USF Faces Off Against Howard
With a rough start to the season, USF is hoping for a major turnaround this coming week against Howard. Despite the loss to BYU, the Bulls are hoping to put the season opener in the rear-view mirror and get their first win in 2022.
Proving Themselves
Entering week two the Bulls are going to need a huge game against Howard. USF must come out with a chip on their shoulder following their tough loss to BYU. Even though Howard has started the season 0-2 USF must ensure everyone is on the top of their game so they can solidify a win.
For the Bulls, this week is more than just a game. It’s about proving themselves as a team who can bounce back. USF faces off against Howard in a highly anticipated game for the Bulls. USF is hoping to make a statement to not just Howard, but to every other team in the country that they can be resilient.
Defensive Improvements
After an extremely tough week one for the Bull’s defense, changes will be made to be better prepared. USF’s defense against BYU couldn’t catch a break letting up 28 points in the first quarter alone.
Pressuring the QB more will be one of the biggest things for the USF defensive line this week against Howard. Last week against BYU, the Bulls couldn’t get any pressure on Jaren Hall which led him to make great throws from the pocket. Howard QB Quinton Williams is very talented and can make you pay through the air if he’s given enough time in the pocket. USF will have to be quick to penetrate the pocket if they want to stay off the field.
Another big key for the Bulls on defense will be containing the passing game. The Bulls’ secondary had some issues against BYU which they will need to clean up. Howard is a balanced team when it comes to running and throwing the football, but they do have some lethal receivers who are good when they get out in open space. Taking away time and space as well as pressuring Williams will be key for the Bulls’ defense to have a good game.
Offensive tune-ups
The USF offensive dealt with its struggles last week against BYU but had some promising drives in the game. Gerry Bohanon will look to have a better game under center for the Bulls. Getting the ball out in space to guys like Xavier Weaver will be key for USF on offense.
It took Weaver about a quarter to get his first touch, but when he eventually got in rhythm he couldn’t be stopped. The second half proved to be a turning point for the USF offense. The offense was able to generate a lot better looks and move down the field quicker.
For the Bulls’ offense, a prominent factor will be having a better start and getting more in tune with the game earlier. The Bulls were able to get in sync late against BYU, which was a good sign for what’s to come. Spreading the ball out vertically across the field is one thing USF will look to do more of. Weaver will be one receiver to watch in this contest as the Bulls look to shape up better on offense.
Getting Back on Track
Despite a hefty loss to BYU the Bulls are hoping to get back on track versus a struggling Howard squad. For the Bulls, this game means a lot from a season outlook standpoint. USF has a very tough road ahead. Following Howard USF will go on the road to play the Gators in “The Swamp” and then will have to travel up north to play Louisville.
The Bulls will need this as a tune-up game for what’s to come. Losing this game against Howard would be a bad look for the Bulls. Considering the week after Howard USF will have to travel to “The Swamp” which means they need confidence from a game like this.
Easier games like this one against Howard will be key for the Bulls. With how much pressure is on Jeff Scott this season to produce a winning record the Bulls must come away with a win. Most people are afraid that this “new and improved” Bulls team could end up just like the last two Bulls teams which could mean bigger changes might need to be made. Getting back on track with a win this week will put the Bulls in a little better shape for the rest of the non-conference schedule.
