TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Skip Holtz is eager to learn how South Florida responds to a taste of success and attention.
The 22nd-ranked Bulls moved into the Top 25 for the first time under their second-year coach following last week’s 23-20 road win at previously No. 16 Notre Dame.
It’s not uncharted territory for USF (1-0), which has drifted in and out of the rankings in recent seasons. Still, Holtz is interested to see how his players handle the spotlight that accompanied going into South Bend, Ind., and leaving with a victory over such a high-profile opponent.
Holtz suspects the Bulls will be just fine in Saturday’s home opener against Ball State (1-0), a 27-20 winner over Indiana last weekend.
