USF vs. Illinois Football: Everything You Need To Know

TAMPA, FL – USF’s football team has already had a strange start of the season, with a rare Week 0 game on the road in California, a slow-starting game against FCS Stony Brook and a canceled trip to their conference opener against UConn thanks to Hurricane Irene.

However, the Bulls are looking to get its schedule back on track now that USF has been given the green light to host this week’s game against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 15. (For more hurricane news or local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Tampa Patch. Click here to find your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

“We are grateful that our student-athletes, staff and their families are safe and accounted for,” said USF athletic director Mark Harlan on Tuesday morning. “After consulting with university leadership and the Tampa Sports Authority, we are confident that Friday’s game can proceed safely as scheduled without impacting the recovery efforts. Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by the hurricane in Florida and elsewhere, and we express sincere gratitude to all first-responders for their efforts.”

According to the university, everything is still on track for the game to take place Friday night, with the team resuming practice Tuesday. The university said will continue to announce updates for Friday’s matchup with the Fighting Illini throughout the week.

Here’s everything you need to know for the USF vs. Illinios football game:

Kickoff Time: Friday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. Eastern.

TV, radio and online: ESPN, WatchESPN, USF Radio Network, Bulls Unlimited on iHeart Radio

Point Spread: As of Tuesday morning, USF is favored between 14 and 18 points in the books listed on OddsShark.com.

Rankings: After an unexpected bye week thanks to Hurricane Irma, USF is still ranked in the Top 25 in both national polls. USF dropped to 22nd from 21st in the AP Top 25 poll and dropped from 21st from 20th in the Amway Coaches Poll. Illinois is not ranked in either poll.

Records: USF comes in with a 2-0 record (0-0 AAC) while Illinois also comes in with a 2-0 record (0-0 Big Ten)

Location: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.

Tickets: Standard admission tickets are available from $17 to $50 as of Tuesday morning at http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/821761/. USF students can claim their tickets via www.USFStudentTix.com, the new 100-percent mobile platform.

Parking and Directions: Click here for directions to Raymond James Stadium and click here for the Raymond James Stadium parking map.

Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in all stadium parking lots. Tailgaters can only occupy one spot and saving spaces is not permitted. Tailgating can only take place directly behind each fan’s own vehicle without blocking other spots, walkways or aisles.

Clear Bag Policy: The following bags are permitted into Raymond James Stadium:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVS and do not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches
• This is the size of a 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with our without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags
• All bags are subject to search upon entry and are subject to additional searches within the stadium
• All items left unattended outside the gates will be disposed
• Approved bags must be carried when approaching the lines prior to entry
• Prohibited bags include coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags

Prohibited items: The following items are prohibited at Raymond James Stadium:

• Aerosol or spray bottles of sunscreen
• Any item that can be used as a missile
• Backpacks, duffel bags or large bags
• Bags or cases not approved in accordance with the Clear Bag Policy
• Cameras longer than 12 inches, including the body, lens and filter
• Camera bags and binocular cases
• Cans and bottles
• Coolers
• Fireworks
• Food and drinks
• Glass
• Horns and lasers
• Illegal drugs
• Pets (service animals are permitted)
• Recreational balls
• Seat cushions
• Sticks, poles, camera/selfie sticks or extenders
• Strollers
• Umbrellas
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems and radio controlled model aircraft or drones
• Video cameras
• Weapons

Image and video via USF Athletics YouTube Channel