South Florida vs. Pitt: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

South Florida and Pitt are ready for a Thursday night Big East prime-time showdown. It is the first conference game for both teams.

The Bulls look like the class of the conference early, but they are going to be on the road in this one, and Pitt is far from a pushover.

This should be a great game.

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

When: 8:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3 

Radio: Full list of South Florida Bulls radio networks, full list of Pitt Panther radio networks

Betting Line: South Florida -3

Injury Report for South Florida (injury information via USA Today):

• Probable: OL Tony Kibler (knee), CB Quenton Washington (knee), CB Tyson Butler (hamstring)
• Questionable: DB Ernie Tabuteau (back), DT Demi Thompson (back)
• Doubtful: WR Terrence Mitchell (concussion)
• Out: DT Todd Chandler (academics)

Injury Report for Pitt (Injury information via USA Today):

• Out: OL Chris Jacobson (knee), LB Dan Mason (knee)
  

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

The Bulls have been on a steady ascension all season. They started off the year beating Notre Dame, and they haven't stopped winning since.

South Florida does not have a very big margin for error if they want to work their way into the BCS. They only have one team left on their schedule that is currently ranked in the Top 25. If they want to make a run at the BCS, they have to win this one.

Pitt sits at 2-2. If they want to make it into the Top 25 they have to start a winning streak. They cannot afford to drop this game and fall below .500 if they want to make a serious run at being ranked.

Key Storyline: Can South Florida dominate the Big East?

The Bulls are off to a tremendous start. They are exceeding expectations and looking good doing it. They clearly look like the class of the weak Big East; now they just have to prove it.

USF was just 3-5 in Big East play a year ago. This is their first conference game of the season, and they should view this a chance to send a message that they are ready to be the Big East bullies.

What They're Saying:

South Florida needs to learn how to keep the pedal to the medal for four quarters and focus on improving as the season progresses. ESPN touched on this:

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"The Bulls racked up 575 yards—373 on the ground—in beating UTEP 52-24 on Saturday, but kept the ball for a season-low 24:02 and didn't seal it until a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns.

"'You never take one for granted,' [head coach Skip] Holtz said. 'You're excited about the positive things that happened on the field. But you pinch yourself because you've got to do so many things better.'"

 

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Player to Watch for South Florida: QB B.J. Daniels

Daniels has 1,071 yards, and he has done it efficiently. He is completing just more than 66 percent of his passes, and he has eight touchdowns to just one interception.

Daniels has this passing game cruising. They are 23rd in the nation with 295 passing yards per game.

Player to Watch for Pitt: RB Ray Graham

Graham has rushed for 508 yards on 5.1 yards per carry and has also reached pay-dirt six times. He is also Pitt's leading receiver with 21 catches, totaling 129 yards on those receptions.

Graham is the centerpiece of this offense who will draw plenty of attention from the Bulls' defense.

Key Matchup: B.J. Daniels vs. Pitt's front seven

As I mentioned, Daniels is lighting it up. If he has time, he is going to carve up any defense. Pitt has to get pressure on him and put him on the ground often.

The Panthers need to disrupt his rhythm, and Pitt has a solid pass-rush. They harassed Notre Dame's Tommy Rees into two turnovers last week and hit him often. They will need to do the same in this game for Pitt to have a chance.

Prediction: South Florida 27, Pitt 20