> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # USF’s focus will be tested in road matchup at UAB - URL: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/usfs-focus-will-be-tested-in-road/ - Published: 2025-11-21T15:31:29.000Z - Updated: 2025-11-21T15:31:29.000Z - Description: Can the Bulls rally to finish the season off with winning ways after their loss against Navy? - Author: Collin Sherwin - Tags: #Migrated-1792597384348, #Import 2026-10-21 15:44 The South Florida Bulls are looking to get off the mat Saturday against the UAB Blazers. USF enters the week coming off a crushing loss to Navy, a defeat that dealt a near fatal blow to the Bulls’ conference championship and College Football Playoff hopes. According to Pro Football Network, the Bulls now have an 8.2% chance of making the American Championship and a 2.5% probability of reaching the College Football Playoff. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Head coach Alex Golesh has consistently emphasized the importance of building a winning culture. The months following last week’s devastating loss will either strengthen or tear down what Golesh has worked to build. This week, a tweet from Carson Cunningham of Pistols Firing surfaced claiming that “Golesh interviewed for the Oklahoma State job and remains atop the list” of potential Cowboys head coaches. When asked about the rumors Tuesday, Golesh said, “I have not (interviewed at Oklahoma State). I’m so focused and locked in on this program and team.” Golesh may end up becoming the 24th head coach in Oklahoma State history, or he could return to coach the Bulls in 2026\. Either way, the Bulls will begin facing significant distractions from here on out. Golesh’s name will swirl in coaching conversations, thoughts of the transfer portal will seep in, and focus outside the locker room will shift toward next season. The question: Where will the focus of USF’s locker room be? The Bulls still have plenty to play for. If USF wins its final two regular-season games and its bowl game, the Bulls will secure the third 10-win season in program history. The other two double-digit win seasons came in 2016 and 2017\. A win Saturday would give USF eight wins this year — already the most under Golesh. USF travels to Protective Stadium for its sixth and final road game of the season. The Bulls are 2-3 on the road this year and 7-10 away from home during Golesh’s tenure. The offense has not been as productive on the road. USF averages 50.8 points per game at home and 32.4 on the road. The Bulls have yet to score on their opening possession in a road game, and opponents are outscoring them 52-27 in the first quarter. “For us, it’s about coming out and being efficient on first and second down,” Golesh said of the slow starts. “We’re searching, finding and trying ways to make sure we start really fast.” Even with sluggish beginnings, senior quarterback Byrum Brown has put together a historic season. Only 12 quarterbacks in FBS history have recorded 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. Brown has 2,530 passing yards and 841 rushing yards through 10 games. Brown has a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown in six straight games. His 32 total touchdowns are the second most in the country, trailing only Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. UAB is allowing 227.5 passing yards per game, ranking 80th nationally. The Blazers give up 9.52 yards per completion — a troublesome matchup against Brown, who averages 13.25 yards per completion. The Blazers are allowing 38.7 points per game, the second most in FBS, behind only Georgia State. USF’s rushing attack has been steady in conference play. The Bulls have rushed for 200 or more yards against every American Athletic Conference opponent this season. Their 224.2 rushing yards per game rank 11th nationally. Sophomore receiver Keshaun Singleton leads USF with 38 receptions and 659 receiving yards. Singleton has three straight games with 85 or more receiving yards. Freshman Jeremiah Koger has eclipsed 75 receiving yards in five of his last six games after going without a catch in the first four contests. UAB is led by interim head coach Alex Mortensen. The 39-year-old is 1-3 since taking over after Trent Dilfer was fired Oct. 12\. Mortensen is the son of the late ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen. The Blazers have split time between two quarterbacks. Senior Florida transfer Jalen Kitna, the opening-game starter, has 2,006 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Sophomore Ryder Burton started against Memphis, UConn and Rice. He has 687 passing yards, nine total touchdowns and four interceptions. Last week against North Texas, UAB started Kitna while Burton also saw time. Together, they combined for one touchdown and three interceptions. Senior running back Jevon Jackson leads UAB and ranks eighth in the AAC with 751 rushing yards. Jackson had 159 yards on the ground and ran for 9.9 yards per carry last week against the Mean Green. Sophomore receiver Hooks Iverson leads the Blazers with 735 receiving yards, sixth most in the AAC. Senior Brandon Hawkins Jr. has 500 receiving yards in 2025. The Bulls defense will look for a bounce-back performance after giving up 41 points to Navy. USF allowed a season-high 338 rushing yards to the Midshipmen — the 10th-highest opponent rushing total in a single game in program history. “As disappointing as it was, we have to flip the page,” senior safety Tavin Ward said. USF’s defense has also had road struggles, allowing 35.2 points per game compared with 16.6 at home. Opponents have topped 30 points four times this season — all in road games against Miami, North Texas, Memphis and Navy. They will face a less potent offense this week. UAB ranks in the bottom half of the AAC in scoring and total offense. Even after last week’s game, the Bulls boast the conference’s third-ranked rushing defense, allowing 132.9 yards per game and 3.7 yards per rush. USF has 20 takeaways this year, tied for the eighth most in the country. The Bulls have forced a turnover in nine of their 10 games. “You have to love the game and love your team. It was disappointing, but at the end of the day if you truly love the game you’re going to respond how you need to respond,” Ward said. USF’s mental fortitude will be tested as the Bulls look to respond Saturday at 3 p.m. on ESPN+ against UAB. Thanks for reading The Bay Area Examiner ! This post is public so feel free to share it.