USF returns to Raymond James Stadium this week against UAB, as both look for their first American Athletic Conference (AAC) win.

The Bulls (2-4, 0-2 AAC) are determined to make a statement in Tampa following their loss to Memphis, eager to overcome last week’s challenges with Hurricane Milton.

Despite the uncertainty the team faced, head coach Alex Golesh remains optimistic.

“We’ll look back and see this as a bonding experience,” he said. “We’re not making excuses; we have to play, and we have to win.”

Related: USF’s offense struggles to execute midway through season

Series history – Blazers in the driver’s seat

In the conference battle between USF and UAB, it’s the Blazers that are taking the wheel as they lead the series 2-1.

Last year’s showdown between the two ended in a blowout 56-35 victory for UAB. Golesh said the loss left the Bulls “embarrassed” and served as a reminder of challenges they face on both sides of the ball.

“It wasn’t pretty, and I know a lot of the guys feel the same way that I do,” said Golesh at Tuesday’s press conference. “We just got to be ready to win this week, can’t take them lightly because they will give us their best shot.”

Related: Takeaways: Bulls take major step back in UAB loss

Quarterback carousel

If starting junior quarterback Byrum Brown is unavailable again to play this week, junior quarterback Bryce Archie will take the helm again.

Golesh provided an update on both Brown and Archie at Tuesday’s press conference.

“Byrum is working, he’s practicing,” he said. “I think at the end of the week we’ll have a much better feel for how he feels.”

Should Brown remain off the field, the Bulls will rely on Archie, who posted a career-high line in last week’s 21-3 loss against Memphis. He completed 22 of 41 passes for 241 yards.

This season, Archie has 332 yards paired with one touchdown and three interceptions.

“I thought Bryce did a nice job managing the game,” said Golesh. “He showed a lot of poise and stepped up when we needed to, and we’re confident he can build on that this week.”

Related: Why these USF transfers made the move: ‘Not about the logo’

Rushing for success

The Bulls’ rush game has fallen off since they ran all over the Golden Eagles in week three’s 49-24 win.

In that game, USF ran for 369 yards – its most since posting 374 yards in the 2023 season opening 41-24 loss to Western Kentucky. 

Since the week three win, the Bulls have 112 yards rushing in three games.

“We’ve got to be more consistent in the run game,” said Golesh. “We’ve had some bright spots. It’s just being able to do it consistently over four quarters.”

Blazers bring the heat

UAB’s defense is ranked third in the nation in allowed passing yards per game, at 135.8. The Blazers have held opposing quarterbacks to a completion rate of only 55% on the season.

However, these statistics may be somewhat misleading, as their schedule included No. 23 Army and No. 25 Navy – two teams that rely mostly on the run.

USF will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Blazers’ defense with its well-known tempo offense. The Bulls rank second in the nation in time per play with an average time of just 20.7 seconds per play.

“We need to make sure we execute our game plan,” said graduate offensive lineman Mike Lofton. “UAB’s defense is tough, and they’re disciplined. They’re always in the right spots, so we have to be on our game.”

Last week, the Bulls had over four dropped passes which did not help their passing game. They currently sit at 89th in the nation with an average of 201.6 passing yards per game, while the Blazers are closely ahead at 76th, averaging 215.2 yards.

Golesh said he was disappointed in the numerous drops the team had, showing his concern about the team’s performance in the passing game.

“We’ve had too many drops,” he said. “We’ve got to be better at catching the ball.”

 USF hosts UAB Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and 102.5 HD-2 and Bulls Unlimited digital radio.