USF eyes upset in home showdown with No. 8-ranked Miami

• The Bulls haven't beaten a ranked opponent since 2016.

The intrigue: USF did hang tough through three quarters against No. 4 Alabama, entering the final frame down only 14-13 before collapsing late.

Zoom in: This year's Bulls team is dangerous thanks largely to quarterback Byrum Brown, a dual-threat who can challenge defenses by rushing or passing.

Stunning stat: Brown has run for 254 yards in three games, the second most by a quarterback so far this season, according to ESPN.

What they're saying: Stopping Brown is "gonna be a tall task," UM defensive coordinator Lance Guidry told the Miami Herald.

• "The guy can extend plays with [his] legs and then he breaks a lot of tackles. You can see it in the Alabama game — and Alabama's got big people — and he ran through some of their tacklers."

The other side: USF's defense faces its own challenge given that UM quarterback Cam Ward has been electric in his first season with the Hurricanes.

• Ward is completing 71% of his passes and has thrown 11 touchdowns with only one interception so far.

Keys to the game: USF is eighth in college football in forcing turnovers. Takeaways tend to be crucial in making major upsets happen.

• Being at home helps: The Bulls will need fans to keep Raymond James Stadium raucous to mess with Miami's communication and timing.
• "Packing out Ray-Jay will be awesome,'' Brown said, per the team site.

The odds: Las Vegas doesn't love the Bulls' chances.

• Miami is about a 17.5-point favorite.

How to watch: Seat Geek has tickets available (~$55 to a few hundred bucks).

• Or stay home and watch on ESPN. The game starts at 7pm Saturday.