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BYU sophomore quarterback Jaren Hall runs the ball during the 27-17 Cougar win over Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (Marcia Harris, Special to the Daily Herald)

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Isaac Rex (83) and Viliama Tausinga (47) salute the BYU student section after a 27-17 victory against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (BYU Courtesy Photo)

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BYU football fans cheer on their team during the 27-17 Cougar win over Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (Marcia Harris, Special to the Daily Herald)

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Here is Jared Lloyd’s look at the BYU-South Florida matchups, including his prediction for the final score for Saturday’s game at LaVell Edwards Stadium:

BYU offense vs. South Florida defense

The Cougars haven’t been able to consistently get rolling so far in 2021 but they’ve got the job done against some good defenses. The Bulls surrendered more than 40 points to both Florida and NC State, so they have had to try to find some answers to slow opponents down.

Edge: BYU

BYU defense vs. South Florida offense

The Cougar defense have been excellent at managing points, even though it has given up quite a few yards in three games. Look for BYU to once again allows some drives to a Bull offense that has some impressive athletes. South Florida will also make some costly mistakes.

Edge: BYU

Coaching

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake is keeping his guys loose with the dancing and excitement on the sideline. That has paid dividends in the games as players have gone out and made key plays. South Florida head coach Jeff Scott is finding ways to get his guys in place but it is a work in progress.

Edge: BYU

Intangibles

The Bulls have to travel a long ways to play late at night in a hostile environment, things that are never easy. BYU, on the other hand, might not be as crisp since this game doesn’t have the same high-profile status as its first three contests.

Edge: BYU

Key Matchup: BYU wide receivers vs. the South Florida secondary

The Bulls have given up at least 380 yards in each of their three games. Since NC State and Florida ran the ball so effectively, expect USF to bring more guys up to try to stop BYU’s Tyler Allgeier and Lopini Katoa. That means the cornerbacks and safeties will have a lot on their shoulders to try to stop Neil Pau’u and the Cougar passing attack from making big plays.

Edge: BYU

Prediction

South Florida is a team that has proven before it is good enough to beat BYU if the Cougars don’t play well — but this BYU team isn’t going to give the Bulls much help this time. The Cougars will take a little bit to get going but once BYU is rolling, the setting and BYU’s playmakers will simply overwhelm the Bulls. The Cougars should be able to get a lot of guys in during the fourth quarter.

BYU 48, South Florida 17

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