Keys To The Game: Bulls at Falcons
September 26, 2026 | Football
GAME 4: Bulls at Bowling Greenย ย ย ย
Doyt L. Perry Stadium (24,000) โข Bowling Green, Ohio โข Saturday, Sept. 26 โข 5:00 PM
TV:ย ESPN+ - Play-by-Play:ย Kelsie Kasper; Analyst: Ryan Cavanaugh
RADIO: Q105FM &ย Bulls Unlimited (digital) - Play-by-Play: Jim Lighthall, Analyst: Sam Barrington, Sideline: Joey Johnston
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BOWLING GREEN, OHIOย โ Here's something different: For the first time in 14 seasons, the South Florida Bulls will travel to Mid-American Conference territory. It's a league rich in tradition and history. The Bulls (3-0) will face the Bowling Green Falcons (0-3) Saturday at 5 p.m., in a non-conference roadie at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.
"I grew up in Ohio and back then, the MAC was the best non-Power Five league,'' South Florida offensive coordinator Tim Beck said. "The MAC has been around forever. There have been so many great players who came through that league.''
The MAC has produced four Pro Football Hall of Famers (Antonio Gates, Jack Lambert, Randy Moss and Jason Taylor), one Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (Julian Edelman), two NFL Defensive Players of the Year (James Harrison and Khalil Mack) and a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger).
Perhaps you've seen one of those weeknight games โ MAC-tion! โ that gives maximum exposure to the league.
When the Bulls last faced Bowling Green in 2002, the Falcons were ranked No. 25 in the Coaches Poll and Urban Meyer was BG's head coach. The Bulls dominated the Falcons 29-7 and fans stormed the field at Raymond James Stadium.
It doesn't figure to be the same momentous occasion Saturday, but there's always significance for the Bulls.
"It's not about them (opponent),'' Bulls head coach Brian Hartline said. "It's about us. It's about what we do. Believe me, we've got a lot of things we need to get better at.''ย
The Bulls are seeking the eighth 4-0 start in program history (and the first since 2018) and enter Saturday one of 35 unbeaten teams in the FBS. Meanwhile, the Falcons, coached by former Ohio State running back and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George, are among 13 winless teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Here are the keys for South Florida to enjoy a happy return to Tampa before resuming American Conference play (next Saturday night against Temple at Ray-Jay):
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1. Establish The Runย
In last week's 59-17 home victory against FCS team Delaware State, the Bulls rushed for 290 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 9.4 yards per carry. That's exactly the desired template for Hartline and his staff. Move the chains. Dominate up front. Loosen things up for a strategic passing game.ย
BG has not distinguished itself against the run. In the opener against FCS power Tarleton State, the Falcons surrendered 250 rushing yards to Tylan Hines. Meanwhile, things didn't get better in decisive defeats at Nebraska (254 rushing yards, 7.8 average) and Iowa State (365, 7.9 average).
That's good news for South Florida backs such as D.J. Crowther (the American Conference Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 101 yards and three touchdowns) and Jason Collins Jr. Don't forget about Alvon Isaac, Tray Kinkle and Chase Garnett, a trio of runners who saw their first ball-carrying action against Delaware State.ย
"The key is consistency,'' Beck said. "D.J. has been very, very consistent for us. But all those guys (backs) are talented. You don't lose too much with whoever's in the ballgame.''
Beck also said the offensive line has been performing well. In his mind, Beck said center and steadying influence Thomas Shrader should be the team's Most Valuable Player.
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2. Play A Mistake-Free Game
Here's a winning statistic: The Bulls have a plus-four turnover margin. The defense has three fumble recoveries and two interceptions (both in the opening game against FIU). Meanwhile, quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. has zero interceptions (on 80 pass attempts). The Bulls have just one fumble (it was lost against Delaware State when a pass-catcher was slammed from behind).ย
"Mike is not turning the ball over or putting it in jeopardy,'' Beck said. "A lot of quarterbacks think that you call a play and you've got to throw it. Most of them feel like they can make that throw, so they put the ball in jeopardy.''ย
Beck said quarterbacks coach Mike Hartline has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maturity on first and second downs.ย
"If things aren't there, hit your check down or (throw it out of bounds),'' Beck said. "Don't get beat on third down. Those type of things are winning football. The maturity has really been showing with the way our guys are protecting the football.''
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3. Stop The Big Playsย
If there can be such a thing as alarming moments in a 32-point victory in which 611 yards were gained, a couple of them happened against Delaware State. The Bulls surrendered a 90-yard catch-and-run touchdown, along with a 50-yard gallop by the quarterback.ย
In South Florida's previous two games, the Bulls surrendered a 37-yard pass play at Army (on a trick play), but had no other gainers that surpassed 30 yards. The Hornets were limited to just 66 yards and zero points in the second half. There were no specific halftime adjustments, other than the Bulls playing a lot better and paying more attention to details.
But those first-half big plays still stung.
Defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge said the Bulls were in Cover Two on the 90-yard pass play, but a USF defensive back fell down, creating a crease that broke things wide open. The 50-yard QB scramble was just poor execution.ย
The Bulls are favored by 17.5 points against BG. Aldridge said there's no chance of his defenders overlooking the Falcons. Last week's two big plays by Delaware State gave Aldridge all the ammunition he needed.
"They've had an earful all week,'' Aldridge said.
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4. Bring The Pressure
South Florida's defense has been playing short-handed โ with injuries to defensive end C.J. Hicks and linebacker Grayson "Pup'' Howard โ but the defensive pressure statistics have been sparse.
Three games, three sacks. There have been 22 tackles for a loss. But whether it has been the opponent's plan of attack or lack of production, it's a slow start in the havoc-creating department.
Meanwhile, BG has allowed only three sacks on 68 passing attempts. The Falcons will first try to run the ball, but it's vital for the Bulls to bring pressure on BG quarterback Jay Kastantin, who is extremely accurate (66.7-percent).
โ#GoBullsโ
Joey Johnston
Athletics Senior Writer
