USF’s journey so far has shown moments of promise, especially in their near upset of Miami, where they led late into the second quarter before faltering. The Bulls’ strength lies in their potent rushing attack, averaging 217 yards per game, led by junior QB Byrum Brown and senior RB Kelley Joiner. However, their defense has been vulnerable, particularly against the pass, giving up 279 yards per game, which could be a problem against Tulane’s balanced offense.
On the other hand, Tulane comes into this game following a gritty win over Louisiana, where they leaned heavily on their ground game and special teams. Freshman QB Darian Mensah and sophomore RB Makhi Hughes have been solid, but the Green Wave defense has shown cracks, particularly in their red zone efficiency, allowing every opponent to score inside the 20.
Given the evenly matched stats—both teams excel in the run game but have exploitable defensive weaknesses—this game could easily swing either way. The outcome may boil down to which team better capitalizes on third downs and limits turnovers. With USF’s resilience this season, despite facing powerhouse programs, they have a real shot to keep this game tight and possibly pull off an upset. Tulane, though, still holds the edge with their experience in high-pressure AAC matchups.
Expect a closely contested game that stirs plenty of conversation about both teams’ legitimacy as AAC contenders. A win for USF could mark a turning point for a program looking to rebuild its reputation, while Tulane will aim to avoid slipping in what is already shaping up to be a highly competitive conference season.
What are your thoughts—can USF capitalize on their momentum, or will Tulane’s experience in big games carry them through?
