Part 6/9:
The Bulls struggled under subsequent coaching regimes and next found themselves as part of the American Athletic Conference after the Big East disbanded. While they regained some footing with an impressive 11-2 season in 2016, the aftershocks of transitions left USF fighting to maintain relevance within college football. Missed opportunities during conference expansions have led to bitter rivalry losses — particularly with UCF, which secured its place in the Big 12 while USF remains in search of its previous status.