USF will take on Charlotte on the road on Saturday after a 28-7 defeat against Navy during Homecoming week.

USF and Charlotte last faced off against each other in 2023 where the Bulls defeated the 49ers 48-14 in a victory to clinch bowl eligibility.

Bulls coach Alex Golesh said the Bulls are determined to move forward from the loss against Navy.

“There’s really no excuse, and we’re going to continue to fight like crazy,” Golesh said. “I am encouraged by the effort, I am encouraged of the way our guys’ mindset is. I am encouraged by the way our guys are working to go finish the right way.”

Related: USF’s offense struggles persist in Homecoming loss to Navy

This matchup will be the first game Charlotte plays since facing Tulane on Oct. 31, giving the team 16 days of rest after two consecutive bye weeks. Golesh said this has put Charlotte in an advantage as it will give the 49ers’ players time to recover.

The 49ers currently hold a 3-game losing streak.

USF are only slight favorites to win this game, with a 56.2% likelihood of victory, according to ESPN.

The battle for bowl eligibility

The Bulls (4-5, 2-3 AAC) are two wins away from securing a bowl game this season. 

Bowl eligibility is obtained when a team wins at least six of their games in the regular season.

With three games left for the Bulls, USF can only afford to lose one game if it wants to be eligible.

The stakes are even higher for Charlotte, who hold a 3-6 overall record and also only have three games remaining.

This matchup is all-or-nothing for the 49ers as a defeat automatically disqualifies them from bowl eligibility.

Both teams’ performances, especially against American Athletic Conference foes, suggest this may be a closer matchup than expected. USF and Charlotte have failed to hold on against teams like Navy, Memphis and Tulane.

The teams have both conceded blowout losses against Tulane this season, with USF losing 45-10 and Charlotte 34-3.

Golesh re-affirms confidence in Archie 

Junior quarterback Bryce Archie presented a disappointing performance on Saturday against Navy. He caused four turnovers to the Midshipmen, including two interceptions, a fumble and a sack on 4th down.

Golesh reasserted his confidence in Archie after the game against Navy despite the quarterback’s faults. 

He said he believes he will be a key player in the upcoming three weeks of USF football and that he will hold off on replacing him with third-string sophomore quarterback Israel Carter.

“I think [Carter] is preparing to be ready,” Golesh said. “I’ve just felt like Bryce gives us the best chance to go win the last three weeks, and so it’s not a knock on [Carter], it’s more so a compliment to Bryce.”

Related: USF’s Bryce Archie has been waiting to prove himself. Now is the time.

Golesh also said his decision not to replace Archie with Carter was made to help Archie maintain his confidence, but that he was close to making a QB substitution if the game went a little longer.

With the Bulls edging closer to bowl eligibility, Archie limiting his turnovers will be crucial.

USF vs Charlotte will kick-off at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 16. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited.