As the Bulls attempt to put the pieces back together from an Alabama loss, they will travel to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to face the Golden Eagles.

Producing a statement win is key for the Bulls (1-1, 0-0 AAC) if they want to keep dreams of a bowl game alive due to the performance-based nature of the playoff committee. 

USF has only won two of its first three games one time since 2018. 

The Bulls are 12-point favorites against the Golden Eagles (1-1, 0-0 SBC), according to ESPN. 

Related: USF falls to Alabama in fourth quarter collapse

Here are three keys for a Bulls victory:

Breaking the trend

In October 2004, a USF program drastically different from today’s faced Southern Mississippi in a rather forgettable 27-20 loss. 

Losses such as this one have been the norm between these two programs, as Southern Mississippi currently holds three victories over the horns of Rocky Bull. USF has only beaten the Golden Eagles one time in four meetings.

USF had yet to win its first bowl game in program history at the time of these programs’ last meeting in 2004. 

20 years later, a matured USF program looks to move to 2-1 on the season and break the trend against Southern Miss.

Avoiding costly penalties

USF has faced a slew of self-induced errors throughout the early season.

The Bulls have racked up 18 penalties, placing them 118 out of 133 teams in the nation. Giving up 177 yards in penalties in two games is hardly a recipe for success.

Offensive line penalties have made up 22% of the flags against the team.

The physicality of the position creates penalty issues as both teams fight for an advantage. 

“Every day in the trenches is war,” graduate offensive lineman RJ Perry said.

On Saturday, it will be important to balance that physicality with discipline to avoid more costly penalties. 

Shutting down the playmakers

Southern Mississippi routed Southeastern Louisiana in a 35-10 victory last Saturday. 

Junior quarterback Tate Rodemaker threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns. In only his second game as a Golden Eagle, Rodemaker has gained praise from Bulls coach Alex Golesh.

“[He’s] really an accurate passer,” Golesh said. “[He’s] got really good command for being two games into the offense.”

Related: Alex Golesh – The man behind the process

The former Seminole quarterback has found himself in a positive situation, largely in part to sophomore receiver Larry Simmons.

Simmons was a dynamic part of the Golden Eagles’ 35-10 victory, bringing in five catches for 100 yards. 

No doubt Rodemaker will try to find connections with Simmons, but a stout Bulls defense will make an effort to force Rodemaker to play at their pace.

Rodemaker has struggled against defenses that stifle rushing opportunities, such as against Kentucky on Aug. 31, who he threw two interceptions against. 

The Bulls defense pressured Alabama into committing three turnovers and will attempt to recreate a similar story against Southern Mississippi.

Football will kickoff against Southern Mississippi 7 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited. Follow @usf_huddle for news and live updates.