South Florida and UAB meet on October 31, 2026, in a conference game that could shift the American Athletic Conference order, even though the Bulls enter with the better overall record. The matchup is set for 12:00 PM ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, and it will air on U.
The game is drawing attention because the teams are separated by one spot in the standings, yet South Florida is 5-2 while UAB is 4-3. South Florida also has a 3-1 home record, and the Bulls lead the all-time series 3-2, with the programs having played each other in each of the last four seasons.
That makes the numbers around this game especially relevant. South Florida has scored 186 points and allowed 106, while UAB has scored 163 and allowed 106. The projection of 42.5 points fits that profile: both teams have given up the same total, and neither offense has been asked to win games in shootouts every week.
One reason the matchup feels close is the way each side has leaned on defense and run support. D.J. Crowther has rushed 105 times for 518 yards and seven touchdowns through seven games, giving South Florida a dependable ground threat. On the other side, Jo’Tavion Pierce has 43 tackles and 2.5 sacks for UAB, while Marlin Dean has added five sacks for the season.
South Florida's place behind UAB in the conference table is the part that makes this game harder to read at a glance. The Bulls have the better overall mark, but UAB's 2-1 conference record keeps it ahead in league position, which means this meeting is not just about the win column. It is about which team leaves Tampa with the cleaner path in the conference race.
Zavier Hamilton has been central to South Florida's defense with 31 tackles and one sack, and that side of the ball may decide whether the Bulls can turn their stronger overall record into a better league standing. If the game follows the shape the numbers suggest, the first snap at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa will matter as much as the final whistle.
