Florida Gators vs. USF Bulls: Game Preview

nikomegas11
Sep 6
3 min read

Kirin Carantzas

The No. 13-ranked Florida Gators welcome the South Florida Bulls to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the first meeting between the programs since 2022. Florida (1–0) opened the season with a dominant win over Long Island University, racking up 451 total yards and 55 points — the most under head coach Billy Napier. USF (1–0) comes in with momentum of its own after upsetting then-No. 25 Boise State, the Bulls’ first victory over a ranked opponent in nine years.

The Gators look to start 2–0 for the first time in the Napier era, while USF aims to capture its first road win against a ranked team since shocking Notre Dame in 2011. With Napier entering his 40th game at the helm and the Gators riding a five-game win streak, Saturday sets the stage for a critical matchup before Florida begins one of the toughest stretches in program history — LSU, Miami, Texas, and Texas A&M all await.

Injury Report & Player Availability

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway made a strong return after dealing with offseason injuries, completing 15 of 18 passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns before handing off to freshman Tramell Jones Jr. The Gators’ offensive line showed some inconsistency, particularly at right tackle with Bryce Lovett, leaving room for concern against a rebuilt but veteran USF defensive front.

On the Bulls’ side, quarterback Byrum Brown is back after missing most of last season with a leg injury. He accounted for 253 yards and two rushing touchdowns against Boise State, extending his streak to 206 passes without an interception. Defensively, linebacker Jhalyn Shuler was a standout with 14 tackles, earning Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week honors.

X-Factors

Florida WR Vernell Brown III: The true freshman dazzled in his debut, recording three catches for 79 yards, including a spectacular one-handed grab. His playmaking ability could stretch the USF secondary.
USF QB Byrum Brown: His dual-threat skill set will test Florida’s defense every snap. If he breaks containment, the Gators could be in trouble.
Special Teams Spotlight: Florida kicker Trey Smack went just 2-for-5 against LIU but hit a career-long 56-yarder. USF’s Nico Gramatica drilled a 50-yarder against Boise. A close game could come down to which kicker delivers.
Florida RB Jadan Baugh: Rushed for 104 yards in the opener and is eyeing UF’s first 1,000-yard season since 2015. He and Ja’Kobi Jackson give the Gators balance on offense.

Why Florida Will Win

The Gators are deeper and more balanced than they were in 2022 when USF nearly stunned them in The Swamp. Lagway’s efficiency, coupled with an experienced offensive line and physical tailback tandem, should allow Florida to control the tempo. If the defense contains Byrum Brown and avoids big mistakes, the Gators’ firepower should be too much for the Bulls to match.

Why USF Will Win

Momentum is real, and USF has it after its statement win over Boise State. Brown’s dual-threat ability and Shuler’s presence on defense give the Bulls confidence. To pull the upset, USF must force turnovers, establish an early lead, and take the crowd out of the game. If they can do that, Florida’s playoff aspirations could take a serious hit.

Prediction

This matchup has all the ingredients for an early-season test. USF is much improved under Alex Golesh, but Florida’s depth and playmakers should prevail at home. Expect the Bulls to hang around early, but the Gators will pull away behind Lagway and a strong rushing attack.

Kirin’s Score Prediction: Florida 34, USF 20

@SSN_Gators Score Prediction: Florida 38, USF 20

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