Miami vs. USF Preview & Prediction

No. 5 Miami (2–0) enters Week 3 with every reason to take this matchup against No. 18 USF seriously. The Hurricanes handled the Bulls 50–15 last season, but the game was closer early on than the score suggests, and this year’s South Florida team is far more dangerous. Miami leads the all-time series 6–1, with USF’s lone victory dating back to 2010.

Carson Beck Leading the Way

Quarterback Carson Beck has been everything Miami could have hoped for in his debut season in Coral Gables. After Miami torched Notre Dame with four touchdowns and nearly 500 passing yards in Week 1, he followed it up by setting a school record against Bethune-Cookman—completing his first 15 passes en route to a 45–3 blowout. Beck is hitting nearly 78% of his throws, has yet to turn the ball over, and looks comfortable distributing to Miami’s loaded receiving corps of Malachi Toney, CJ Daniels, and others.

Behind him, the offensive line is proving to be one of the best in the country. Anchored by Francis Mauigoa, already seen as a top-five NFL prospect, the unit gives Beck clean pockets and opens running lanes, something that could tilt the balance against a fast but undersized USF defense.

USF’s Hot Start

The Bulls are the story of college football’s opening weeks. In just two games, they’ve gone from unranked to No. 18 in the AP Poll by knocking off Boise State and stunning Florida in Gainesville. Quarterback Byrum Brown has emerged as a legitimate star with 473 passing yards, 109 rushing yards, and mistake-free football and he’s yet to throw an interception in his career. USF also ranks top-30 nationally in scoring defense (11.5 points allowed per game) and boasts a +4 turnover margin.

Keys For Miami

The challenge for Miami will be matching USF’s tempo. The Bulls play at warp speed and thrive on second-half adjustments, outscoring opponents 23–0 in third quarters this season. If they can extend that trend, they’ll try to keep things close into the second half.

Miami’s defense, under new coordinator Corey Heatherman, has shown early improvement. Allowing just 13.5 points per game, the Hurricanes have been stout at the line of scrimmage while looking more settled in the secondary. They’ll be tested by Brown’s dual-threat ability, but the key will be Miami’s ability to collapse the pocket and force him into hurried throws. Unlike Florida, Miami has the front seven talent to control the run game and keep Brown from dictating the pace.

This is not the same USF team Miami beat handily last year as this version has more confidence, balance, and a quarterback who can make plays. But the Hurricanes are simply stronger where it matters most: in the trenches and at quarterback. Carson Beck’s poise, Miami’s depth, and a defense ready to frustrate Brown should be the difference.


My prediction:
Miami 37, USF 14

Expect USF to hang around early, but over four quarters, Miami’s methodical offense and superior line play will separate the Canes. Hurricanes stay unbeaten and continue to build their College Football Playoff résumé with another ranked win.

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