The November 6, 2025 matchup between the UTSA Roadrunners and the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium sets up as one of the more intriguing Group of Five showdowns of the week—a clash between two high-powered offenses with contrasting defensive identities. Both teams have found success this season by putting points on the board, but their paths to those results differ sharply: UTSA thrives on tempo and explosiveness, while South Florida leans on balance and efficiency. The Roadrunners enter averaging 34 points per game behind an offense that can light up the scoreboard in a hurry, yet they’ve also surrendered around 30 per contest, exposing a defense that struggles to close out games. Under head coach Jeff Traylor, UTSA has continued its trademark aggressiveness—fast-paced drives, pre-snap motion, and a commitment to attacking space vertically and horizontally. Quarterback Owen McCown has stepped into the starting role with confidence, showing both mobility and strong decision-making, while running back Robert Henry Jr. anchors a backfield capable of breaking chunk runs when the offensive line gets push. The receiving corps, led by Joshua Cephus and Tykee Ogle-Kellogg, offers size and speed that can test South Florida’s corners, particularly in isolation matchups. However, UTSA’s success hinges on ball security and discipline—turnovers have been their undoing in multiple games this season, and against a South Florida defense that has forced several takeaways, any lapse could swing momentum. On the other side, South Florida has emerged as one of the AAC’s most improved programs, turning from an inconsistent outfit into a legitimate contender under head coach Alex Golesh. The Bulls’ offense has been exceptional, averaging over 40 points per game and ranking among the nation’s leaders in total yardage. Quarterback Byrum Brown has been sensational, combining accuracy and athleticism to make plays both inside and outside the pocket.

His chemistry with wideouts Sean Atkins and Naiem Simmons has created a dangerous passing attack that can stretch defenses, while the run game—featuring K’wan Powell and Nay’Quan Wright—adds balance and power. Against UTSA, the Bulls will look to sustain drives and exploit a Roadrunners defense that ranks near the bottom of the FBS in third-down conversion rate allowed. Expect South Florida to mix quick passing with tempo, forcing UTSA’s front seven to stay on the field and testing their tackling efficiency. Defensively, the Bulls have made major strides from last season, holding opponents to roughly 24 points per game. Their defensive line, led by Jhalyn Shuler and Kelvin Pinkney, has generated steady pressure, while linebacker Jhalyn Glover has emerged as a leader in the middle. Their secondary, once a liability, has tightened coverage and improved communication, a key factor in preventing explosive plays. The matchup dynamics point toward South Florida’s consistency as a key advantage: they’ve been efficient at home, comfortable playing at their pace, and resilient when adjusting mid-game. UTSA, however, poses the kind of offensive unpredictability that can crack even disciplined defenses if their execution is crisp. The Roadrunners must keep the game within striking distance early and force South Florida into at least one turnover to shift pressure onto the Bulls’ defense. Special teams could also play a defining role—UTSA’s kicker Chase Allen has been clutch in tight games, while South Florida’s return game has produced multiple momentum-changing plays this season. From a betting perspective, South Florida’s more balanced profile and home-field edge make them the logical favorite, particularly given UTSA’s inconsistency on defense and tendency to start slowly in road contests. Still, if the Roadrunners can hit early offensive strikes and limit big plays, they have the firepower to turn this into a fourth-quarter thriller. Expect an up-tempo game filled with explosive moments, with the winner likely being the team that capitalizes on red-zone chances and executes best under pressure in the closing minutes.

Get live CFB odds and precise AI CFB picks, predictions, and cover probabilities.