Every year in college football, some underdog team grabs the media’s attention with major wins, but usually, their success does not last long. However, this year may be different. The University of South Florida Bulls have already accumulated two major wins against ranked opponents. They began their rampage by knocking off #25 Boise State in a 34-7 blowout, likely crushing Boise State’s dreams of returning to the College Football Playoffs. Recently, they defeated #13 University of Florida in an 18-16 stalemate with a game-winning field goal. Currently, the Bulls hold the #18 spot in this week’s AP Coaches’ Poll as a result of their two impressive wins. Senior and Florida Gators fan, Jeremy Lavoie, says he was “shocked to see Florida lose to such an unknown team”. USF’s success may seem unannounced, but the truth is that this team is absolutely loaded with talent.
Their star quarterback Byrum Brown is in his 4th year with the Bulls and turning heads with almost 600 yards of combined offense and 3 touchdowns in his first two starts this year. Brown is an accurate thrower with a crazy arm. He registers in at 6’3’’, 231 LBS, and is the commander of the team. Brown’s main target, Wide Receiver Keshaun Singleton, is a physical playmaker who poses a major threat to any defense in college football. So far, he has accumulated 7 receptions, 168 yards, and 2 touchdowns on the season, with one 67-yard touchdown. Sophomore Xavier Bogen says that, “[Singleton] is probably one of the most athletic receivers in College Football”.
The Bull’s defensive talent is perhaps even more impressive than the offense’s. They are led by linebacker duo Jhalyn Shuler and Mac Harris. The two seniors have racked up 40 combined tackles, a sack, two pass deflections, and one fumble in their first two games. Also, former Tennessee cornerback De’Shawn Rucker leads the secondary and is an intriguing prospect for this year’s NFL Draft. Rucker is a lockdown, athletic corner who possesses the ability to shut down any opposing athletic receiver, which takes away from a major common advantage that most SEC teams use to dominate weaker opponents.
The Bull’s talent is being put to its hardest test yet this Saturday as they go down to Miami to face the number five Hurricanes in an inter-state battle. Unlike Miami, the Bulls have nothing to lose and so much to gain, so do not be surprised if the Bulls pull off a wild upset in their biggest game of the season.
