When Florida gets ready to take the field as a 17.5-point favorite against USF, the Gators are also going to be a bit of a trendy pick for an upset. This game against the Bulls falls into perfect trap game territory, and USF is a significant step up in competition.
But if these five X-Factors go the way of the Gators, USF will have next to no shot in pulling off the upset today in The Swamp.
Trey Smack hits his field goals
Last week felt like a perfect encapsulation of a Trey Smack game. He hit a deep shot from 56 yards, but also missed relative chip shots from 39 and 40 yards, as well as one from 57 yards.
Billy Napier did express confidence in Smack, but his first attempt is going to have an extra ounce of nervousness attached to it.
Caleb Banks plays
Indications seem to be that Caleb Banks will play after missing the opener against LIU. Based on how USF's offensive line looked against Boise State, Banks could have a field day against the Bulls.
And if the defensive line as a whole can control the trenches and turn USF one-dimensional, it could be a long afternoon for USF.
Jordan Castell doesn't play soft underneath
If you are looking for one genuine concern the defense has to prove, it's the ability to make a play on the ball when opposing QBs go deep. Against Boise State, the running game for USF wasn't working and the offense started to click when Byrum Brown was able to go deep, which then opened up his ability to scramble.
Castell, in general, has this tendency to just keep things in front and give up coverage underneath. If he can shut that down, USF will have no shot.
Bryce Lovett holds up
Among the issues from the offense last week were the 11 tackles for a loss they took. As a reference point, the only time the Gators gave up more last year was against Tennessee.
In particular, Bryce Lovett has drawn the ire of Gator fans after he was the one notable player beaten the most by LIU.
If he can fix his woes, then DJ Lagway will have a clean pocket all night.
Eugene Wilson III runs routes
One of the other major talking points was the usage of Eugene Wilson III, who had five catches for negative four yards and a touchdown.
He was primarily relegated to the same role he's always had since coming to Gainesville, and LIU was all over the four screen attempts the Gators tried to feed Wilson.
But there is also a theory that Florida is saving stuff and trying to set stuff up for later, so if Wilson can actually run some routes and get open, especially with attention on Vernell Brown III, it could turn into a big day for Wilson.