Rocky and Cosmo, the Bulls and the Cougars, USF and BYU will face off at 3:30 PM on CBS Sports Network. A fight for each teams 3rd win of the season and reach a .500 win percentage.
After Zach Wilson injured his hand against Toledo, BYU will go into battle with a redshirt freshman, Jaren Hall behind center, the Cougars will be tested with a young QB. Hall is currently four-of-seven for 58 yards this season. Six of those attempts came two weeks ago in their 28-21 loss to Toledo. Ty’son Williams leads the Cougars rushing brigade with 264 yards on the season in 49 carries. Unfortunately, Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL against Washington in week 4. Over the bye week, BYU worked on getting Hall reps behind center and running back, Emmanuel Esukpa run-throughs and being used to the NO. 1 choice for the Cougars.
USF has also had it’s offensive struggles, especially at the quarterback position. Blake Barnett started the season off against Wisconsin at home going 13-30 for 109 yards and two interceptions. Backup, Jordan McCloud played out the last drive for the Bulls in that game and went three-for-three for 22 yards. There has been a battle for the starting spot since that game. McCloud is currently 42-75 for 552 yards with seven touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Barnett is sitting at 40 completions on 77 attempts with four touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Barnett is currently listed as the backup quarterback on the depth chart for the game against BYU with McCloud as the starter. Barnett is dealing with an ankle injury, head coach Charlie Strong said “If Barnett is unable to go Saturday, Kirk Rygol will be the backup.” Sophomore running back, Johnny Ford is also out as he is indefinitely suspended.
Both of the teams are injury ridden and are looking for their third win on the season. It may not be the best game on paper but it will be a very good matchup on the field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Written by Zach Bartkus
