South Florida (1-2) at No. 15 BYU (3-0), Saturday at 10:15 p.m. EDT (ESPN2).
Line: BYU by 23 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportbook.
Series record: South Florida leads 1-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
The Cougars have won 12 straight at LaVell Edwards Stadium heading into their game against South Florida. This will be just the second trip for the Bulls to the state of Utah. They lost 52-21 to the Utah Utes in 2001. South Florida is seeking its first win over a ranked opponent since knocking off No. 22 Navy on Oct. 28, 2016.
KEY MATCHUP
South Florida freshman quarterback Timmy McClain vs. BYU’s defense. McClain made his first start against Florida A&M last weekend, going 12 of 33 for 163 yards and one TD, while also rushing for 51 yards. BYU will be without linebacker Keenan Pili, who tore his ACL. He had 34 tackles, which was tied for 10th in the nation. The Cougars forced four turnovers last weekend in a win over Arizona State.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
South Florida: RB Jaren Mangham. The Colorado transfer rushed for three TDs against Florida A&M. It’s the most by a Bulls running back since Johnny Ford had three against Connecticut in 2018.
BYU: TE Isaac Rex caught his first two TD passes last weekend. He had a team-high 12 touchdowns last season. Rex is the son of Cougars All-American tight end Byron Rex.
FACTS & FIGURES
The kickoff is the latest in South Florida history. The team will travel to Utah on Thursday. … The Bulls beat BYU 27-23 in 2019 in Tampa when Cougars QB Jaren Hall made his first start. … The Bulls travel west of the Rocky Mountains for the first time since a win at San Jose State in 2017. … BYU’s offense is 10 for 10 inside the red zone, with eight TDs and two field goals. The Cougars remain one of six teams with 10 or more visits to the red zone and still perfect. … BYU has won 17 straight contests when it’s even or ahead in the turnover ratio. … The Cougars are spreading the ball around, with 12 different players catching a pass. The list includes Hall. … BYU kicker Jake Oldroyd has connected on 15 straight field goals.
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