The USF Bulls are gearing up for a crucial match against the UAB Blazers this Saturday, November 22, at 3:00 PM at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite a tough 41-38 loss to Navy last week, the Bulls (7-3, 4-2 American) remain optimistic about seizing the opportunity for a strong finish to the season. Head coach Alex Golesh acknowledged the disappointment from the Navy game but emphasized the importance of moving forward, preparing diligently, and making the most of the remaining games.
The Bulls face an interim UAB squad (3-7, 1-5), which recently experienced a coaching change and initially thrived with an upset over Memphis following the dismissal of former head coach Trent Dilfer. However, the Blazers have since faltered, losing three consecutive games. This presents an opportunity for the Bulls to gain momentum as they aim for victory in the final two games of the regular season and a potential bowl game.
To secure the win against UAB, the Bulls need to focus on several key strategies. First and foremost is the need to finish strong both in terms of the season and individual drives on the field. Coaches and players acknowledge the importance of moving past previous disappointments and putting forward their best effort in what they hope will be their most complete game of the season.
Defensively, the Bulls will need to apply pressure on UAB quarterback Jalen Kitna, who has shown he can effectively move the ball but also has made mistakes, evidenced by UAB’s turnover struggles. With a solid game plan that includes aggressive defensive tactics, USF aims to exploit UAB’s weaknesses which have resulted in a high number of turnovers.
On the offensive side, the Bulls are poised to lean heavily on their running game, taking advantage of UAB’s struggles defending the run. The Bulls have achieved impressive rushing yardage in recent games and will look to continue that success by capitalizing on the Blazers’ vulnerabilities, as seen in North Texas’s recent performance against them.
Quarterback Byrum Brown has been a standout performer this season, on track to join an elite group of players with both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. His ability to both run and pass efficiently has been critical for the Bulls, and they will rely on him to continue driving the offense forward against UAB.
As the USF Bulls prepare for this pivotal matchup, there is a sense of resilience and determination among the players and coaching staff to finish the season strong and reclaim their confidence on the field. The hope is that this game will not only serve as a reset after a difficult loss but also act as a springboard for the challenges ahead.