TAMPA, FL – Two weeks later and the Bulls are finally returning to action.

There was a big sigh of relief when USF beat South Carolina State, 55-16, at Ray Jay on September 14. In case you didn’t know it was USF’s largest margin of victory (39 points) in the Charlie Strong era. But now the short-lived happiness is starting to turn back to restlessness.

Why? Because the Bulls’ second season begins when SMU rolls into town Saturday afternoon.

And all the talk of “All of our goals (to win a division and a conference) are still in front of us” comes to a head.

Meaning there really isn’t room for error and, to be honest, I don’t see any more gimmes on USF’s schedule.

“Well we play UConn next week, Torello!” I know that. The Huskies aren’t an easy win for USF. Not the way the Bulls have played. And with that game scheduled for 7pm, and temperatures somewhere in the 40s in East Hartford at kickoff, the Bulls will be battling more than just an improving bottom-dweller of the AAC.

But let’s stay focused on SMU. (Gulp)

Could this be a Texas Shootout?

I don’t think USF wants this type of high-scoring game, but it could happen. The main reason would be because USF and SMU rank 55^th and 65^th in total defense in the nation, respectively.

In all honesty, I think USF has a better chance of getting some stops and being that ‘bend-don’t-break’ team that showed up against Georgia Tech (and even showed some positive signs against Wisconsin).

I believe this USF secondary is starting to hit its stride. Guys are flying around, playing with swag, but they need to tackle and they need to limit penalties. Right now USF is 65^th in the nation with 24 penalties in three games (eight per game), which is costing the Bulls defense about 64 yards a game. That could mean an extra field goal or touchdown being handed to the opponent.

You don’t want to give this SMU offense (ranked 17^th in the nation) that type of yardage because of an undisciplined approach on defense.

SMU is led by Texas transfer QB Shane Buechele (who was Strong’s QB during his final season at Texas in 2016). While this Longhorn-turned-Mustang does have 1,159 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns (also one rushing TD) he does have four interceptions. This means USF can get put pressure on him and force some mistakes.

SMU is comfortable running the ball. The Mustangs are second in the nation with 15 rushing touchdowns this season. Senior tailback Xavier Jones is the guy to watch with a team-leading eight rushing touchdowns. Jones is hungry. He wasn’t happy with his junior season in 2018. SMU has the horses (no pun intended) to do different things out of the backfield. Watch for a guy like TJ McDaniel. He didn’t do anything vs. TCU, but the redshirt-freshman did have three touchdowns and 159 rushing yards against Texas State.

SMU also has three receivers averaging a first down per catch. Two of those three are averaging over 18 yards per reception and another receiver is just under a first down per catch at 9.6 yards.

The Bulls need to wrap. The Bulls need to get off the field and let their offense have some chances to score and maybe get a lead.

Enter Jordan McCloud.

McCloud has known for two weeks he was starting this game against SMU. That’s a little bit better than two hours before a games, which is what happened against SC State. McCloud is in because this offensive line is incapable of protecting for an extended period of time. Sorry, Blake Barnett and cue the “Good Will Hunting” scene where Robin Williams tells Matt Damon “It’s not your fault” over and over. Bulls fans need to respect Blake and his professionalism through this transition and also stay behind him because he will get his moments and could be called on if McCloud struggles. REMEMBER Charlie Strong is probably coaching for his job. That means he will try to find a spark at any time of any game.

McCloud can’t afford to have his offense do what it did in three of their first four series against SC State: Punt, Punt, TD, Punt. USF is going to need 14 points in the first quarter (only had seven vs. SC State). Offensive coordinator boasted that his offense should’ve had 80 against SC State because, according to Bell, that is what can happen in that type of game when USF’s offense gets going. (Don’t expect 80 in this one from USF).

I think USF has a chance in this one. SMU did knock off previously ranked TCU. And the Mustangs are a tough bunch who will now challenge for the West Division in the AAC.

PREDICTION TIME

I think you have to be excited for Jordan McCloud. The offense believes in him. The playmakers feel comfortable with him. But this is the game he will more than likely make some mistakes. It’s expected too considering he’s a (redshirt) freshman. Can those mistakes be limited and allow for a game?

McCloud’s playmakers needs to bust off big plays and can’t make mistakes in the form of bad routes or fumbles or tipped balls that become easy interceptions.

SMU 35, USF 28