No one knows what to expect Friday night when the South Florida Bulls (4-4) visit the Carrier Dome to take on the Syracuse Orange (5-4). Absolutely no one.
Not with these two mystery teams lining up against one another.
Will we see the Syracuse that beat West Virginia on a Friday night or the Syracuse that's shown up the past two weekend?
Will we see the USF that beat Notre Dame in South Bend and started 4-0 or the one that's been on an 0-4 free-fall ever since?
No on has any idea.
For as frustrating as Syracuse's season has been at times, imagine how USF fans must feel...
How crazy is has it been this season? South Florida will enter Friday’s game in the top half of the conference in every major offensive and defensive category, yet it is winless. It is second in total offense, piling up 466.6 yards per game. It leads the league in rushing (199.8 yards per game). It has recorded 28 sacks while allowing only 12. It is plus-4 in turnover margin.
Doug Marrone has concerns about Bulls' QB B.J. Daniels. The Orange were able to put a muzzle on him last year but he's shown the ability to be better this year.
"I think you see someone as more comfortable with what they're doing. Their offensive numbers are all up from what they've been the past two years, despite the record. He's very dangerous, he's a weapon back there.
The game is likely going to come down to the fourth quarter, a place where both teams have struggled mightily.
Two games in a row, USF has had a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter — and was ahead in the final 90 seconds, the football equivalent of a lead with two outs in the bottom of the ninth — and has managed to lose, something the Bulls had never done in their 15-year history before these two losses.
The good news for USF? Syracuse may be worse at fourth quarters. Last week against Connecticut, the Huskies scored 14 in the fourth to rally for a 28-21 win. Against Louisville, the Cardinals scored the first 13 points of the quarter to pull away in a 27-10 win. And Rutgers, trailing the Orange 13-3 in the fourth, scored 10 points to tie the game, then won in overtime.
Antwon Bailey hopes to get going again...ESPN
Darrell Scott injury update...ESPN
Syracuse University football fullbacks bring their hardhats to work every day...Dave Rahme
Syracuse vs. South Florida: Here are our predictions...Syracuse.com
Salvation Army to kick off Red Kettle campaign at Carrier Dome before football game Friday...Syracuse.com
USF Vs. Syracuse: Bulls Hope To End Four-Game Slide...SB Nation Tampa Bay
Syracuse Vs. USF: Scouting The Bulls...SB Nation New York
In this installment of Behind The Facemask, Lavar talks with S.U. free safety Phillip Thomas. Lobdell, a former Syracuse University football player, returns to Manley Field House each week to go 'Behind the Facemask' with current players about life on and off the field.
The Post-Standard Columnist Bud Poliquin and The Score 1260 "On The Block" host, and Syracuse.Com Brent Axe discuss SU Football and Basketball. Video by Frank Ordonez/The Post-Standard