USF came into Saturday’s football game coming off an adversity-driven week in Boca, but the Bulls couldn’t hang with the ECU Pirates as they fell 48-28.
This was a game that USF actually had a shot in late, despite the 41-7 score in the first half and five passing touchdowns for Holton Ahlers.
USF was able to outscore ECU, 21-7, in the second half, however, late mistakes and a fourth quarter goal line drive that produced no points inevitably became the nail in the coffin on the game.
This loss makes three in a row for the Bulls and it also adds the first loss to their conference record here in 2022.
Game Recap
Offensively speaking, this was arguably the best game the Bulls have had all year in all aspects.
Bohanon and Battie were able to get over 150 yards combined on the ground, making it a solid day.
We also got to see Bohanon sling the ball around the field, as he had the best passing game of his career as a Bull, passing for 253 yards and three touchdowns (four total if you include his rushing touchdown).
Bohanon made some great throws to Jimmy Horn Jr., the speedy sophomore receiver who returned off injury this week. Horn Jr. finished with 180 yards and two touchdowns on the day.
This was definitely the battle of the offenses but with ECU piling it on early in the game, it was too much for the Bulls to come back.
Defensively, outside the Dwayne Boyles forced fumble, the Bulls were quiet and allowed a lot of third and fourth down conversions. The team did have some crucial stances on defense, but again, the offensive firepower of ECU was too much for the Bulls.
Final Thoughts
While this wasn’t the Week 2 & 3 performances that we saw from South Florida, it was a gutsy finish to Saturday’s contest nevermore.
Fans can definitely be happy with the improved passing game and the involvement from a mix of receivers.
The South Florida Bulls, though, are going to have to be on their game as conference play doesn’t lighten up over the next few weeks with games against Cincinnati, Houston, and Tulane. Tulane just upset Houston in overtime, which can be concerning for USF.
If USF can play sound football in all three phases, we know this team can hang, but whether this team can limit the mistakes and miscues will be the real task that stands in front of this team.