South Florida vs Army Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The South Florida Bulls travel to Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, to face the Army Black Knights on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET on CBS Sports Network in an early American Conference matchup. Both teams are 1-0, with South Florida defeating FIU 19-9 in Brian Hartline's coaching debut and Army crushing Bryant 59-3. The current market has Army favored by 1.5 points with the total around 54.5. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

South Florida Wins Hartline's Debut

South Florida defeated FIU 19-9, although the Bulls needed a 13-point fourth quarter to finally create separation. The defense did most of the heavy lifting while the offense struggled to consistently finish drives, settling for four field goals.

Michael Van Buren Jr. threw for 100 yards, while Jason Collins Jr. led South Florida with 59 rushing yards and Arhmad Branch had 47 receiving yards. Those aren't overwhelming offensive numbers, and USF will need greater efficiency against an Army team that can limit possessions with its option offense.

The encouraging part was South Florida's defense. Holding FIU to nine points allowed the Bulls to survive their offensive problems. That unit becomes critical against an Army offense that was extremely productive in its opener.

Army Rolls in Renovated Michie Stadium

Army opened its season with a dominant 59-3 victory over Bryant in the first game at the renovated Michie Stadium. The Black Knights scored 21 points in the first quarter, carried a 31-3 advantage into halftime and added another 28 unanswered points after the break.

The result was exactly what Army wanted before beginning conference play. The option attack presents a completely different preparation challenge for South Florida, particularly after the Bulls opened against a conventional FIU offense.

Army also gets the benefit of staying at home. The Black Knights' ability to control possession and consistently convert rushing opportunities can frustrate opponents, and South Florida's offense didn't show enough explosiveness in Week 1 to make falling behind particularly comfortable.

South Florida vs Army Picks and Prediction

Pick: Army -1.5

This is essentially asking Army to win at home, and Army -1.5 is the preferred side. The Black Knights were dominant in their opener, while South Florida needed four field goals and a late offensive push to put away FIU. USF's defense should make this far more competitive than Army's game against Bryant, but defending the option at Michie Stadium is a difficult assignment. With the spread below a field goal, take Army -1.5.

Pick: Under 54.5

The Under 54.5 is my stronger play. South Florida's opener produced only 28 combined points, with the Bulls scoring one offensive touchdown, while Army's option can shorten games through long possessions. Bryant wasn't capable of slowing the Black Knights, but USF's defense should provide much more resistance. A game in the neighborhood of 27-20 or 28-21 fits the matchup and stays comfortably below the number. Take Under 54.5.

Final Picks: Army -1.5 and Under 54.5