USF’s Top Five Most Interesting Matchups Entering 2022 Season
As we approach the midway point of the offseason, questions are raised about which games hold the most value or which games are the most looked at for this coming season? These interesting matchups all share something in common, which is they all can impact the season somewhat harshly. With two tough seasons in the rearview, every game has a purpose, but what stands out about each game is a way different conversation.
#5 USF vs UH
To start it off, we have the Bulls on the road against a strong Houston team. With this game coming midway through the season it’ll be interesting to see how many adjustments the Bulls will have made by this time. The cougars are an extremely talented team but can be exploited as USF showed this past season. Brian Battie had two kickoff returns in the high-scoring loss for the Bulls.
This will also be USF’s third or fourth road test so something else to keep in mind is how they adapt to different environments. Houston will have home field this year since the two met last year at Raymond James. Depending on how the Bulls adapt to change this is yet another game that could come down to a couple of possessions.
#4 USF vs UC
Two weeks after Louisville, the Bulls will go back on the road to play Cincinnati. The Bulls and the Bearcats always have good matchups against each other. Even after their recent uprising this past season, the Bearcats and the Bulls played a decently close game ending with a 45-28 win for Cincy.
Furthermore, Cincinnati also just lost a ton of great players to the NFL draft including Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Desmond Ridder. With the loss of those two prominent players the tables could easily be turned now. Cincinnati vs USF will be a must-watch for people who love to see close ones. This game could quite literally come down to one or two possessions.
#3 USF vs UL
On September 24th, USF will travel to play Louisville. This game will be a fun one to watch considering who Louisville has under center: Malik Cunningham. Cunningham can quite literally do everything. He’s a fantastic runner but can also beat you deep down the field with his arm. Even though Louisville might be the favorite going into this game, look for the USF defensive line to create pressure against Cunningham.
Another thing that makes this game interesting is that it’s against an ACC team. With the ACC being a power five conference, this game could give a glimpse of how USF might do against AAC teams. Even though Louisville hasn’t been a huge competitor in the last couple of seasons, they still should be a tough road test for the young Bulls.
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#2 BYU vs USF
At number two we have the first game of the year and truly a big one. BYU will travel to Tampa to take on the Bulls at Raymond James. To say the least, it’s the first game of the season. With the Bulls wanting to make a statement off the bat they’re going to have to play a very structured game against a lethal BYU team.
Not just will this game be an interesting one considering the game last year between these two teams, but truly it holds a lot of meaning. A loss in week one would be a tough blow to the Bulls who want to show people that they have improved. Despite the loss last year to BYU, it was still a very close game that boiled down to a couple of missed opportunities. USF will hope to start strong with a win over the Cougars.
#1 UCF vs USF
Of course, at number one we have the “War on I-4.” UCF this year will be visiting Raymond James to take on the Bulls in their annual rivalry game. Even though this game is a rivalry game, there’s a lot more speculation around it. After last year the Bulls are going to want redemption considering they fell short at the end of the contest.
This game specifically will be one to watch because of how close of a game this one is shaping to be. Despite UCF having a more experienced lineup, USF does have a young core who can put up points on the offensive side of the ball. This game just like last year could easily come down to one of two possessions. USF will hope to take home the hardware this year after a heartbreaking loss last year.
The Journey Ahead
All these games will be fun ones for the Bulls, but hopefully, they can end each of them with a win. Despite going 2-10 last year USF is hoping for a turnaround year. With good performances in these big games, the Bulls might just be back on track. These interesting matchups might just reveal who USF is as a football team.
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