USF adds The Citadel as home opener

USF football has locked in its home opener against The Citadel, replacing the previously scheduled game against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 12.

The game against the Bulldogs and a trip to Florida Atlantic on Sept. 26 make up the Bulls’ 2020 nonconference schedule. Although not confirmed, USF will reportedly travel to Notre Dame on Sept. 19, which would replace the canceled game against Nevada.

USF is continuing to “actively seek nonconference opponents” to replace the Texas game. Coach Jeff Scott said the team is “very close to having nonconference games finalized” but didn’t want to provide any detail before the ink was dry.

“I just don’t think that it’s appropriate for me to go into any specific details before we actually have signed contracts and the ink has dried and all those types of things,” he told the media prior to the announcement Thursday.

Scott said he and Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly have spoken with at least 15 to 18 different schools about adding games to the current schedule.

“Our goal from the beginning was to be able to open up the season at Raymond James on September the 12th,” Scott said.

The Bulldogs went 6-6 last season and ranked sixth nationally in rushing offense with 268.2 yards per game.

Staff writer Hannah Halili also contributed to this story.