Game: Charlotte 49ers vs. USF Bulls

Date: October 3rd at 7:30 PM ET

Where to Watch: ESPN 2

This Friday night the Charlotte 49ers make the trek to Tampa, Florida, to take on the South Florida Bulls. Things have not worked out in the 49ers’ favor so far this season, as they’ve struggled with fundamental issues such as drops, turnovers, and penalties. Matters do not get any easier for 49er Nation, as USF has arguably been the best team in the American to this point in the season. The one thing working for Charlotte is that they had 2 extra days of rest on USF, though both teams are coming off a bye week. Charlotte will need to clean up a lot if they hope to keep this matchup competitive on Friday night.

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Weather

From a precipitation standpoint, rain will likely not play a factor in this one, with an 18% chance as of now, and temperatures in the mid to low 70s. Wind could certainly play a role, as averages are expected around 12 mph, with gusts up to 27 mph.

Betting Overview

This one opened with a massive spread of 26.5 in favor of USF, and has stayed largely the same, with some books moving further in South Florida’s direction at -27.5. The total hasn’t shifted much either, opening at 55.5 and now sitting between 54.5 and 55 depending on the sportsbook.

Betting Trends

These teams’ head-to-head history only has 2 games to reference, thankfully both coming in the last 2 seasons. USF has won handily in both, covering in each, with the over hitting in both as well.

Charlotte’s ATS record is identical to their overall mark at 1-3. They have failed to cover in the 3 games where they were an underdog, and are 0-1 ATS in conference. This will also be Charlotte’s first road game of the season. The over/under has split 2 apiece, with the over hitting in the 49ers’ lone conference game.

South Florida, on the other hand, has been a very solid ATS team at 3-1 this year, with a 2-0 ATS record at home, and 1-0 in their lone game as a home favorite. The over/under has also split 2 apiece in USF games, going 1-1 at home, with one over when they were a home favorite.

Final Thoughts

The Charlotte 49ers’ first road test is certainly not the one they were hoping for. USF has shown they can take care of inferior opponents, while Charlotte has struggled to keep pace with stronger competition this season. For that reason, I lean toward USF covering the current line. As for the total, it could go either way, though if the high winds come into play, I would lean towards the under.