USF Faces Early Season Test Against Boise State
The University of South Florida (USF) football team is poised for a potential breakout season, returning a roster brimming with talent on both sides of the ball. Last year’s standout running back, Ashton Jeanty (a Heisman Trophy runner-up), has graduated, but the Bulls boast a strong foundation led by poised quarterback Maddux madsen.A dominant defensive line, an experienced linebacker corps, and a virtually intact secondary further bolster their chances.
“Man, it’s high-end talent. when you combine high-end talent in an elite culture, it’s a huge challenge,” one observer noted.
Under Head Coach Alex Golesh, USF has achieved consecutive 7-6 seasons, culminating in bowl victories. The team now aims to contend for the American Conference championship. However,their schedule begins with a demanding stretch,including road games against No. 15 Florida on September 6th and No. 10 Miami on September 13th, according to the Preseason AP Poll.
Their season opener against Boise State is already generating national buzz as a “sneaky good game” amidst a weekend of high-profile matchups like Texas-Ohio State, Notre Dame-miami, and LSU-Clemson. A victory could propel the winner into college Football Playoff consideration as a leading Group of Five representative.
Despite the challenging schedule, Golesh expressed enthusiasm. “The truth is, I’d be excited no matter who we’re playing,” he said. ”I get to coach football for a living and I get to coach football at South Florida with an amazing group of guys and a team that has bought into building something really special.”
Golesh views the nationally televised Thursday night game as a crucial opportunity. “This is the first chapter of writing the story of what this season is going to be,” he explained to his team.”Our planning is the same, no matter who we’re playing, but the fact that you get to do it on a national stage is certainly awesome. As we continue to build our brand, it’s the next opportunity for us to put it on display. We talked so much this offseason about our identity. It’s time that we put this identity that we have preached and worked and lived on display. It’s time to put it on display for the entire country to see. That means we’re physically and mentally the toughest football team on the field, a team that does things the right way, a team that doesn’t beat itself.”
Golesh specifically cited Boise State as a model for building a triumphant program. “That’s the standard of what culture and identity should look like,” he stated. “It’s a level of consistency and true culture where guys come in, learn from the guys before them, then carry the torch and teach the guys after them.”
Players share the coach’s confidence. Defensive back Kyeem Harris expressed his eagerness, stating, “Can’t wait. Absolutely can’t wait.”
The Bulls are focused on showcasing their progress and starting the 2024 season with a statement win.
-#GoBulls-
