SMU coach Sonny Dykes, like most coaches, isn't big on judging an opponent by its record. There's a reason why the Mustangs reiterate they're playing for a 1-0 record each week: In this mindset, every team is 0-0, and there will be no overlooking any opponent.
For SMU, playing USF is a big test -- never mind the Bulls' 1-2 record. Saturday will be the first American Athletic Conference game for both teams, and for Dykes, there's a lot to like with this USF team.
"When you turn the film on, you see a lot of athletic guys. That's the immediate thing, whether it's offense, defense or special teams," Dykes said of USF. "You see a lot of length and guys who can really run. You see a team that has gotten better every week. It's a team starting to play with confidence and starting to figure it out."
The last thing Dykes wants is for the Bulls to click Saturday and hand his team its first loss of the season. Let's take a look at five things SMU fans should pay attention to during the matchup:
Another big-game opportunity for Buechele?
Saturday will be the first time since 2016 that SMU quarterback Shane Buechele and USF coach Charlie Strong will be on the same field together. Strong recruited and coached Buechele when he was at Texas.
Don't expect Saturday to be an emotional reunion between Buechele and Strong. If anything, look at Saturday as a chance for Buechele to remind Strong of why he recruited him in the first place.
Buechele has thrown for 1,159 yards and seven touchdowns in four games. He's averaging almost 290 passing yards per contest, but he's facing a USF team that has allowed less than 187 passing yards in three games. The Bulls, additionally, have eight sacks, four interceptions and eight pass breakups this year.
Another freshman QB vs. SMU's defense
SMU's defense saw TCU true freshman Max Duggan get his first start at quarterback last week. This week, USF is expected to give redshirt freshman Jordan McCloud his second start of his career.
McCloud has played in all three games for USF, but he made his first start count two weeks ago against South Carolina State. He threw for three touchdowns and rushed for two more in a comfortable, 55-16 win.
SMU will have to play smarter in order to contain McCloud, a dual-threat option who has shown himself to have a solid arm and also be slippery outside of the pocket. The Mustangs held Duggan to 188 passing yards and seven rushing yards in the TCU win. McCloud is expected to be a more versatile test.
USF will play with nothing to lose
SMU is undefeated and fresh off its biggest win in recent years. USF just snapped an eight-game skid, but did so against an FCS opponent.
Expect the Bulls to play with house money. USF enters the game as a 7.5-point underdog.
SMU comes in with a top-10 scoring offense and a top-20 offense in total yards. The Mustangs are averaging 514 yards per contest; the Bulls aren't even averaging 300 yards per game on offense.
This is a contest that heavily favors SMU -- but it's also a game that is in prime condition for an upset if the Mustangs don't bring their A game against a determined USF ball club.
Who dominates third downs? And how?
How often are third-down conversion percentages discussed? When talking about SMU's offense, it deserves to be a focal point.
The Mustangs converted 9 of 20 third-down plays against TCU. That's 45 percent of the plays that could have forced an SMU punt. For the season, the Mustangs have converted 31 of 62 third downs -- a respectable 50 percent. USF is only 31 percent (14 of 45) on third-down plays.
Stopping third downs will determine this game. Of 130 FBS teams, USF ranks 102 in third- down conversion defense, allowing 44 percent (22 of 50) of plays converted. SMU ranks among the top 50 defensively in holding teams on third downs, allowing 20 of 62 (32 percent).
TE play could be SMU's best X-factor
You can bet that the USF defensive coaches will be keying on neutralizing wide receivers James Proche and Reggie Roberson Jr. Between the two of them are 52 receptions for 744 yards and five of SMU's seven receiving touchdowns.
But, as teams have learned throughout the season, forgetting about Kylen Granson is a bad idea. SMU's tight end, a Rice transfer, has been an effective option in SMU's passing game, as he has 12 receptions for 220 yards and a touchdown.
Against TCU, Granson caught four passes for a season-best 83 yards, including a 46-yarder off a flea-flicker from Buechele to set up SMU's first touchdown early in the first quarter. He had a season-high five catches for 63 yards in SMU's opening win at Arkansas State.
SMU (4-0) at USF (1-2)
3 p.m. CT, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
