Ball State @ South Florida preview

THE STORY: South Florida hopes the weather isn't a factor when it plays its home opener against Ball State. The Bulls had to endure two long thunderstorm delays before they stunned Notre Dame 23-20 last week, and hope to have an interrupted path to a 2-0 start.

TV: ESPN3.com, Bright House Sports Network. LINE: South Florida -19.5

ABOUT BALL STATE (1-0): New Cardinals coach Pete Lembo picked up his first FBS victory with a 27-20 upset over state rival Indiana last week. Ball State owned the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium as it limited the Hoosiers to 103 yards rushing while totaling 210 rushing yards of its own. That could be bad news for South Florida, which allowed only 117 rushing yards against Notre Dame, but gave up more than four yards per carry. On offense, the Bulls managed only 126 yards on 42 run plays.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (1-0): The Notre Dame victory was a tremendous test. Coach Skip Holtz’s team not only handled the pressure of playing college football’s most storied program at home on national television, but also remained focused through two long weather delays. The Bulls thrived on turnovers, forcing four fumbles (two recovered) and two interceptions against the Irish. South Florida will be looking to put that pressure on Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning, who threw 14 picks last season but avoided an interception against Indiana. Ball State also led the MAC in fumbles lost in 2010 with 15.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ball State will rely heavily on its pass rush to slow down opposing quarterbacks. The Cardinals registered four sacks against Indiana, but were still burned for 272 yards through the air. South Florida isn’t the most potent passing team - it was last per game in the Big East in 2010 and put up only 128 passing yards last week.

2. The win over Notre Dame garnered the Bulls' some attention in the national polls. South Florida was ranked No. 22 by the Associated Press and received 97 votes in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll.

3. South Florida receiver Sterling Griffin shined in his first action since 2009. After missing 2010 with numerous injuries, the sophomore reeled in eight balls for 75 yards against Notre Dame, both career highs.

PREDICTION: South Florida 27, Ball State 20 - Feisty Ball State will put a scare into South Florida, which could be prone for a letdown.