Five Ways USF can Win or Lose this Game to Ball State

It's a road game and facing a MAC team that can put up some points in front of the home crowd, just one of many reasons why USF could lose this game.  However, the Bulls ave a lot of factors that should lead them to another road win.

Five Ways USF can Win this Game

1. B.J. Daniels - Everything starts and ends with B.J. Daniels.  Daniels, using his arm and his legs will be a major factor in this game.  The Cardinals, a strong defense, are not used to facing an athletic quarterback like Daniels that can keep plays alive and shred a defense rushing out of the pocket.  If they cannot contain him or get pressure, Daniels can have a huge day.
2. USF Front Seven on Defense - The Bulls front 7 have been great, stopping the run and getting pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.  Facing a team that is not use to the team speed and the depth the Bulls can bring could be a major deciding factor for the Bulls.  USF can rotate a lot of fresh legs into the game that will keep the heat on the entire game.
3. Andre Davis - Davis, the Bulls best down field target and go-to man now with Griffin out for the season, continues to rack up the yards.  He will make life tough for the Ball State secondary that is a bit undersized and won't be able to match his speed in big down field routes.
4. Speed - The Bulls have speed at all positions from running back (Lamar, Shaw), receivers, and especially on defense that allows them to swarm to the ball and run away from people.  Look for the Bulls to get players out in the open field where they can use their speed and cause the Cardinal players to chase them all over the field in this game.
5. Depth - The Bulls have a lot of depth and can rotate a lot of players in and out and not lose the speed or skill level.  While Ball State can rotate as well, they do not have the same speed and will not be able to rotate enough players in, especially in the secondary that will allow the Bulls to wear them down and create big plays, especially late in the game.

Five Ways USF can Lose this Game

1. Road Trip - After a bad home loss to Rutgers, the Bulls have to hit the road at a place they have never faced and against a hostile crowd.  It could be bad for the team that got smacked and will have to regroup.  Hitting the road could be a perfect storm with Ball State returning home after beating a Big Ten team and having the confidence on their side.
2. Looking ahead - The Bulls know and have been saying all season they are taking it one game at a time.  But with the top ranked Noles coming to town next week, the team could be looking ahead and wondering who will be in town and how will they prepare for that game.  If they do that, they could get smacked in this game if they allow the Cardinals to stay around.
3. B.J. Daniels - Daniels, the much talked about QB, can lead the Bulls to victory, but he can also lead us to defeat.  He can put the ball in danger and try to dance all over the field with his feet.  If he does not manage the ball, keep it safe and put it up for grabs, it could be a long day out there.
4. Turnovers - With Daniels comes ball security on all levels for this team.  Playing on the road against a team that is motivated and looking for the upset, a turnover will only put more blood in the water and give a team in Ball State that should not match up with the Bulls, could come away with a big upset late in the game.
5. Falling Asleep - With a game against FSU coming up and a road trip against a team that many are saying we should beat easily, the Bulls could be sleep walking into this game thinking it will be an easy day at the office. Ball State, 2-1, beating Indiana last week, will be motivated for this game, so if USF comes out, playing flat and not energetic in this one, Ball State could shock the Bulls and make it a long day and bad return to Tampa.