Despite inheriting team’s that ended positive last year, both coaches emphasized the importance of establishing their own identities with largely rebuilt rosters. “We personally can’t worry about what happened behind us,” Mack said.

Rodgers said returning to Tampa has allowed him to reconnect with his love for football and the community. “When I was at Ohio [State]… I kind of got lost in it being such a job, putting that pressure on myself,” he said.

After producing two touchdowns in the first half, USF went scoreless until its final touchdown and struggled to establish any rhythm. “We just got to do a better job in getting the momentum and keeping momentum throughout the rest of the game,” junior QB Michael Van Buren said.

Head coach Brian Hartline said the consistency with the offense was a concern after the loss. “Right now we have to wake up on offense,” Hartline said. “The biggest thing [was that] the pass game hasn’t been great.”

For CEO Rob Higgins and COO Derrick Brooks, the $429 million price tag for the stadium and surrounding areas shows how they want #USF to think about itself. The department is spending as if it belongs among college athletics biggest programs while shedding decades of self-doubt.

Junior receiver Bryson Rodgers said Van Buren’s he believes Van Buren doesn’t get nearly the respect he deserves for what he can do on the field.  “I think [he] gets devalued for how much command he has as our quarterback,” Rodgers said.