The University of South Florida Bulls will open American Conference play against the Army Black Knights with four priorities: taking advantage of every opportunity, showing discipline, making explosive plays and getting the early lead.
South Florida enters its second game of the season at 1-0 after defeating the FIU Panthers 19-9 in the opener. Army also is 1-0 after defeating Bryant University 59-3, rushing for 569 yards in the victory. Army won the American Conference championship in its first season as a conference member in 2024.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, at noon at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y.
Take advantage of every opportunity
South Florida expects limited opportunities against Army, making third-down execution and red-zone production important parts of the matchup. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck said the Bulls must turn their possessions into touchdowns instead of settling for fewer points. The offense will need to remain patient while making its chances count.
“We’ve talked about that a lot,” Beck said. “We’re going to get limited chances, limited touches on the football. We have to make third downs count. We have to score touchdowns in the red zone. Those are things we didn’t do last week (against FIU).”
Show discipline against Army’s offense
Army’s triple-option offense is led by quarterback Cale Hellums. South Florida defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge said the Bulls will need sound fundamentals, tackling, discipline and physical consistency to defend the Black Knights.
“I don’t think there’s a whole lot of scheming (necessary),” Bulls’ defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge said. “It’s really about fundamentals and tackling. It’s old-school … in a good way. That’s what fires me up. It’s more of how you’re going to play with great pad level, understanding angles and footwork and those types of things. We’ve got to take the ball away. A turnover this week is like a turnover times three (on other weeks). A three-and-out is as good as a turnover.”
Aldridge also emphasized the importance of stopping Army’s rushing attack. The Black Knights ran for 569 yards against Bryant, and South Florida will need to maintain its physical approach throughout the game.
“You’ve got to stop the run, obviously. They ran for about six football fields last week (against Bryant),” Aldridge said. “Not only stop the run, but you’ve got to be physical and consistent.”
Make explosive plays
South Florida gained 208 yards against FIU and did not record an explosive play, with a long gain of 14 yards. Michael Van Buren Jr. completed 11 of 18 passes for 100 yards and had no interceptions in the opener.
The Bulls also had four penalties and zero turnovers against FIU. South Florida will look for more production from its offense, including its running backs Jason Collins Jr., D.J. Crowther, Alvon Isaac, Chase Garnett and Tray Kinkle.
“Mike (Van Buren) mastered Game One and mastered the things we asked him to do. Now you can add to it and hope that as he continues to grow – Week Four, Week Five, Week Six – he’s got a lot (to work with),” Beck said.
Get the early lead
South Florida’s fourth key is to establish an early advantage against an Army team that enters the game with a 1-0 record. Beck said the Black Knights are one of the better teams in the conference and do not beat themselves, which will require the Bulls to create their own opportunities.
“They’re one of the better football teams in our conference,” Bulls’ offensive coordinator Tim Beck said. “They play really hard and they don’t beat themselves. You have to go there and you have to beat them. They play with a lot of pride. Those are pretty good characteristics of a good football team.”
South Florida safeties coach Danny Verpaele has familiarity with Army after coaching there during the previous three seasons. Verpaele also previously played for South Florida from 2004 through 2008, giving him experience with both programs.
“They (Army) do what they do and they’re very good at it,” Verpaele said. “They get guys there for four to five years in the system and develop them. No one runs that type of offense anymore. It’s hard to simulate it. They’re pros at what they do.”
Game information
The University of South Florida Bulls are scheduled to play the Army Black Knights at noon Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y. The game will be televised by CBS Sports Network, with Jack Gordon handling play-by-play, Taylor McHargue serving as analyst and Tina Cervasio on the sideline.
Radio coverage will be available through Q105FM/Bulls Unlimited digital. Jim Lighthall will handle play-by-play, with Sam Barrington as analyst and Joey Johnston on the sideline.
Source: Original report