Against the Alabama Crimson Tide, there is one USF Bull not to be

Before identifying the 'one' South Florida Bull not to be, against the Alabama Crimson Tide, let's consider the college football mentality. Great athletes, and less than great athletes with a championship mentality, all savor measuring themselves against top opponents. In many ways, the greatest challenges produce the most zest for battle.

South Florida players are expected to bring that zest Saturday night. One in particular can look back to last season's game and be confident in another strong performance. That player (the one) is USF quarterback Byrum Brown. Last season, as a sophomore for USF, Brown passed for 3,292 yards and rushed for 809 yards. He even caught two passes for 36 yards.

IN 13 games last season, USF produced 5,871 yards. Brown had a part in over 4,100 of them. Byrum Brown was not stellar in the air against the Crimson Tide last September. Monsoon conditions during the game may have been a factor, but he completed only half of his passes, 14-for-28, 87 yards, zero TD passes, and an interception.

What Brown did effectively against Alabama was rush for a four-yard average, gaining 92 yards on the ground. On too many plays, Brown broke away for one or more Alabama tacklers. Brown can be elusive runner, but his greater rushing attribute is running with power.

Brown has added bulk and good weight on his 6'3" frame. The physical improvements have USF fans buzzing. Check out what Brown says in the video below.

South Florida lists him at 229 pounds this season. He was a physical force with less weight last season. This season Brown is on Watch Lists for the Davey O'Brien Award, the Walter Camp Award, and the Maxwell Award.

Can the Alabama Crimson Tide shutdown Byrum Brown?

With all Brown has going for him, how can it be suggested he will struggle against the Alabama Crimson Tide? Not the only answer, but a good one-word answer is Jihaad Campbell. Technically that's a two-word answer, but it is one guy. The Alabama football staff and the defensive players fully understand what Byrum Brown can do. It will take more than one defender to stop him, but Campbell is perfectly suited to spy Brown. Campbell has the size and speed to match up with Brown and disrupt the USF offense.

Maybe Kane Wommack will choose not to spy Brown. Alabama has plenty of big, fast guys to get after the USF QB. Even not in a spy role, Jihaad Campbell will be key to the Crimson Tide's game plan. It will be interesting to see how USF coach, Alex Golesh schemes his offense knowing Brown will be a marked man.

The Bulls can't win without a huge game from Brown. Despite his talents and physical tools, he will not be able to provide it. Not against the Alabama Football Swarm defense.

Note: Player and team stats provided by Sports Reference and cfbstats.com