Heading into the 2024-25 season, USF (2-4, 0-2 AAC) carried big expectations from a turnaround season just last year.

The 2023 season saw the Bulls increase their total number of wins by six, the second biggest rise in the nation. The program’s progress set these beliefs for a team looking to control the American Athletic Conference.

Just halfway through the season however, those projections have been dimmed by inconsistent play and missed opportunities, leaving the Bulls searching for answers on all sides of the ball.

USF’s struggles this season have been apparent, but there have still been some highlights, resulting in a grade of D+.

Here’s a look at South Florida’s midseason report card, breaking down what’s gone wrong so far – and what’s left to salvage as they aim to regain momentum.

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

Bulls in a slump 

The USF offense started the season with promise, but halfway through, its execution has faltered as it struggled to find a rhythm.

Star junior quarterback Byrum Brown was expected to lead a balanced attack, as a dual-threat option, in head coach Alex Golesh’s tempo scheme. 

Costly turnovers, however, have stifled the Bulls from churning anything out positive.

Offensive coordinator Joel Gordon said the impact of turnovers in recent games has derailed promising drives.

South Florida has turned over the ball eight times, three of them from interceptions.

“You can’t have the interception and take away an opportunity,” he said at Wednesday’s press conference, emphasizing the need to be cautious with the ball.

The team’s rushing attack, once a bright spot, has also faded in recent games.

In their early wins over Bethune-Cookman and Southern Mississippi, the Bulls looked strong, racking up 600 yards and 10 total touchdowns on the ground. 

Since week three, USF’s run game has only accounted for 112 total yards.

Gordon summed up the offensive struggles bluntly – “Not good enough.”

Offense grade: D

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

Defense on the ropes

On the defensive end, the Bulls have had a challenging first few weeks, struggling to contain some of the top offenses in the nation.

Despite facing three top-40 offenses that each scored over 40 points, USF’s defense has shown flashes of improvement compared to last season. 

“We’ve had moments where we executed well and made critical stops,” defensive coordinator Todd Orlando said at Wednesday’s press conference.

The Bulls kept two top-10 teams, No. 6 Miami and No. 7 Alabama, to one-score games at halftime. After the half, South Florida looked lost and looked like a completely different team.

“We have to step up as a unit, especially in the second half,” Golesh said.

Orlando also acknowledged the inconsistent performance and said the team needs to “play with more discipline and focus on the fundamentals.”

The Bulls defense ranks 112th in the nation, mirroring the same ranking they held at the end of last season.

“At times, pretty decent. At times, not so good,” Orlando said. “To put a collective grade on it, I think we’re all trying to get it to be as good as it can be.

Defense Grade: C-

Looking ahead

Despite a disappointing first half, the Bulls remain hopeful that a turnaround this season is still possible.

After facing the sixth-highest strength of schedule to start the season, they now look ahead to one of the easiest remaining schedules, ranked 129th.

“We’ve learned a lot from our early challenges, and we believe we can build on that as we move forward,” Golesh said. “Now, it’s about executing and taking advantage of the opportunities in front of us.”

With six games left, all conference play, USF still has time to regroup and adjust its efficiency.

“It’s about rallying together, making the most of every opportunity, and executing at a higher level,” Golesh said. “That’s where it starts.”

USF takes on UAB 3:30 p.m. Saturday, with coverage on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited.