The UConn football team is gradually revealing its DNA this season.

The Huskies' identity should be a bit clearer after playing their first road game, visiting South Florida tonight for their American Athletic Conference opener at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa (8 p.m., ESPN).

"To say after game three exactly what the DNA is, I think it may be a little early," coach Bob Diaco said. "But it is getting very close to being able to say, this is who we are. We're a team that's going to fight for four quarters. … give great effort, believe until the bitter end, stay positive and maintain an ability to be coached.

"That's been a hallmark for three weeks. We don't anticipate that changing."

Diaco is firmly committed to the long-term development of the program. A win against South Florida (1-2) certainly would be a solid building block for UConn (1-2), which was selected tied for ninth in the conference's preseason poll. The Bulls were sixth.

"We can't do anything to compromise our development," Diaco said. "We can't do anything to compromise our opportunity to get better. We need to get better as a team. We need to get better as a team every week. We need to get better as a team by the end of the season. That has to happen, and it will happen.

"But I also don't want to just hit you with coach speak. This is a very important game. This is a conference game and a conference foe. The energy needs to be different. … Let's see that extra heart beat."

South Florida is dealing with its own issues.

The Bulls have struggled on offense due to injuries to key personnel while the defense has allowed an average 34.7 points per game.

They're still a dangerous team. Marlon Mack is the AAC's leading rusher at 133 yards per game and the Bulls have forced at least two turnovers in every game and 10 overall.

"They have a lot of skill, a lot of speed," Diaco said. "They've had great success in recent history. They have very talented players, big mauling offensive lineman. They have fast skill in the secondary and on offense. Maybe a collection of the most talented tight ends that we'll play. … They pose those kinds of problems."

It will be another challenge for UConn's rebuilt offensive line, facing a team that shares the conference lead with eight sacks. The Huskies have allowed 15 sacks and mounted an anemic rushing attack, averaging just 66.7 yards per game.

The blame should be shared, according to quarterback Chandler Whitmer.

"They're not to blame at all," Whitmer said of the offensive line. "They're doing their best. We've just got to realize that we've got to improve. … There's stuff I can do and the running backs can do. It's not one particular group. It's an offense."

There's no easy solution.

Diaco is preaching patience and working on simplifying things for the offensive line.

"They're a group that needs a lot of mentoring and work, it's no secret," Diaco said. "They're working. They're trying. We need to be more sensitive as a total team to their needs than we've been. We've been working but I think it needs even another layer of care. Maybe really inspect the installation so we're not a jack of all trades and a master of none.

"… It's not a play selection issue; it's a play execution issue. … Every play looks like they're storming the castle."

News and notes

The last seven meetings in the series have been decided by seven points or less. South Florida won 13-10 last season. … UConn announced on Thursday that it has agreed to a home-and-home series with Missouri, playing a road game on Sept. 19, 2015 while serving as host on Sept. 23, 2017. … Homecoming: UConn has 11 players on its roster from Florida.

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe