5 burning questions for USF

In Alex Golesh’s first season, the Bulls finished with a winning record — a year after going 1-11 — and won a bowl game. That doesn’t mean they’re suddenly going to take over the AAC and run the table, but given the movement in the conference and USF making progress in Golesh’s Year 2 puts them in the conversation. — Jayden Armant, Orlando Sentinel

What are the expectations for QB Byrum Brown?

Byrum Brown had a stellar sophomore campaign, throwing for 3,292 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while rushing for 809 yards and 11 touchdowns. He set multiple USF single-season records, including passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage. Brown joined Heisman winner Jayden Daniels as the only quarterbacks with at least 3,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in 2023.

Brown was listed on the 2024 Lindy’s Preseason All-AAC Team, so the expectation is that he will continue to grow as a passer. South Florida also brought back most of its key offensive weapons, including star receiver Sean Atkins and running back Nay’Quan Wright. He will need better pass protection from his offensive line after the Bulls allowed the most sacks in the conference. The Bulls’ style of offense calls for more run blocking from his front five but he will need more assurance from that unit to stay off the turf.

Can a top rusher be found and developed that’s not the QB?

South Florida’s rushing offense was among the best in the AAC, averaging 182.8 yards. Brown led the way, followed by Wright and their long-yard option Michel Dukes. However, the Bulls lost running backs coach Matt Merritt to Miami and Dukes to Georgia State.

The Bulls were able to lure running backs coach Micah James, who helped lead Tennessee to the top rushing attack in the SEC and No. 9 nationally. James helped develop the ground game as the passing attack transitioned from SEC Offensive Player of the Year Hendon Hooker to Joe Milton III. James also has experience on championship staffs such as Utah State’s prolific 2021 season (school-best 11-3) and UCF in ’18 (12-1).

The running back unit still boasts their top rushing threat but will need production outside of Brown, who will be in endangered by taking more hits than necessary.

Which newcomer could improve USF’s defensive unit?

The offense temporarily overshadowed the defensive woes, which must be addressed to be competitive in the conference. They allowed just under 35 points per game and were torched through the air with the second-worst passing defense in FBS. The Bulls lost their top defensive end, Daquan Evans, who led the team in solo tackles and sacks and was second in pass deflections. Among the acquisitions are D’Marco Augustin (from Youngstown State), Kajaun Banks (from South Carolina) and cornerback De’Shawn Rucker (from Tennessee). Augustin brings the most promise out of the bunch with his four-year career at Youngstown. In 2023, he logged 22 total tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss with two pass deflections. They also could turn to their high school acquisitions in Camren Campbell (Tampa Bay Tech) and Deylen Platt (Venice).

The pass rush also could be effective by applying pressure up front to alleviate stress from the secondary. Last season, it was middle of the pack in rushing defense and sacks. Defensive tackle Decarius Hawthorne could help that unit after he logged career highs in tackles for loss (7), sacks (4.5) and total tackles (18) last season at FAU.

Will the offense perform better in critical situations?

USF’s offensive metrics were surprising, ranking No. 17 overall in the nation and fueling their season. However, one of their biggest impediments was efficiency, particularly in red-zone scoring. The Bulls only scored on 73.2% of their red-zone trips, ranking near the bottom nationally. Golesh told USF Athletics that improvement could be the difference between “[winning] and [losing] football games.”

Who is the biggest competition for the AAC?

With the defending conference champion SMU headed to the ACC, the AAC is now up for grabs. The primary competitors are Tulane, UTSA and Memphis. Tulane has competed in consecutive AAC championship games. Even with a new head coach, the Green Wave bring back star running back Makhi Hughes and several players from their top-tier defensive unit. UTSA also is expected to stay in the conversation but may take a step back after losing playmakers in defensive back Rashad Wisdom and edge rusher Trey Moore. Meanwhile, Memphis is anticipated as USF’s biggest competition.