching?

The USF quarterback needs 213 combined yards to reach 3,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards this season. This would make him only the 12th FBS player ever to achieve this statistical milestone.

What is Rice’s record and what do they need?

Rice enters with a 5-6 overall record. They must win this game to achieve the six victories required for bowl eligibility this season.