GREENVILLE, N.C. — The Bulls (2-5, 1-2) must emphasize their strong, record-setting running game to defeat the East Carolina Pirates (3-4, 1-2) in Thursday night's ESPN showcase game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Why? Let us count the ways.
Rain is in the forecast. An 80 percent chance of thunderstorms at game time. If Jaren Mangham's USF white-on-white uniform is covered in slick mud by the fourth quarter, that's a good sign.
There's uncertainty at quarterback. Freshman Timmy McClain, who suffered a sprained ankle and didn't play during the second half of USF's 34-14 victory against Temple on Saturday night, is a game-time decision.