I have been thinking a lot about this USF team since the last game two weeks ago.  And I think there are two themes to focus on for the Bulls:

BIG WEEKEND FOR USF FOOTBALL

USF has been on the offensive all season long. The Bulls have a top-10 offense in the nation averaging 510 yards per game (2nd in the American behind Navy). USF’s defense has also been on the offensive, being the 15th best defense in the nation and is the top defense in the American (only conference team allowing less than 300 yards per game).  USF leads the nation with 14 interceptions.

USF’s opponent on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium is Cincinnati. The Bearcats have the worst offense in the conference as they average only 331.3 yards per game. They have also scored the 4th fewest points in the American (137).

So, how is this game, which has the Bulls favored by 24.5 points (according to OddsShark.com) such a big one? There are a couple reasons.

1. Because USF is coming off a bye and now their season takes a turn toward the finish line.  The Bulls will play four consecutive Saturdays before their third bye of the season during the week of November 6th.  They will have two more regular season games following that weekend of November 4th up in Connecticut (rescheduled from 9/9 due to Hurricane Irma).  Those two games are vs. Tulsa (11/16) and then at UCF the Friday following Thanksgiving (11/24).

2. It is a chance to show that USF’s offense has expanded the playbook. I see the numbers above and I know the Bulls are scoring all of these points. But it was just two games ago against Temple when fans were upset with the offense in spite of a 43-7 win.  I want to see Quinton Flowers keep on being Quinton Flowers.  He had three total touchdowns against ECU.  D’Ernest Johnson and Darius Tice are pacing this offense right now with both payers taking turns in the spotlight and have combined for 11 rushing touchdowns.

3.This is a dress rehearsal for the future. Cincinnati should not be a loss. It should be a dominating win. Try 55-10. But this is not about this game, it’s about going on the road next week to a tricky Tulane team that only lost to Navy (AT NAVY!) by two points in a lowing scoring affair (23-21). Tulane gets to tune up with a game against FIU. The Golden Panthers got the ever-loving kicked out of them against UCF earlier this season, but are now 3-2 under Butch Davis. So, Tulane will be ready to try and knock off USF. The following week is home to Houston. It’s not the same team as last season but Houston is a damn good team and USF will need to be hitting on all cylinders.  Another part of USF will need to come through, and this leads to PART II.

FAN SUPPORT TAKES CENTER STAGE

Look, I am not here to bring up that awful “A” word that no USF fans wants to keep addressing over and over again (hint – it’s the word used for all the fans in the stands ).  I do not want to rehash the countless Twitter debates I have had with a number USF fans over getting people to show up to watch a top 25 team.

Here is the thing: USF is the 18th best team in the nation. They will be ranked higher on Sunday at 2 p.m. when the new AP Poll debuts (PERSONAL NOTE: I do not care where the Coaches put USF. I only care about the AP. I will report both, but know I only care about the AP).

If USF gets through Houston unscathed then you can BOOK IT that this team is headed to Orlando in late November undefeated.

But they need the support and they need to know the fans care. USF marketing and athletics have done a remarkable job pushing for alums to come back for Homecoming this Saturday. I expect a nice crowd for the Bulls. If USF feels that support they will play even better and win even bigger and with more ease.

REMEMBER one of the arguments I have heard from fans is “We need better opponents!” Well, this homecoming game was supposed to be UMass. Now, it’s Cincinnati. That’s a better game and has actual meaning for the conference and USF’s season.

Okay, time for some predictions.

ATTENDANCE PREDICTION: 35,000 (Announced); 29,500 (Actual)

SCORE: USF 55, Cincinnati 10.