Alex Golesh knows South Florida will encounter an Alabama squad determined to avenge its first loss of the season when the programs meet in Tampa in Week 3.

The former Tennessee offensive coordinator is no stranger to squaring off with the Crimson Tide. Now in his first season at the helm for South Florida, Golesh is approaching the contest with a business-like approach.

1-1 South Florida most recently defeated FAMU 38-24 in Week 2 for Golesh’s first victory. With Alabama in town, the atmosphere should be raucous but Golesh is keeping the Bulls levelheaded.

“It’s our next game so it’s the most important game. I don’t think any of our kids are naive to know that we’re playing a really good football team…I think these guys are aware of who we’re playing. They’re aware of who’s favored to win,” Golesh said. “…In terms of environment, it should be a really cool game.”

Considering the woes that South Florida endured prior to Golesh’s arrival, this matchup will be a major litmus test.

“We’ve won 4 games in 3 and a half years. I’d say they’re all a challenge,” Golesh said. “That’s what we’re trying to change. You’ve got to rely on something other than a hope and a prayer.”

Golesh isn’t taking No. 10 Alabama any more lightly because of its loss to Texas.

“Alabama is Alabama. They’ve won 6 national titles in 15, 16 years. Those guys know how to win. They know how to work. They’ve got good football coaches. They’ve got really good players,” Golesh said. “I imagine for them this is the most important game on their schedule because this is the next 1 as well.”

Alabama at South Florida is slated for Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m. EST and will be televised on ABC.