Miami @ South Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 27, 2010 ) South Florida 23, Miami 20

THE STORY: South Florida’s upset of Miami last season signaled the end of the Randy Shannon era. Al Golden’s team will try to avenge that loss and become bowl eligible on the road Saturday against the Bulls.

Shannon’s disappointing four-year run ended hours after a 23-20 overtime loss to South Florida last November. It was a statement win for a young program and the final nail in Shannon’s coffin.The victory was also the Bulls’ first in three meetings with the Hurricanes.

TV: ESPNU. LINE: Miami -1

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (5-4, 1-4 Big East): The Bulls, who are seeking to become bowl eligible for a seventh straight season, ended a four-game losing streak with a 37-17 win over Syracuse last Friday. B.J. Daniels threw for 254 yards and rushed for 117 yards and a score. South Florida should have RB Darrell Scott (611 yards, 5 TDs) back after the junior missed the win due to a concussion and wrist injury. The front-seven is outstanding, ranking third in the nation in sacks (3.4 per game) and second in tackles for loss (8.6 per game), but South Florida has struggled in pass defense (86th, 243.4 ypg).

ABOUT MIAMI (5-5, 3-4 ACC): Miami outgained rival Florida State 383-259 in a 23-19 loss last week, but was hurt by three turnovers and sloppy special teams play. RB Lamar Miller ran for 92 yards on 22 carries against one of the best run defenses in the nation and is now 16th in the FBS (110.8 ypg). QB Jacory Harris, ninth in the nation in passing efficiency (161.1), has been alternating snaps with Stephen Morris the past two games. Harris threw for 225 yards and a touchdown last week, but had a costly first-quarter interception in the end zone. It was his fifth of the season. Harris' former high school teammate, WR Tommy Streeter (20.4 yards per catch, 3rd in nation), should be available despite injuring his foot against Florida State.

EXTRA POINTS

1. This will be the Bulls’ first home game since October 22.

2. Miami S Ray Ray Armstrong, one of eight players suspended as part of the Nevin Shapiro scandal, is expected to return after a one-game ban for tweeting that he had dinner with the owner of a PR firm that represents athletes.

3. South Florida will wear specially designed uniforms that feature stars and stripes. Game-worn uniforms will be donated and auctioned off on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project -- a non-profit organization that helps veterans injured in combat.

PREDICTION: Miami 31, South Florida 23 – Harris is protected by one of the best offensive lines in the country, and he should have ample time to find holes in the Bulls’ secondary.