Game Preview: No. 5 Miami Hurricanes vs. No. 18 South Florida Bulls (Week Three)

By Garin Turner

The No. 5 Miami Hurricanes (2–0) host an in-state showdown with the No. 18 South Florida Bulls (2–0) this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on The CW. For USF, this game is their third in a row vs. ranked opposition. For Miami, it’s another test to affirm their top-tier status. 

What’s at Stake

• USF has started the season with back-to-back upsets over ranked teams, defeating Boise State and then Florida. They are riding high and hoping to continue the momentum.  
• Miami, meanwhile, is looking to show they can dominate at home, especially after a commanding performance against Bethune-Cookman and a hard-fought opener vs. Notre Dame.  

Miami’s Form and Firepower

• Quarterback Carson Beck has been excellent. He is undefeated in turnovers through two games and has thrown four touchdowns so far. His completion rate is among the best in the ACC.  
• The rushing attack has done its job too. Mark Fletcher Jr. has been a workhorse runner, producing solid yardage, including a two-score performance vs. Bethune.  
• Receiver corps: CJ Daniels and Malachi Toney have had good starts, and the passing game has looked sharp and efficient.  

USF’s Rise & Defensive Challenges

• USF’s defense has played well in their first two games, especially in key moments in the Boise State and Florida games. They’re no longer underdogs in their own right, at least not in terms of confidence.  
• Key matchup: USF must disrupt Beck’s rhythm, force Miami to make mistakes, and limit big plays. Miami has shown they can spread the ball when allowed.

Game Plan / What to Watch

1. Miami’s balanced offense — Running and passing both need to stay strong. If USF can contain Fletcher Jr. and make Beck rely heavily on one aspect, that could shift things.
2. Turnover margin — USF needs at least one or two takeaways to stay in striking distance. Miami has protected the ball well so far.
3. USF’s big-play ability — They have made splash plays in early games. Sustaining drives vs. just tossing around a few long plays will be crucial.
4. Weather & environment — Miami home games tend to be fast and physical; crowd noise and momentum at Hard Rock could matter. Streaming and broadcast on CW; fans expect a show.  

Prediction

Miami likely takes this one, but USF could make it competitive early on. Expect the Hurricanes to pull away in the second half once their depth and execution take over. Projected Final: Miami 38, South Florida 24.