USF eyes to bounce back from 3-8 campaign

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — USF went 3-8 last season, the first time it failed to finish above .500 in three decades, but now the Cougars are looking to change the narrative with the season opener just two days away.

“You finally get a chance to stop talking about being 3-8 and start talking about St. Thomas and looking forward to the future,” USF head coach Jim Glogowski said. “I just think all in all, there’s just a different vibe, a different feel.”

“The biggest thing is just kind of wiping the slate clean and starting from ground zero,” USF graduate wide receiver Carter Slykhuis said. “Obviously 3-8 last year, that’s not where we want to be. And so just to kind of rebuild that Coo name back up is kind of the biggest thing.”

The Cougars lost three games last season by one possession, which provides them an understanding of what it will take to come out on the right side of those games this year.

“There were games that we could have closed out and done better,” USF redshirt sophomore safety Garret Hoffman said. “Looking back at it, there’s not a lot you can do now but take advantage of those opportunities, and it comes from experience.”

USF returns 20 of 22 starters. As year two of the Jim Glogowski era begins, that continuity sets the Coo up to hit the ground running much more this season, compared to last.

“It’s actually just day and night, just the speed at which we can play,” Slykhuis said. “Obviously, coming in last year, we’re focused more on learning, learning the staff and the playbook and whatnot. And so now we got everything out there. We know what’s expected of us.”

“They understand the coaching staff what the expectations are,” Glogowski said. “So I say, all in all, we’re just all rowing in the same direction, and that makes a big difference.”

“The guys know what they’re doing a lot better,” Hoffman said. “With that confidence comes more speed, which comes more plays being made.”

The Cougars will open the season on the road at Division 1 FCS St. Thomas. Kick-off set for 6 p.m. this Thursday.

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