Five Ways USF Can Win/Lose to Pitt

Game day is fast approaching and it is time to start looking at the ways USF could win or lose this game. Let's be honest, Thursday night games have not been friendly to the Bulls, going 0-6 in our history, something that continues to be a thorn in the side of the program. USF is 4-0 entering this game while Pitt, 2-2, is looking to make a statement in the game on ESPN. Let's see the ways USF can win this game and how they can lose the game.

5 Ways They Win the Game

B.J. Daniels - Daniels has been great for USF, making big throws, moving the offense, running the ball when needed and keeping everything in control. If he continues to play at this level and not turn the ball over or try to do too much, the offense will continue to move and will try to get the first Big East win on the season.

Darrell Scott - Scott continues to run hard for the Bulls rushing attack and continues to get a majority of the carries (Murray gets his chances as well). Scott could have a big day against the 3-4 defense that can give up runs, but has done a solid job stopping the run. Scott and company have to come up big in this game.

Linebackers - The USF linebackers have the speed and have to showcase it on Thursday night. With Ray Graham running the ball and the up-temp Pitt offense, they will have to blanket the field and shut down the Pitt offense and get them off the field.

No Fly Zone - Like we said before, with Washington and Jenkins back in the mix, the secondary gets even better. Webster is playing well, Young anchors the backfield and with the other players stepping up, the USF secondary will have to live up to their name and shut down Sunseri and the spread offense.

Speed - USF is known for their speed and will have to show it off on Thursday night. With the spread offense, the defense will have to swarm and take ball carriers down fast. On offense, Daniels has to get the ball out fast and let the skill players do the rest of the work.

5 Ways They Could Lose this Game

Thursday night - Face the facts, USF hasn't had a lot of luck on Thursday night, compiling a record of 0-6 (I'm sure ESPN will talk about that plenty). USF has to shake the demons of the past, listen to Holtz, and execute the game-plan. If they don't, they could go 0-7.

B.J. Daniels - We all know it, we just don't want to say it. We have seen Daniels play at a high level, not making the big mistakes and running the offense well. But now he is on the road, facing a real tough defense, we can't and don't want the old Daniels to come back. If turnover-happy Daniels comes to play, it could be a long night.

Pitt receivers - Street and company are some of the biggest receivers USF will see all season. Most of them are listed over 6'3" so the USF secondary will have their hands full try to take these guys down in the open field. If there are redzone plays, it will be very difficult for USF to cover them due to their size.

Ray Graham - Graham is one of the most elusive running backs in the conference due to his size and agility. The linebackers and defensive line for USF will have to make sure he cannot find his running gaps and cannot change directions like he does so well and find big lanes to run through. Containing Graham is going to be key.

Focus - We hear it from Holtz and players that they are ready for the game and focused, but can they back it up? There were some mental lapses against UTEP that allowed the Miners to get a few points and facing a hostile crowd and on the road, will they be ready to go? Can they come out as intense as they have been and get the job done? We will have to see.