Five Ways USF can Win/Lose at Rutgers

The Bulls need a win badly. Losing 3 straight games, all in conference, has eliminated the great start they had to the season and puts them in the basement of the Big East conference. They have to get it together and try to get a huge road win against the Knights who are looking to defend home turf after two straight losses. Let's see how USF can win or lose this game.

5 ways USF wins this game.

Scott/Murray - The Knights give up 133 yards a game on the ground and with the receivers for USF banged up, look for Scott and Murray to get on track. The run game was held in check against Cincinnati, but will have more chances to get the running game going. Murray continues to show a nice burst and Scott will set the tone with his physical running attack.

Young receivers - With Griffin down, the young receivers like Deonte Welch, Andre Davis, and Ruben Gonzalez will get their chances. They are skilled players that have a lot of speed and will need to show up in this game to help the passing attack and pick up the slack.

Defensive line - The line will have to pressure the freshman quarterback of Rutgers. Giddins has come to life recently and will have to continue to get pressure and get tackles. Elkino Watson has gone cold, but look for him to come back and get a few more tackles.

Coach Holtz - The Bulls are falling, but we have faith in Holtz. He is the coach that has the ability to rally this team when they need it most and they need it badly right now. Look for Holtz to correct the mistakes, get the team mentally right, and come into this game focused and ready to play.

Back against wall - The Big East title dreams are gone, but the battle for a bowl game is still on. USF needs to get two more wins to get eligible for a bowl game and will have to do it on the road if they want to get into the postseason. They need to come away and will come out fighting in this game.

5 ways USF could lose this game

B.J. Daniels - Daniels has great numbers right now, but has to get better in his decision making. If he has a bad game, the offense will falter and the Bulls could lose the game. He has to be at this best in this game if USF wants to escape with a win.

No Sterling Griffin - Without their number one receiver, the passing game will struggle. The Bulls will be relying on young receivers and if Daniels is inconsistent, it will be hard to get the ball moving. Rutgers will pressure the receiver and see if they can outman them on the line.

Secondary health - The Bulls have lost Ernie Tabuteau and Ricardo Dixon for the season, meaning the Bulls secondary will be thin. They will have to play a lot of snaps in this game due to the depth issues so the Knights could attack the secondary and challenge their overall health and conditioning.

Cold weather - USF struggles in cold weather and while there may not be a snow storm, the conditions will be cold. Daniels complained during the UCONN game that the cold weather made it hard to grip the ball, so will we see the same type of game plan and excuses in this one?

Road game- Another road game for the Bulls. So far, the road has not been the best for USF, losing at UCONN and Pitt. This game will be another hostile environment and will be real challenge for this team that is facing a ton of pressure.