“Not good enough” – The Oracle

Entering the 2024-25 season, USF (2-4, 0-2 AAC) was ahead great expectations from a Turnaround season just last year.

In the 2023 season, the Bulls increased their win total by six, the second-largest increase in the country. The progress of the program has solidified these beliefs for a team that wants to control the American Athletic Conference.

But just halfway through the season, these forecasts were clouded inconsistent play And missed opportunitiesso the Bulls are looking for answers on all sides.

USF’s problems this season were obvious, but they still existed some highlightsresulting in a grade of D+.

Here’s a look at South Florida’s midseason report, breaking down what’s gone wrong so far — and what’s left to salvage as they try to get back on track.

Related: Why These USF Transfers Made the Move: “Not About the Logo”

Bulls in crisis

The USF offense started the season with promisesbut halfway through, the execution faltered as it struggled to find a rhythm.

Star junior quarterback Byrum Brown Head coach Alex Golesh was expected to lead a balanced attack as a dual-threat option Tempo scheme.

Costly saleshowever, have prevented the Bulls from producing anything positive.

Offensive Coordinator Joel Gordon said the impact of turnovers in recent games had wiped out promising successes.

South Florida turned the ball over eight times, three of them by interception.

“You can’t intercept and let an opportunity slip away,” he said Press conference on Wednesdayemphasizing the need to be careful with the ball.

The team’s rushing attack, once a bright spot, has also faded in recent games.

In their early victories Bethune Cookman And Southern Mississippithe Bulls looked strong, racking up 600 yards and 10 total touchdowns on the ground.

Since week three, USF’s running game is all that matters 112 yards total.

Gordon summed up the offensive problems bluntly: “Not good enough.”

Degree of crime: D

Related: Midway through the season, USF’s offense struggled to perform

Defense on the ropes

Defensively, the Bulls had a challenge in the first few weeks. battle to curb some of the country’s most common crimes.

Even though there were three Top 40 offense With everyone scoring more than 40 points, USF’s defense showed flashes of improvement over last season.

“We had moments where we performed well and made key stops,” defensive coordinator Todd Orlando said at Wednesday’s press conference.

The Bulls ensured two top-10 teams, No. 6 Miami and No. 7 Alabama, tied the score at halftime. After half, South Florida looked lost and looked like a completely different team.

“We have to get stronger as a unit, especially in the second half,” said Golesh.

Orlando also acknowledged the inconsistent performance and said the team needed to “play more disciplined and focus on what’s important.”

The Bulls’ defense ranks 112th in the nationwhich reflects the same placement they had at the End of last season.

“Sometimes pretty decent. Sometimes not so good,” Orlando said. “To evaluate it overall: I think we’re all trying to do it as well as we can.

Defense grade: C-

Looking ahead

Despite a disappointing first half, the Bulls remain confident that a turnaround is still possible this season.

After facing the sixth-best team on the schedule at the start of the season, they are now looking at one of the best simplest remaining schedulesPlace 129.

“We have learned a lot from our early challenges and believe we can build on them as we move forward,” Golesh said. “Now it’s about implementing and taking advantage of the opportunities in front of us.”

With six all-conference games remaining, USF still has time to regroup and adjust its efficiency.

“It’s about sticking together, making the most of every opportunity and performing at a higher level,” Golesh said. “That’s where it starts.”

USF faces UAB on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., with coverage on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited.