MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — No. 5 Miami has opened the season looking every bit like a College Football Playoff contender, but Saturday brings another test as the Hurricanes host No. 18 South Florida, one of the nation’s biggest early surprises.
The Hurricanes (2-0) enter the in-state matchup with momentum after knocking off Notre Dame in Week 1 and cruising to a 45-3 win over Bethune-Cookman.
Quarterback Carson Beck has been sharp, completing 77.8% of his passes through two games to lead the ACC.
He threw for 267 yards along with two touchdowns and vaulted himself into the Hurricanes’ history books last Saturday, giving Miami an efficient passing attack to complement its powerful running game.
USF (2-0), meanwhile, has turned heads with back-to-back upsets of Boise State and Florida.
The Bulls have been powered by quarterback Byrum Brown, who has yet to throw an interception in a program-record 240 attempts.
Brown accounted for nine of the Bulls’ 10 plays of 10-plus yards in the 18-16 win over Florida, proving his ability to generate explosive plays through the air and on the ground.
This will be the eighth meeting between the schools, with Miami holding a 6-1 advantage, including last year’s 50-15 blowout in Tampa. But the stakes are higher this time, with both teams in the top 20 and early playoff implications at play.
Miami’s defense, under new coordinator Corey Hetherman, has shown encouraging signs.
The Hurricanes are allowing just 13.5 points per game and have leaned on their defensive line to create pressure.
Edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor anchor a front that could test USF’s protection, while the secondary looks more disciplined than it did last season.
Still, Brown’s dual-threat ability and his connection with receiver Keshaun Singleton will challenge Miami’s containment. The Bulls thrive on explosive plays, an area where Miami has been vulnerable at times.
On offense, Miami deploys a running back by committee approach featuring Mark Fletcher Jr., Marty Brown and Jordan Lyle. Girard Pringle Jr. also scored the first touchdown of his college career in last Saturday’s win over the Wildcats.
Fletcher brings power, Brown adds a physical, grind-it-out style, and Lyle provides breakaway speed. Together, they’ve given Miami a versatile rushing attack that could wear down the Bulls’ defense over four quarters.
USF’s defense has proven strong near the goal line but has allowed long runs, something Miami will try to exploit behind a dominant offensive line.
For Miami, Saturday is about maintaining momentum in pursuit of an ACC title and a potential playoff run. For USF, it’s a chance to extend one of the nation’s best early-season storylines with a third straight upset of a ranked opponent.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium.
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