Sept. 16, 2023. That date almost became cemented in history for USF football. 

It was the day Alabama came to town –  the college football darlings who’ve perhaps etched out one of the most impressive decades in the history of the sport. 

The Bulls (1-0) were favored to lose by nearly five touchdowns. What proceeded almost set the college football world on fire. 

Related: USF football wins its first season opener since 2020

It may have been a 17-3 loss, but a rebuilding program composed of almost entirely first-year starters making the Alabama (1-0) offense look miserable felt like a massive jolt of motivation. Many praised the Bulls for their effort against such an outmatched opponent. One name in particular, did not.

USF head coach Alex Golesh infamously said “moral victories are for losers” after the loss. 

Here are some things to look out for so the Bulls can claim an actual victory this year.

New quarterback, new problems

Last season, Alabama benched redshirt junior quarterback Jalen Milroe against USF after a 34-24 loss versus Texas the week prior – opting to start redshirt sophomore Tyler Buchner. 

This time around, the Crimson Tide will not be making that mistake. 

Related: Takeaways: Bulls don’t claim ‘moral victory’ in loss to Alabama

Milroe finished last season sixth in Heisman Trophy voting, becoming one of the most efficient passers in the nation, putting up 2,834 yards through the air with 23 touchdowns. 

He is also one of the premier dual-threat quarterbacks in college football. Milroe’s 12 rushing touchdowns led all quarterbacks in the nation last season.

 Poking “DeBoer”

Alabama has a fresh face leading the charge on the sideline. 

Kalen DeBoer was hired as Alabama’s head coach in January following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban, who led the Crimson Tide to five national championships during his 17-year tenure.

DeBoer spent the past two seasons at Washington, where he revitalized the Huskies into one of the most dynamic offensive teams in the country. 

Under his leadership, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and wide receiver Rome Odunze flourished, becoming arguably the most dangerous offensive duo in the nation. Both were taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Washington lost the 2023 CFP National Championship to Michigan. 

Speed kills

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams made the most of his two catches against Western Kentucky on Aug. 31. 

The 17-year old true freshman took his first collegiate reception 84 yards for a touchdown. He followed that up with a 55-yarder for a score the following quarter. 

It may have only been game, but it’s clear that Williams is a threat that the USF defense cannot ignore. 

Golesh sure hasn’t seemed to ignore him

“He’s long, can run, really really impressive,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday. “That dude is going to be a monster when he’s older.”

USF football will travel to Alabama on Saturday at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited. Follow @usf_huddle on X for news and live updates.