Two in-state rivals are set to meet on Saturday for what could be a must-watch matchup. #18 South Florida has been a college football Cinderella, knocking off ranked foes Boise State and Florida. USF will face an even tougher test tonight when it travels to Hard Rock Stadium. #5 Miami has impressed, mostly during a 27-24 win in Week 1 over Notre Dame. Now, Carson Beck and the Canes will hope to earn another crucial win at home. Which players are set to step up in this top-20 showdown?
These are the top college football player props to consider at DraftKings Sportsbook for the Week 3 matchup between the South Florida Bulls and the Miami Hurricanes.
Miami enters this contest as 17.5-point favorites over South Florida, with the over/under set at 56.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
South Florida vs. Miami best prop bets
Byrum Brown 42+ rushing yards (-116)
If the Bulls have any hope of pulling off the upset, it’ll take a terrific performance from Byrum Brown. Fortunately for USF, the senior is one of college football’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Through two games this season, he’s thrown for 473 passing yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Brown has scrambled for 109 yards and two additional scores. In over 77% of his career games as a starter, the QB has scrambled for at least 43 rushing yards.
Granted, the Hurricanes aren’t like most teams. Head coach Mario Cristobal has re-tooled this defense, especially in the secondary. Up front, a dominant defensive line led by Rueben Bain Jr. could give South Florida fits. Given how lethal Miami’s pass rush can be, it’s difficult to picture Brown consistently having time to throw. A more run-oriented approach also makes sense for USF. The longer the Bulls possess the ball, the less time Beck and company have on offense. Expect Brown to make a difference on Saturday with his legs.
Carson Beck 3+ passing touchdowns (-106)
Speaking of Carson Beck, it’s been a return to form for the quarterback. Over two games in Miami, he’s thrown for 472 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. In addition, his 77.8% completion percentage leads all ACC passers. As long as the 23-year-old limits the turnovers, he could contend for a Heisman trophy. That’s due in large part to his supporting cast. Miami’s offensive line ranks among the nation’s best, offering up elite pass protection.
South Florida knows how to give opposing quarterbacks fits. After all, the Bulls have already forced four turnovers this season. Last week, they managed to contain Florida’s star signal caller DJ Lagway. However, Beck is an even better pocket passer. In five of his 12 full games last season, the senior tallied at least three passing touchdowns. That was against a schedule made up of mainly SEC defenses. Assuming this game remains close, there should be incentive for Miami to throw the ball in the second half. In addition, USF has held opponents to just 3.7 yards per rush. If that trend continues tonight, Beck might have no choice but to air it out.
