Miami visits South Florida in renewed rivalry showdown
- Miami enters the game with a 3-0 record, while South Florida has a 2-1 record.
- The last meeting between the two teams was in 2013, and Miami has historically dominated the rivalry.
- This matchup is crucial for South Florida to secure a win against a top 10 team for the first time in nearly 17 years.
No. 8 Miami, currently unbeaten with a 3-0 record, is set to face South Florida, which has a 2-1 record, in a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday at 7 p.m. This game marks the renewal of an intrastate rivalry that has not seen action since 2013. Miami aims to secure a perfect 4-0 record in nonconference games, while South Florida seeks its first victory against a top 10 team in nearly 17 years, having lost all eight previous encounters with ranked opponents since 2016. The matchup features key players, including Miami's left tackle Jalen Rivers, who returns from injury to bolster the offensive line, and South Florida's dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown, who leads his team in rushing. The game is expected to be competitive, especially considering South Florida's defensive prowess, having forced five fumbles in their first three games. Miami must prioritize ball security to avoid potential upsets. Historically, Miami has dominated this rivalry, winning five of the six previous meetings, with South Florida averaging only 10 points in those losses. The Bulls have struggled against ranked teams, with their last victory over a top 25 opponent occurring in 2016 against Navy. This game presents an opportunity for South Florida to break that streak and prove their competitiveness against a high-ranking opponent. As both teams prepare for this clash, the stakes are high for South Florida to establish themselves as a formidable contender in the state, while Miami looks to maintain its momentum and continue its unbeaten run. The outcome could have significant implications for both programs moving forward.