Early Scouting Report: USF Bulls
Fall camp is off and running at the Carol Soffer Football Training Facility as head coach Mario Cristobal begins his 3rd fall camp at Miami. The 2024 college football season is right around the corner. We are getting ready for the season by previewing each opponent on Miami’s schedule at CT.
For the first time, I will be providing weekly scouting reports on and off for Miami’s upcoming opponent that will include an in-depth look at personnel, advanced stats, scheme background, betting information, series history, program profile, and keys to victory. That is just around the corner.
But it’s never too early to start getting some homework done. We are now pumping out some early scouting reports as we research and take a closer look at the foes on Miami’s schedule.
- Week 1: Early Scouting Report: Florida Gators
- Week 2: Early Scouting Report: FAMU
- Week 3: Early Scouting Report: Ball State
USF offense
Let’s take a look at the numbers USF’s offense posted in 2023. This could be a very sneaky game.
- Scoring: 31.9 (No. 32 overall in FBS)
- Yards Per Play: 5.7
- Yards Per Rush: 4.1
- Yards Per Pass: 7.8
- Red Zone TD Percentage: 64%
Overall this is not bad, the USF offense had a really good stat line in the passing game they averaged 268 passing yards per game they do get starting quarterback Byrum Brown back as he set the record last year for the USF Bulls for being the First 3,000-yard Passer in Program History.
Byrum last year had an impressive season, throwing for 3,292 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also completing 64.6 percent of his passes. He also led the team in rushing, amassing 809 yards and scoring 11 more touchdowns. This young player is definitely one to watch out for.
Complementing Brown in the rushing attack is graduate running back Nay’Quan Wright, who concluded the season as the team’s second-leading rusher with 797 yards and eight touchdowns. As Brown is expected to advance further in his development under the strategic guidance of Golesh, Wright serves as an essential support, alleviating some of the rushing responsibilities from Brown.
The team’s leading receiving threat has returned, with Sean Atkins leading the charge with 92 catches for 1,054 yards and seven touchdowns. Additionally, USF has bolstered its roster with Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen, who has joined the team following his impressive performance last season. Despite an injury that prematurely concluded his season, Yaseen managed to accumulate 329 yards on 25 receptions, showcasing his versatility and potential.
USF defense
Here is a look at their defensive stats from last season
- Scoring: 32.2
- Yards Per Play: 5.2
- Yards Per Rush: 4.1
- Yards Per Pass: 6.1
- Team Sacks: 23
- Takeaways: 14
The USF’s defensive coordinator Todd Orlando enters his second season at USF and is looking to have a better season after last season after they were the 110th team in scoring defense as they gave up 32 points per game.
Aamaris Brown who is their starting cornerback and USF’s linebacker Jhalyn Shuler is set to return and spearhead the defense following their recognition as All-AAC honorable mentions in the previous season. Shuler distinguished himself as the team’s leading tackler, amassing a total of 97 tackles, which included 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Meanwhile, Brown contributed significantly by breaking up four passes and securing two interceptions, alongside recording 40 tackles.
The team has regained some strong players, spearheaded by defensive tackle Rashad Cheney, who recorded 42 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss.
Included in that group is D’Marco Augustin, a safety from Youngstown State, who has made 34 career starts. Last season, he recorded 22 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and achieved 2 pass breakups.
Outlook
Sports reporters perceive this matchup as a potential trap game for Miami, and I can understand that perspective. Nevertheless, I believe the Hurricanes possess an abundance of talent within their roster. While the Bulls may prove to be a formidable and cunning opponent, my preference leans towards Miami.
Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
