Syracuse @ South Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 27, 2012 ) Syracuse 37, South Florida 36

After battling LSU with its fifth-string quarterback, Syracuse will welcome a slightly more experienced signal-caller back to the field Saturday against host USF. The Orange succumbed to the Tigers 34-24 two weekends ago with walk-on Zach Mahoney under center, but will gladly turn to freshman Eric Dungey against the Bulls.

Dungey (head) is "ready to go," according to Orange coach Scott Shafer, who watched Mahoney struggle for most of the afternoon against LSU before throwing three second-half touchdown passes. Dungey saw action in three games last month, throwing five TDs and no interceptions in victories against Rhode Island, Wake Forest and Central Michigan. USF, meanwhile, has watched quarterback Quinton Flowers throw for under 200 yards with at least one interception in all four games. The Bulls have lost three straight, although it's been a tough slate with matchups against Florida State, Maryland and Memphis.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: USF -2.5

ABOUT SYRACUSE (3-1): In addition to Dungey, Syracuse also should regain the services of hybrid back Ervin Philips, who has missed the previous three games following knee surgery. Despite starting three different quarterbacks already this season, the Orange have scored touchdowns on 25.5 percent of their drives - a significant increase from last year's mark of 11.8 percent. Syracuse already has had eight different players with a rush of at least 10 yards this season, led by Jordan Fredericks, who has posted team highs of 220 yards and two rushing scores in 2015.

ABOUT USF (1-3): The Bulls led Memphis - which entered on an 11-game winning streak - by an early 10-0 margin before falling 24-17 last weekend. They held the Tigers nearly 30 points below their season average (53.8) entering the contest and hope to play a full 60 minutes in front of their fans on homecoming week. “It would be great to beat a Power 5 football team. Syracuse is a good football team,” coach Willie Taggart said. “They’re playing some good football and it’s a good challenge for our guys. If you can go beat a good, winning football team, it gives you a lot of confidence and it lets you know you’re headed in the right direction.”

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Orange will aim to improve their rush defense after giving up 244 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to LSU star Leonard Fournette.

2. USF is 6-2 all-time against Syracuse.

3. The Bulls' leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns is running back D'Ernest Johnson (14 receptions, 223 yards, four scores).

PREDICTION: USF 21, Syracuse 20