Five Ways USF can Win/Lose to Miami

Facing an in-state foe is never easy, especially a team loaded with speed and talent like Miami. There are a lot of ways USF could win or lose this game, here are just a few that could determine the outcome of the game.

5 ways USF could win this game

Run the ball - USF has proven they can line up and run the ball with anyone. With Scott getting healthy and Daniels looking to run every other down, the Bulls will try to run through the middle of the Miami defense and control the tempo of the game by doing so.

Control the clock - This goes with running the ball. Miami is loaded with speed and talent, the best way to keep them off the field and the game manageable is to control the clock. If the Bulls can pound the running game and get positive yardage on first down, they can keep drives alive and Miami on the sidelines.

Force turnovers - USF leads the nation in tackles for loss, pushing opponents back. But the best way to change momentum in a game and get the offense on the field is to force turnovers. That means stripping the ball at the line of scrimmage and coming up big in the secondary. Big plays like that can help USF win the turnover battle and control the game.

Game is at home - USF won the game last year on the road, but now has the advantage of playing at home. RayJay is friendly to USF and hopefully the home crowd will come out in force and cheer for the Bulls. The Wounded Warrior Uniforms should help attract plenty of fans as well.

Momentum - After losing 4 games in a row, 3 of them being super close, the win at Syracuse has the team feeling better. They executed, cut the mistakes, and did the job they were suppose to do. If they can keep it going, continue to execute the game plan, and not make mistakes, they can win this game.

5 ways USF can lose this game

Miami's speed - USF has speed, but so does Miami. The quick screens and zone-reads of the USF offense will not work that well is Miami is able to get great jumps off the line. USF will have to find a way to get the ball in space, but that may be easier said than done.

Mistakes - Turnovers will kill the Bulls, especially if they find themselves down early in this game. Daniels has to protect the ball, not throwing it up for grabs and run the offense to perfection, not fumbling or throwing picks. Miami has the ability to make big plays, so USF has to be ready for it.

Giving up the big plays - The Bulls defense gives up a lot of yards, but they have done a great job so far preventing the huge plays that can take the energy out of a team. Miami has the homerun threats in Benjamin, Streeter, and others. The Bulls have to make sure that does not happen.

B.J. Daniels again - He seems to be on this list every week, but for good reason. Daniels did a solid job in the win over Syracuse, but Miami is a different beast. He was injured last year, allowing Eveld to step in and get the win. This year, he is healthier and will have to do something if he wants to get the win in this game.

Typical USF football - Nothing causes more grey hair than USF football. The team is talented, has potential, blah blah, but every year they fall apart and lose games they should win. USF got a win to stop to the bleeding, but the team still has issues and facing a Miami team that is just as talented and upset over losing to FSU, will be looking for blood in this game.