The University of South Florida Bulls will take a 6-2 record into Friday night’s American Conference road game at ECU, with both teams entering at 2-2 in league play. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C., and ESPN2 will carry the game. The matchup features two defenses ranked among the nation’s top 50 in total defense.
ECU enters at 4-4 overall and has allowed 336.4 yards per game, ranking 48th nationally in total defense. ECU defeated Temple 17-9 in its previous game after allowing 249 total yards and recording three second-half interceptions. South Florida ranks 24th nationally in total defense, allowing 306.6 yards per game.
Quarterback decision remains unsettled
South Florida enters the game seeking more offensive production after scoring three offensive touchdowns across its previous two victories. Starting quarterback Michael Van Buren was injured during the second quarter of South Florida’s 30-10 home victory over UAB, and Luke Kromenhoek replaced him. Kromenhoek rushed for 92 yards in the game, including runs of 42 and 25 yards.
Head coach Brian Hartline did not specify who would start at quarterback against ECU. Asked about South Florida’s outlook at the position, Hartline said, “We’ll have one,” and deferred the availability question to the official American Conference injury report. The report was scheduled for release a few hours before kickoff.
South Florida’s passing game produced 46 yards against UAB, giving the Bulls a clear area for improvement. Hartline said the offense needs to improve in every facet of the passing game. “I think we’ve got to protect better. We have to throw and catch better,” Hartline said, also emphasizing the need to throw the ball away, avoid sacks and limit tackles for loss.
Defense provides South Florida’s foundation
South Florida’s defense has supplied the team’s strongest recent production. The Bulls recorded three defensive touchdowns across their previous two games while allowing 10 offensive points, an average of 202 total yards and an average of 80 total rushing yards during that span. The unit will face an ECU offense supported by a defense that recently created three turnovers in the second half against Temple.
South Florida has allowed 116 total points through eight games, an average of 14.5 points per game. The source identifies that eight-game total as the lowest in program history. Hartline described the defense as the team’s current identity, while offensive tackle Michael Wooten said the unit has helped reduce pressure on the offense.
“The defense has been awesome,” Hartline said. “You win championships with defensive play. The (great) teams I’ve been a part of, it’s all based on the defense. They’re hungry … and that (defense) is definitely our M.O. right now for sure.” Wooten said South Florida must clean up its offensive execution while taking advantage of the support provided by the defense. “It’s honestly amazing to have a defense like that,” Wooten said. “Honestly, it’s a blessing.”
South Florida focused on the road matchup
South Florida and ECU each enter with two American Conference defeats, placing added importance on Friday’s game. Wooten said the Bulls are in position to accomplish significant goals, while safety Tavin Ward emphasized taking the season one game at a time. “Where we are now … we (think we) control our destiny,” Ward said.
Ward added that South Florida cannot look too far ahead and lose sight of the current opponent. The Bulls are scheduled to play Memphis in an ESPN Thursday night showcase game Nov. 12 at Raymond James Stadium. Before that matchup, South Florida must handle its road game at ECU.
FSB Take
South Florida’s defensive numbers give the Bulls a dependable foundation for the trip to ECU. The most immediate challenge is pairing that production with a more efficient passing game after the Bulls produced 46 passing yards against UAB. The quarterback decision and South Florida’s ability to protect, throw and catch effectively will shape how well the offense complements a defense that has allowed 10 offensive points across the past two games.
Source: Original report