South Florida Vs Hawaii Football Game Prediction

When South Florida and Hawaii face off, tropical college football vibes will be in full force. Both teams feature exciting offenses and plenty of speed. But which squad has the edge going into this cross-country clash? We’ll analyze key factors like each team’s passing game, ground attack, defense, special teams, coaching and intangibles to make a confident prediction on the outcome.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick prediction: South Florida’s athleticism and aggressive defense gives them an edge over Hawaii in a close, high-scoring affair. Final score prediction: South Florida 38, Hawaii 34.

Comparing South Florida and Hawaii’s Quarterbacks

South Florida’s dynamic Gerry Bohanon

When it comes to South Florida’s quarterback, Gerry Bohanon is the name that stands out. Known for his dynamic playing style, Bohanon brings a unique set of skills to the field. With his strong arm and exceptional mobility, he poses a significant threat to opposing defenses.

Bohanon’s ability to make plays with his arm and legs makes him a dual-threat quarterback, capable of extending plays and creating opportunities for his team.

Bohanon’s statistics speak for themselves. In the past season, he threw for over 2,500 yards and rushed for an additional 500 yards. His accuracy and decision-making have also improved, with a completion rate of over 65%.

These numbers demonstrate his effectiveness as a passer and his ability to move the chains.

Hawaii leans on experienced QB Brayden Schager

On the other side of the field, Hawaii relies on the experience and leadership of their quarterback, Brayden Schager. Despite facing some challenges last season, Schager showed promise and potential. With a strong arm and good pocket presence, he has the ability to deliver accurate passes and make smart decisions under pressure.

Schager’s experience will be crucial for Hawaii’s offense. Having played in multiple games and faced different defensive schemes, he has developed a better understanding of the game and can quickly read and react to the defense.

This knowledge allows him to make quick adjustments and exploit the weaknesses of the opposing team.

Edge: Slight advantage South Florida

While both quarterbacks bring unique strengths to their respective teams, the edge in this comparison goes to South Florida’s Gerry Bohanon. The combination of his dynamic playing style, impressive statistics, and ability to make big plays gives South Florida an advantage in this matchup.

However, it’s important to note that football games are unpredictable, and anything can happen on the field. Both quarterbacks have the potential to make a significant impact on the outcome of the game, and their performances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Assessing Each Team’s Rushing Attack

South Florida’s deep backfield led by Jaren Mangham

South Florida boasts a formidable rushing attack, thanks in large part to their deep backfield led by Jaren Mangham. Mangham, a talented running back with great vision and agility, has been a key contributor to South Florida’s offense this season.

He has consistently displayed his ability to break tackles and make explosive plays, making him a threat to opposing defenses. With Mangham leading the way, South Florida’s rushing attack has been able to consistently move the chains and put points on the board.

In addition to Mangham, South Florida also has a talented supporting cast in their backfield. The likes of Brian Battie and Johnny Ford have provided a nice change of pace and have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season.

This deep backfield gives South Florida the ability to keep their rushing attack fresh and wear down opposing defenses over the course of a game.

Dedrick Parson and Tylan Hines pace Hawaii

On the other side of the field, Hawaii relies on the running back duo of Dedrick Parson and Tylan Hines to lead their rushing attack. Parson and Hines have been a dynamic duo, consistently making big plays and finding the end zone for the Warriors.

Their combination of speed and power makes them difficult to bring down, and they have been a key factor in Hawaii’s offensive success this season.

Parson, a transfer from Howard University, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top running backs in the conference. His ability to hit the hole quickly and break off long runs has been a game-changer for Hawaii.

Hines, on the other hand, is a versatile back who excels in both the running and passing game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds an extra dimension to Hawaii’s offense.

Edge: Slight edge to South Florida

When comparing the rushing attacks of South Florida and Hawaii, it’s clear that both teams have talented running backs who can make plays. However, South Florida’s deep backfield led by Jaren Mangham gives them a slight edge in this matchup.

The combination of Mangham, Battie, and Ford provides South Florida with a variety of options and keeps their rushing attack fresh throughout the game.

That being said, Dedrick Parson and Tylan Hines have been exceptional for Hawaii and should not be overlooked. They have the ability to make big plays and keep the Warriors in the game. It will be interesting to see how South Florida’s defense matches up against Hawaii’s rushing attack, as both teams look to establish their ground game and control the tempo of the game.

How Do the Defenses Match Up?

When analyzing the upcoming South Florida vs Hawaii football game, one cannot overlook the importance of the defenses. Both teams rely on their defensive units to make big plays and keep the opposing offenses in check. Let’s take a closer look at how these defenses match up.

South Florida’s aggressive defense

South Florida boasts an aggressive and hard-hitting defense that is known for its ability to disrupt the opposing team’s game plan. Led by their talented linebacker corps, the Bulls defense prides itself on creating turnovers and applying constant pressure on the quarterback.

Last season, South Florida recorded an impressive 30 sacks, ranking among the best in the nation. Their ability to get after the quarterback will undoubtedly pose a challenge for Hawaii’s offensive line.

Hawaii’s defensive struggles last season

On the other hand, Hawaii’s defense had some struggles last season. They allowed an average of 34 points per game, which was one of the highest in the country. Additionally, they struggled to generate turnovers, with only 10 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries throughout the season.

However, it’s important to note that Hawaii has made significant changes to their coaching staff and defensive scheme in the offseason, so it remains to be seen how these changes will impact their performance.

Edge: Advantage South Florida

Based on the statistics from last season and the reputation of their respective defenses, South Florida seems to have the edge in this matchup. Their aggressive style of play and ability to create turnovers could prove to be the difference maker in the game.

However, it’s important to remember that every game is unique, and anything can happen on the field. Both teams will have to bring their A-game if they want to come out on top.

The Impact of Special Teams

Special teams can often be an overlooked aspect of football, but their impact on the game should never be underestimated. In the upcoming South Florida vs Hawaii football game, both teams possess strong special teams units that could potentially play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.

South Florida’s solid specialists

South Florida boasts a group of talented specialists who have consistently performed at a high level throughout the season. Led by their reliable kicker and punter, the Bulls have been able to consistently pin their opponents deep in their own territory and win the field position battle.

This can be a game-changer, as it forces the opposing offense to cover a longer distance to score points, increasing the chances of a defensive stop or turnover. South Florida’s special teams unit has also shown proficiency in executing successful onside kicks, providing their team with extra possessions and momentum swings.

Big returns from Hawaii’s Calvin Turner Jr.

While South Florida may have a solid group of specialists, Hawaii’s Calvin Turner Jr. has been a standout player in the return game. Turner Jr. has showcased his explosive speed and agility, consistently providing the Warriors with excellent field position on kick and punt returns.

His ability to break tackles and make defenders miss has resulted in several big plays for Hawaii’s offense. With the potential to give his team a shorter field to work with, Turner Jr.’s impact on special teams cannot be overlooked.

Edge: Slight edge Hawaii

When evaluating the impact of special teams in the South Florida vs Hawaii football game, it is clear that both teams have strong units. However, the dynamic return abilities of Calvin Turner Jr. give Hawaii a slight edge in this aspect of the game.

If Turner Jr. can continue to make big plays in the return game, it could provide the Warriors with a significant advantage in terms of field position and potential scoring opportunities.

Coaching and Intangibles

When it comes to coaching and intangibles, the South Florida Bulls have a clear advantage with Jeff Scott at the helm. Scott, who took over the program in 2020, has quickly established himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks.

Under his guidance, the Bulls have shown significant improvement and are on an upward trajectory.

Jeff Scott leads an ascending South Florida program

Jeff Scott’s experience as an assistant coach at Clemson University, where he was part of two national championship-winning teams, has undoubtedly influenced his coaching style. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a winning mentality to South Florida, which has translated into positive results on the field.

Under Scott’s leadership, the Bulls have made significant strides in recruiting, bringing in talented players who fit his system. Additionally, Scott has implemented a culture of discipline and accountability, instilling a sense of pride and determination in his players.

The results speak for themselves. In just his second season, Scott led the Bulls to a bowl game appearance, a testament to the progress and growth of the program under his guidance. With his strategic approach and ability to maximize the potential of his players, Scott has positioned South Florida for continued success.

Hawaii’s Timmy Chang begins first season as head coach

On the other side, Hawaii will be led by first-year head coach Timmy Chang. While Chang brings a wealth of experience as a former standout quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors, this will be his first season as a head coach.

Transitioning from a player to a coach can be challenging, as the responsibilities and demands are vastly different. While Chang’s knowledge of the game and familiarity with the program will undoubtedly be an asset, there may be a learning curve as he adjusts to his new role.

It’s worth noting that Chang has a strong support system in place, including experienced assistant coaches and staff members who can help guide him through the transition. However, the lack of head coaching experience could potentially be a disadvantage for Hawaii in this matchup.

Edge: Slight lean toward South Florida

When evaluating the coaching and intangibles aspect of this South Florida vs Hawaii football game, it’s clear that the Bulls have the upper hand. Jeff Scott’s proven track record, combined with the progress he has made with the South Florida program, gives them a significant advantage.

While Timmy Chang’s experience as a former player and his familiarity with the Hawaii program shouldn’t be discounted, the lack of head coaching experience could potentially pose challenges for the Rainbow Warriors.

Conclusion

In a contest between tropical locales, South Florida’s athleticism, aggressive defense and efficient offense should be enough to outpace a talented Hawaii squad. The Bulls emerge with a hard-fought 38-34 win in an entertaining shootout.

South Florida versus Hawaii promises to be a fun way to kick off college football season, but the Bulls have more established talent on both sides of the ball. That gives them a narrow edge to pull off a close road win in this cross-country duel.