USF is gearing up for a primetime matchup against a Top-10 team boasting one of the top quarterbacks in college football. 

Does that sound like deja vu? It should. 

Just two weeks after facing Alabama, USF will take on No. 8 Miami in one of the most anticipated games in school history. 

The game broke the 24-hour record for student tickets claimed – which reached 13,179. 

Related: USF football sees unprecedented ticket demand before Miami matchup

How can the Bulls stop Cam Ward?

Senior Miami quarterback Cam Ward may be the best quarterback in the nation. In fact, ESPN currently has him as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy – awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. 

Ward has put up video game numbers on opposing defenses. Through three games, he’s completed 73% of his passes for 1,053 yards, while leading the nation with 11 touchdowns. 

Yes, the Bulls defense has looked much better than last season: USF ranks 78th out of 133 FBS teams in yards allowed per game. 

But how does USF stop the player who – quite frankly – has been unstoppable? 

Think back to two weeks ago when the Bulls faced another formidable quarterback – Alabama’s Jalen Milroe – who was regarded as a preseason Heisman Trophy favorite.

Alabama may have ultimately prevailed, but USF kept Milroe on his toes. The Bulls swarmed the Crimson Tide backfield –sacking Milroe twice and only limiting him to two rushing yards and twelve carries. 

Ward may not have the running ability of Milroe – Ward only has seven rushing attempts this season. But, an aggressive pass rush will be key to keeping him uncomfortable and in the pocket. 

USF defensive coordinator Todd Orlando praised Ward’s field vision and IQ.

“Cam’s going to put them in the best possible position depending on the coverage he sees,” Orlando said during a Wednesday press conference. “That’s going to be tough to go against.”

The battle for the Sunshine State

Could a win on Saturday crown the top team in Florida? With the way this season has gone, it’s a possibility. 

The state’s two blue-blood programs – Florida and FSU –  have flatlined through the last three games.

Florida was whooped by Miami in a 41-17 loss on Aug. 31, while Florida State is still searching for an offensive identity and its first win. 

With the two top dogs in the state struggling, it opens the door for the Bulls and the Hurricanes to claim the crown in the Sunshine State. 

 An unstoppable force meets an immovable object

One of the most notable matchups of the game might be the Bulls’ running game versus the Hurricanes’ run defense. 

USF ranks 8th in the nation on the ground – averaging 5.64 yards per rush and 268.7 yards per game. 

Miami, on the other hand, ranks 12th in the NCAA in rush defense – only averaging 65.7 yards per game. 

USF carved up Southern Mississippi on the ground last week, racking up 369 rushing yards. That tied for the 10th-highest single-game total in USF program history. 

Kelley Joiner and Nay’Quan Wright each reached the 100-yard mark last week. Look for the Bulls’ graduate running back duo to get going early if the Bulls hope to knock off the Hurricanes.  

A battle in the trenches

Both USF and Miami bring physical frontlines on offense and defense.

The Hurricanes’ offensive line is one of the most formidable in college football. They have only allowed three sacks this year and eight tackles-for-loss, ranking 13th and 29th for fewest in the nation, respectively. 

Orlando has high respect for Miami’s front-five. 

“Their O-line is big, massive, they move their feet, super well coached,” Orlando said. “Those kids are disciplined, they’re going to be tough.”

The Bulls’ front-five will need to dig deep to disrupt their flow, and prevent Miami from controlling the line of scrimmage.

The defensive line has been a wrecking crew throughout the season. As a total line, they have accounted for one interception, four sacks and 43 tackles. 

If USF can win the battle in the trenches, it will have a chance to pressure Heisman-hopeful Ward and disrupt the Hurricanes’ offensive rhythm.

The key for the Bulls will be maintaining relentless pressure throughout the game. 

Conversely, if Miami’s offensive line imposes its will, it could pave the way for a productive night for the Hurricanes and keep USF on the defensive. 

As the Bulls take on Miami in this high-stakes matchup, the outcome could help solidify them as an AAC contender.

USF takes on No. 8 Miami at home at 7 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and Bulls Unlimited.

We’re training the future of journalism. Learn how you can support our work.