Florida A&M vs USF Odds, Prediction: Bulls to Win Big

The South Florida Bulls are set to host the Florida A&M Rattlers on Saturday. Much of the market, myself included, expected USF to be a live dog in its opener against Western Kentucky, but that wasn't the case.

USF was without quarterback Gerry Bohanon and turned to Byrum Brown. The Bulls were unable to keep up with the Hilltoppers and lost by 17. Now, with their presumed starter's status still in question, they must face one of the best FCS programs around.

The Florida A&M Rattlers are the best team in the SWAC and proved it with a big win over Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic. However, this is another step up in competition.

Will the Bulls charge through the Rattlers? Let's dig in and find out.

Heading into the Orange Blossom Classic, many were excited to see Florida A&M show off quarterback Jeremy Moussa. Moussa is a Vanderbilt transfer who honed his skills last season and flashed some of his talent against Jackson State.

Moussa tossed two touchdowns and racked up 150 yards, but only had 22 attempts as the Rattlers dominated on the ground. Florida A&M's tandem of Terrell Jennings and Jaquez Yant combined for 147 yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry.

If they can get things going on the ground again, it will help set up the passing game, where USF proved susceptible last week.

Bohanon's status is relatively unknown for this matchup, but if he were to play, it would be a significant boost to the passing attack.

Brown wasn't great through the air last week but used his legs to lead a lethal USF rushing attack. The Bulls ran for a staggering 374 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per attempt.

If Bohanon is out again, we should expect the Bulls to continue with a run-heavy scheme. Brown, Nay'Quan Wright and Michel Dukes each had highly efficient days, and we shouldn't expect much drop-off as the Rattlers' defensive strength is their secondary.

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There's a big gap in talent here, but this matchup has an interesting dynamic. It'll be a big challenge for Florida A&M to prove itself against an FBS opponent.

The Rattlers may be motivated, but it'll be hard for them to stop the run, and that will keep their offense on the sidelines.

Ken Massey of Massey Ratings has the USF Bulls projected to be 23.5-point favorites in this matchup, and that's a number I'd take given the Bulls' drastic edge on offense.

Pick: USF -18.5 (Play to -24)