Update: Kickoff is delayed by lightning until at least 12:30 p.m. ET.
How to watch USF at Michigan State: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The Bulls and the Spartans hope to rebound from disappointing opening games.
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
The fire makes it look like it's burning down. RT @brian_calloway: Message on Spartan Stadium scoreboard. pic.twitter.com/4c6LLinrkn
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) September 7, 2013
South Florida will have a tough time trying to rebound from an embarrassing opening week loss when it travels to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans. Television coverage starts at noon ET on ESPNU.
The Bulls were one of eight FBS teams to lose to lower division opponents last week, getting blown out by McNeese State, 53-21, in Willie Taggart’s first game as South Florida’s head coach.
Michigan State looks to put up a more convincing win after an all-too-close 26-13 victory over Western Michigan last week. The Spartans have named a starting quarterback in Andrew Maxwell, who completed 11-of-21 passes for just 74 yards against the Broncos but still managed to outplay his competition, Connor Cook (6-of-16 for 42 yards).
The numbers
Rankings and records: Michigan State is 1-0 on the year, while South Florida is 0-1. This will be the first matchup between the two teams.
Vegas: Michigan State is a 23-point favorite Saturday. The over/under is 44.5 points. OddsShark has more.
Weather: A high of 81 with isolated thunderstorms and a 30 percent chance of rain.
Three names to know
Jeremy Langford. The junior running back ran 20 times for 94 yards and a score against Western Michigan as the only reliable part of the Spartans’ offense. Langford was a cornerback as a freshman in East Lansing, but switched back to his natural running back position last season.
Max Bullough. The senior linebacker was all over the place against Western Michigan, recording nine tackles with two-and-a-half for a loss. Last season, he had 110 tackles, tops on the team, with 12.5 for a loss.
Marcus Shaw. South Florida was, well, awful against McNeese State, but its running back was perhaps the lone bright spot. Shaw ran 12 times for 145 yards and a touchdown, and also caught five passes for 47 yards. Last year, he ran 51 times for 248 yards, and will hope to lead the Bulls’ offense in East Lansing.
Two things at stake
For Michigan State, after a disappointingly close win against Western Michigan, the fans are begging for a romp at home.
For South Florida, an 0-2 start to the Willie Taggart era is nearly guaranteed. A win would restore quite a bit of good will after last week’s embarrassment.
How to witness
TV: 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
Radio: Here is a list of Michigan State affiliate stations. And here’s the list for South Florida.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Further reading
For previews and analysis from Michigan State, be sure to check out The Only Colors. For the South Florida perspective, go to Voodoo Five.
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