American Athletic Conference Media Predicts USF’s Continued Resurgence in 2024
Count the American Athletic Conference media amongst those that consider USF’s resurgence will proceed in 2024. The Bulls, coming off a 7-6 season and Boca Raton Bowl annihilation of Syracuse, have been picked to complete fourth in the AAC’s preseason media poll launched Tuesday morning. Tampa Bay Times reporter Matt Baker picked USF to complete second.
Memphis Favored to Win
Memphis, which returns 17 starters from final season’s 10-3 workforce, was an amazing choose to win the league, receiving 23 of 30 first-place votes. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with 4 first-place votes completed second, whereas Tulane obtained two first-place votes and secured third place in the poll.
USF’s fourth-place rating in the preseason poll marks its highest place since 2018 when it obtained the fourth-most voter factors total. This optimistic rating is a major enchancment because the Bulls had been persistently projected to complete ninth or worse over the previous 4 seasons.
Confidence in Year 2
“Year 2, a lot extra assured strolling in right here as a result of I do know what workforce we now have, I do know the blokes are in our constructing, after which I do know the place we’re headed,” second-year coach Alex Golesh mentioned Tuesday on the AAC Kickoff in Arlington, Texas.
“I believe a yr in the past, we have been so centered on laying a basis, however going into Year 1, you actually don’t know. So way more assured proper now as a result of … you already know the place you’ve acquired an opportunity to excel, you already know the place your holes are, you understand how to cowl them up, and you’ll transfer ahead.”
Strength in Returning Players and Coaches
USF returns a complete of 19 starters (9 offense, eight protection, two specialists), and all three coordinators, showcasing stability and expertise in their lineup. The workforce additionally ranks eighth nationally in returning manufacturing, in keeping with ESPN. One key participant to look at is record-setting quarterback Byrum Brown, who enters his second yr in Golesh’s system and retains his prime goal in senior Sean Atkins, identified for setting single-season program data in 2023.
“I believe (Brown) would be the first to inform you he’s acquired an extended option to go, and we go as he goes offensively,” Golesh mentioned. “But I believe the factor I’m most pleased with Byrum is, our defensive gamers will inform you we go as he goes as a football workforce. He units the tone for toughness, for perspective, for effort inside our program. … I believe the long run is shiny with him main the cost.”
2024 AAC Preseason Media Poll
Team (first-place votes), factors
- Memphis (23), 409
- UTSA (4), 368
- Tulane (2), 362
- USF, 339
- Army (1), 236
- FAU, 228
- East Carolina, 219
- Rice, 219
- North Texas, 216
- UAB, 192
- Navy, 150
- Tulsa, 95
- Charlotte, 77
- Temple, 40
Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls
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Conclusion
USF’s place in the AAC preseason media poll bodes effectively for his or her upcoming season, with excessive hopes pinned on the workforce’s returning gamers and skilled teaching employees. The optimism surrounding the Bulls highlights a possible shift in the workforce’s fortunes, pointing in the direction of a profitable marketing campaign in 2024.
FAQs
1. What is USF’s rating in the 2024 AAC preseason media poll?
USF was positioned fourth in the preseason poll.
2. Who is favored to win the AAC in 2024?
Memphis is the favored workforce to win the AAC in 2024.
3. How does USF’s rating in the 2024 poll examine to earlier seasons?
USF’s fourth-place rating in the 2024 poll marks its highest preseason place since 2018, showcasing a major enchancment from earlier years.
