South Florida heads to Navy on Saturday for a key conference matchup that could shape the American Athletic Conference standings. Both teams are 7-2 and part of a tight race at the top, with only one league loss each. Kickoff is at noon in Annapolis.
USF comes in with one of the best offenses in the country, averaging 42 points per game. Quarterback Byrum Brown has been the Bulls’ star all season. He has thrown for more than 2,200 yards and run for over 700, making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat players in college football. Last week against UTSA, Brown led USF to a 55–23 win by piling up 348 total yards in just over one half of action. The Bulls have also been very strong on the ground, rushing for more than 235 yards in six straight games.
Navy will counter with its own strong running attack. The Midshipmen lead the nation in rushing, gaining over 300 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Blake Horvath has rushed for more than 100 yards in six straight games and directs an offense built on long drives and ball control. Navy is 5-0 at home this season and has been tough to beat in Annapolis.
The teams have split their last two meetings. Navy beat USF 28–7 last year in Tampa, while the Bulls won in Annapolis in 2023. USF has usually played well when it can score early and speed up the game, while Navy prefers to slow things down and limit possessions. That contrast in styles will be a big factor on Saturday.
With both teams fighting for a spot in the conference championship game, this matchup carries extra weight. USF is trying to stay on track for its first league title, while Navy hopes to finish the regular season unbeaten at home. It should be one of the most important games of the weekend in the American.
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