The Florida Gators enter week two riding a five-game winning streak dating back to the 2024 season, which is tied for the longest in the FBS. At No. 13, Florida is ranked its highest in the AP Poll since Sept. 5, 2022 (No. 12).
Florida is set to host USF for the third time in program history in the fourth ever meeting between the schools. The Gators are 3-0 in the all-time series against USF including 2-0 at home, most recently posting a 31-28 win on Sept. 17, 2022, in what was Napier’s second victory as UF head coach. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. EST inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida is coming off their first shutout in 46 games (Oct. 9, 2021, vs. Vanderbilt) and most points scored (55) under Billy Napier in a dominant week victory over Long Island. Week one marked the first game in UF history with zero points allowed and zero penalties (also zero turnovers). The Gators are the only FBS team yet to commit a penalty entering week two.
USF travels to Gainesville with a ton of momentum after upsetting No.25 Boise State 34-7 in front of their home crowd. It’s likely the programs biggest win under head coach Alex Golesh, who enters his third season with the Bulls.
While the final score of that game would indicate a dominant effort, that wasn’t exactly the case. At halftime, USF led Boise State 10-7 in what was a sluggish start for both teams offensively. Boise State fumbled twice in USF territory including once in the red zone. The Broncos would fumble once more in the red zone later in the game.
To give USF credit, forcing turnovers is part of their defensive DNA under Golesh and defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. In 2023 and 2024, USF has ranked T-13th in the country with 24 and 25 turnovers gained respectively.
The Bulls scored on a fake punt in the third quarter which opened up the game. Senior quarterback Byrum Brown would go on to make a few electric plays and the rest was history.
USF missed 19 tackles in week one but were able to keep Boise State from putting up points with three turnovers and four turnovers on downs. They also did a nice job of keeping the Broncos in third and long by holding them to 3.2 yards per carry.
The Bulls’ offensive line struggled early in the contest but seemed to settle down as the game progressed. They allowed four sacks in the game, and their offensive line alone was penalized four times.
Ultimately, I don’t believe USF plays well enough around their quarterback to give Florida a real challenge on Saturday evening. However, senior quarterback Byrum Brown is electric enough to keep them in just about every game.
It’s important that Florida’s defensive line works together on the pass rush and plays with discipline on the edges. The Gators have enough speed in the front seven to keep Brown from doing damage with his legs, but you don’t want to provide him the opportunity. Florida has to be careful not to get behind Brown on the pass rush, allowing him the chance to step up and take off in a running lane. The No.1 key to this game is Florida containing USF’s athletic 6’3, 231-pound quarterback and keeping him in the pocket.
USF will run an up-tempo offense, similar to what you see at Tennessee under Josh Heupel. This will be a good test for Florida’s defense early in the game.
Florida is more athletic at every position group outside of quarterback. If the Gators can keep Brown in the pocket, I see the Orange and Blue cruising to victory.
PLAYERS TO WATCH ON USF:
QB Bryum Brown #17
Electric playmaker at quarterback that you have to account for in the running game as well. USF’s offense starts with Brown.
WR KeShaun Singleton #11
USF’s top option at receiver stands at 6’3, 211 pounds. Recorded 408 yards and three touchdowns last season. Also caught five passes for 93 yards and a score vs Boise State.
LB Mac Harris #24
The Bulls defensive snap leader last year. Harris was named First Team All-AAC by two publications after posting 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four sacks in 2024. The 6’0, 235 pound outside linebacker logged eight tackles and graded as USF’s highest defender in week one.
NOTEABLES
– The Gators have forced a takeaway in 11-straight games and in 13 of 14 contests since the start of 2024
– Florida’s all-time, NCAA-record scoring streak currently sits at 462-consecutive games dating back to 1988.
– Week 2 vs. USF marks the 14th-straight sellout in The Swamp dating back to Week 3 of the 2023 season.
– Florida has won five-straight games in The Swamp by an average of 22.4 points (178-66).
– The 2025 Gators return 13 starters from 2025, which is tied for the 10th-most in the FBS and second in the SEC.