The South Florida Bulls and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers meet Saturday in college football action from Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium. USF had a pretty miserable campaign last year, going just 1-11 overall. As for Western Kentucky, they posted a positive run in 2022 with a 9-5 overall record and a New Orleans Bowl victory. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

South Florida Bulls 

There aren’t too many positives in South Florida’s 2022 season. The Bulls finished just 1-11 overall and went 0-8 in the American Athletic Conference for a last-place finish in the standings. USF’s lone win came versus Howard on September 10, and the team would close out the year with 10 straight losses. 

In 2023, South Florida will get a different-looking landscape in the AAC with three schools departing and six joining. The good news is that the Bulls should be more competitive and they can begin the process of crawling out of the basement. There’s plenty of turnaround on offense with seven starters gone, but QB Gerry Bohanon is back, and receiver Sean Atkins is a nice piece to build with. 

South Florida Bulls Team Facts

South Florida has lost each of its last 18 road games.
South Florida has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
South Florida has lost the first half in each of its last six road games against non-conference opponents.
Five of South Florida’s last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 

Over on the Hilltoppers’ side, they went 9-5 overall in 2022 and hit a 6-2 run in Conference USA matchups. Western Kentucky landed in third place among the standings, and a loss to North Texas kept the team out of the conference championship game. Still, the Hilltoppers emerged victorious from the New Orleans Bowl 44-23 over South Alabama. 

There’s some healthy buzz around Western Kentucky’s offense this year. Austin Reed is back after 4,744 yards and 40 touchdowns with 11 picks last season, and he’s got the receivers to work with. Malachi Corley (101 receptions; 11 TDs), Michael Mathison (52 catches), Blue Smith, Jimmy Holiday and Za’Vian Capers should all contribute. Tight end is a little thin coming into the season with Josh Simon and Joey Belgian gone, though. 

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Team Facts

Western Kentucky has won four of its last five games.
Western Kentucky has covered the spread in each of its last six September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Western Kentucky has won the first half in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
Seven of Western Kentucky’s last eight September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Western Kentucky ranked T3rd among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.786).
Western Kentucky ranked 4th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (13.7).
South Florida was one of only two FBS teams to lose 5+ games when leading after Q1 last season.
South Florida was one of only six FBS teams to lose 4+ games when leading after Q1 last season.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with Western Kentucky. I do like South Florida to take a big step forward this season, but the Hilltoppers should have control in this one. The offense has all the pieces it needs to post another big-scoring season, and the line is solid even with the losses of Rusty States and Gunner Litton. Defensively WKU had a nice run last year as well—even though the team was overshadowed by the offense. The pass rush was great, and the 32 takeaways were top-notch. There should be even more of that in store with JaQues Evans and Devon Lynch out there. All things considered, I think the Hilltoppers will start strong here on the way to a nice season.