5 Storylines, Predictions For USF In Birmingham Bowl

    USF is set to take on South Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl, so here are some storylines and predictions for the Bulls ahead of the game.


    USF is set to take on South Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl, so here are some storylines and predictions for the Bulls ahead of the game.


    USF will be without its head coach Willie Taggart, after he accepted the same position at Oregon, but the Bulls are loaded with talent, especially at quarterback with Quinton Flowers, who put up 3,976 yards of total offense and 37 touchdowns this season.

    Here are five thoughts and predictions as the Bulls take on South Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl on December 29.

    Flowers Will Put On A Show

    This isn’t exactly bold, but the Bulls quarterback will be going against a pretty solid South Carolina defense, and will show why he should be mentioned in preseason Heisman Trophy talk next season. He’s electric, and after winning the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year this season, will have his highs on bigger things in 2017.

    Charlie Strong’s Failure At Texas Will Be Mentioned

    And it will be brought up a lot during the broadcast. For better or worse, Strong’s presence as the new head coach for the Bulls will be the main storyline of the game, no matter how exciting it might get.

    Rushing Attack Explodes

    The Gamecocks have given up 202.83 yards per game on the ground, and that spells trouble with both Flowers and running back Marlon Mack ready to pound the ball. Be surprised if the two don’t combine for 250 rushing yards total.

    Impact Player

    Besides Flowers, there might not be a more impactful player on the USF team than receiver Rodney Adams, who also returns kicks. Look for him to break some big plays.

    Sanchez Power

    Speaking of making an impact, expect linebacker Auggie Sanchez to put pressure on the young South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley early and often. Sanchez finished the season with six sacks and 8.5 tackles for a loss while recording a team-leading 111 total tackles.

    MORE: South Carolina vs. USF Prediction, Birmingham Bowl Preview

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