Florida A&M @ South Florida preview

THE STORY: No. 22 South Florida cracked the Top 25 poll this week with its highest ranking since being ranked No. 21 early in 2009. The Bulls defeated Ball State 37-7 last week after upsetting then-No. 18 Notre Dame 23-20 in the season opener. The only previous meeting between South Florida and Florida A&M came in 2005, a 37-3 South Florida victory. The Rattlers have allowed 40 or more points in three straight games against FBS teams from the Sunshine State.

TV: Bright House Sports Network. LINE: South Florida -44.5

ABOUT FLORIDA A&M (1-1): The Rattlers are the defending co-champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, but in a way they are lucky to have one victory. Florida A&M was outgained in the season opener against Fort Valley State and needed a game-winning 68-yard touchdown pass with 39 seconds left to escape with a 28-22 win. Quarterback Austin Trainor is the offense’s leader with 456 passing yards, but he only has two touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (2-0): The Bulls' offense wasn’t impressive against Notre Dame, but came to life against Ball State. The Bulls racked up 147 rushing yards and had another 372 yards through the air led by B.J. Daniels, who completed 28-of-39 passes for 359 yards and a touchdown. But it has been the play of the defense and special teams that has carried South Florida so far. The defense forced five turnovers against Notre Dame, and the special teams recovered and returned a fumble for a touchdown on the opening kickoff against Ball State.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Since joining the Big East in 2005, South Florida is 26-5 in regular season non-conference matchups.

2. The Bulls are trying to start 3-0 for the fifth time in the last six years.

3. Florida A&M is 2-13 all-time against in-state FBS opponents, including a 45-0 loss at Miami last year.

PREDICTION: South Florida 48, Florida A&M 3 - The Bulls are clicking right now, and the Rattlers are incapable of doing anything to slow down their momentum.