South Florida @ Nevada preview

South Florida visits Nevada on Saturday in a contest that could provide a big boost to their resumes down the road. Both are receiving votes in the national poll and have visions of memorable seasons. Nevada opened plenty of eyes with its 31-24 victory at California, and South Florida is expected to contend for the Big East title, thanks to plenty of experience on its roster. The Bulls' defense, which had six sacks in its opening win over Chattanooga, will be tested by the read-option, pistol offense that features quarterback Cody Fajardo and running back Stefphon Jefferson. The Wolf Pack will have to contend with quarterback B.J. Daniels, who can beat you passing or running. Nevada, from the Mountain West, is 17-2 at home since 2009.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Nevada -1

SOUTH FLORIDA (1-0, 0-0 Big East): Daniels lost one fumble and threw a bad interception near the end of the first half that led to Chattanooga’s touchdown, but he provided many more positives. He threw touchdowns to three different receivers and also ran for a score. In fact, the Bulls had 11 different players catch passes. The emergence of speedy receiver Terrence Mitchell, who missed most of 2011 with concussion symptoms, will help. The Bulls hope to get more from running back Demetris Murray, with his backup Marcus Shaw questionable (ankle injury). South Florida’s defense must become more prominent and this game would be a good time to start.

NEVADA (1-0, 0-0 Mountain West): The Wolf Pack showed some poise before 63,186 at Cal, battling through the adversity of 11 penalties and covering five of their six fumbles. Nevada will look to build on that in front of the home fans, especially on defense. The Wolf Pack defense held Cal to 110 yards rushing and was good on third down, which could be the key against the Bulls' balance. Fajardo, a 68.8 percent passer in 2011, threw for 230 yards and ran for 97 against the Bears. Jefferson had his third 100-yard rushing game, compiling 147 with three touchdowns. Fajardo’s top target is Brandon Wimberly, who had seven catches in the opener.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Nevada will be playing its first Big East team. The two meet in Tampa in 2015.

2. The Bulls are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games as a road underdog.

3. Two freshmen and three sophomores started for Nevada in the opener.

PREDICTION: South Florida 27, Nevada 24.