Hurricane Irma: USF To Play Full Conference Schedule After AAC Switch

TAMPA, FL – With a little help from the AAC, the University of South Florida will play a full conference schedule despite the cancellation of its game against the University of Connecticut because of Hurricane Irma.

USF was one of five American Athletic Conference teams to have its schedule reworked in order for all of the conference’s teams to play a full schedule. Still the only Group of Five team ranked in either national poll, USF still has a chance to play its way into the College Football Playoffs thanks to the full conference schedule.

“USF is committed to being a great partner in the American Athletic Conference,” said Mark Harlan, the USF director of athletics. “We are determined to do what is necessary to play a full conference schedule to determine a true conference champion.”

USF Schedule Changes: What To Know For Ticketholders

Aside from USF and UConn, ECU, Cincinnati and Houston also agreed to adjust their schedules to help the conference. The following changes were made to USF’s schedule:

• USF vs UConn – The cancelled game from Saturday, Sept. 9 will now be played on Saturday, Nov. 4 in Storrs, Conn.
• USF vs. Houston – Previously scheduled for Nov. 4 in Tampa, the Bulls and Cougars will now be played on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Raymond James Stadium
• USF vs. Cincinnati – Originally scheduled on Oct. 28, the Bulls and Bearcats will now play on Saturday, Oct. 14.
• USF vs. UMass – The Bulls’ matchup against the Minutemen originally was scheduled as USF’s homecoming game on Oct. 14, UMass has agreed to drop this game from their schedule this year and will reschedule for either the 2022 or the 2023 season. USF will still play its reciprocal game at UMASS on Oct. 6, 2018.

The rest of USF’s schedule will stay the same, including its two previously scheduled by weeks on the weeks of Oct. 7 and Nov. 11.

“These changes are not easy for anyone, and I am proud of how our fellow conference schools have worked together to make schedule adjustments under the direction of Commissioner Mike Aresco,” Harlan said. “I am grateful for the cooperation of our opponents, whose games had to be moved in this process, particularly UMass Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford, and also for the understanding of our fans.”

Because of the schedule changes, USF will lose one home game this year.

“We understand that the changes mean that USF will go from seven home games to six and that these changes may adversely affect the plans for some fans,” Harlan said. “As with the many changes that have occurred over the last week due to the impact of the hurricane, we appreciate our fans’ flexibility and understanding.”

According to USF, the school has been assured by the American Athletic Conference it will be compensated for the loss of its home game in the 2017 season.

Image via USF Athletics YouTube Channel