Free NCAA Football Prediction: Cougars vs. Bulls Odds
Looking for BYU Cougars vs. South Florida Bulls free picks? College football betting sees the Cougars taking on the Bulls on Saturday, September 3rd at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football game Week 1 predictions like this BYU-USF free pick.
College Football Handicapping Analysis: Week 1
(0-0) (25) BYU Cougars vs. USF Bulls (0-0)
Date: Saturday, September 3rd, 2022
Time: 4:00 pm EST
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
NCAA Football ATS Spread Odds: BYU -12.5 | USF +12.5 (Bet Now!)
NCAA Football Moneyline Odds: Cougars -450 | Bulls +340
NCAA Betting Total Odds: O/U 57.5
The BYU Cougars will travel to Tampa and take on the South Florida Bulls from Raymond James Stadium. BYU is favored to win by 12 on the road here, with the total opening at __ __.
USF and BYU have met twice previously, with the schools splitting the two meetings. The Cougars won the 2021 matchup, 35-27.
BYU Cougars
BYU put together another strong season in 2021, posting a 10-2 record, that included wins over arch rival Utah and USC. The Cougars will look to make it three straight double digit win seasons under head coach sixth-year head coach Kalani Sitake, with their eyes set their first New Years’ bowl in over a decade,
Jaren Hall returns for BYU after a successful and efficient first season under center. The 6’1 junior played big down the stretch, and he could just be the next great BYU quarterback. Hall moves well for his size, and he’s going to give the Cougars a big advantage heading into Tampa.
Hall made 10 starts last season, passing for 2,583 yards, while completing 64% of his passes, and tossing 20 touchdowns to just five interceptions. Hall also added 307 yards and three scores on the ground.
While Hall returns behind center for BYU, they will miss lead back Tyler Allgeier dearly. Allgeier set school records in rushing yards (1,601) and touchdowns (23), and the Cougs may have to take the committee approach early.
The Cougars ran for 188.1 yards per game last season, so the run game is a huge part of what they like to do. Cal transfer Christopher Brooks (607 rush yards in 2021) may get a shot early at the lead role, while senior back Lopini Katoa is their leading returning rusher after gaining 242 yards last season.
BYU will benefit from their top two leading receivers returning. Former UW receiver Puka Nacua played all over the field for the Cougs last season, leading the team in receptions (42), yards (796), and touchdowns (6), while also tallying 148 rushing yards. Gunner Romney’s return to the lineup will be huge, as the wideout missed five games but still managed to total 31 catches and 539 receiving yards last season.
BYU will retain all three of their starting linebackers, and a good chunk of their secondary from the 2021 season.
South Florida Bulls
Gerry Bohanon has a good chance to be the starter for the home opener. The former Baylor quarterback put together a decent season for the Bears in 2021, throwing for 2,160 passing yards, and totaling 26 touchdowns (17 pass, 9 rush).
Bohanon even handed BYU one of their three losses last season, throwing for 231 yards and a score, while leading Baylor to a 38-24 win over BYU.
Jaren Mangham is back after transferring in from Colorado and leading USF in rushing last season. Mangham totaled 671 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2021. The 231-pounder plays a physical game, and he even gained 86 yards and scored twice in last year’s lost to BYU. Kelley Joiner Jr. also returns for the Bulls, and he’s rushed for over 360 yards in all three of his seasons in Tampa.
Bohanon should bring some life to the USF passing game, and he will have returning leading receivers Xavier Weaver (41/715/2) and Jimmy Horn Jr. (30/408/1) at his disposal.
Tony Grier Jr.’s return will be huge for a South Florida defense that will need to make major improvements this season.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- USF are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- BYU are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Bulls are 3-5 ATS in their last 8 home games.
- Cougars are 5-3 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Free Week 1 NCAA Football Pick
An experienced BYU team will be coming into Tampa, and there’s a good chance they open their season with a win. A hard-fought, smashmouth victory.
4* Free Week 1 NCAA Betting Pick: Under 57.5
BYU had a tough time covering out of the gate last season and USF has struggled to score for years. Gerry Bohanon getting another a shot at the Cougars adds an interesting twist, but Kalani Sitake’s veteran defense should show up here and ultimately be the best unit on the field. With both squads looking to feel their rosters out, the under feels like the perfect storm here.
Take the under for the BYU/USF matchup, and give the Cougars’ spread a look, as they should come away as the winners here.
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