How do the USF Bulls follow up their 37-7 beat down of the Ball State Cardinals? How about scoring the second most points in the program’s history? USF leveled the Florida A&M Rattlers on Saturday in a 70-17 rout with record-setting performances from the offense.
“It was a start of a very productive night,” said offensive coordinator Todd Fitch. “I’m very proud of our offensive line. Between our first two games with the line and our running backs, I don’t think we imposed our will on anybody. We thought this was a great opportunity to do so.”
The offense was just as ruthless and relentless as the stifling defense that brought prominence to the program. The offense produced 745 total yards (477 passing and 268 rushing), which is a Big East Conference record. The Bulls’ 70 points was second to the program’s debut game against Kentucky Wesleyan in 1997 in which they scored 80.
“We’re really proud of our team tonight, the way they were focused,” said head coach Skip Holtz. “You look at how many close games that are in our league. So we really challenged our players to go out and play our game. I’m really pleased on how our players played.”
Quarterback B. J. Daniels, who is from Tallahassee, tied the school record in passing yards in a single game shared by Matt Grothe at 382 yards, throwing four touchdowns and running for one. He has ties to both schools in Florida A&M (where his father works) and Florida State.
“I know a lot of people on both teams,” Daniels said. “It’s fun to go back, and beat people you grew up with.”
Running back Darrell Scott rushed for 146 yards on 12 carries for three touchdowns in what could be his breakout game of the year. He also broke for a touchdown pass for 84 yards in his lone reception.
Three other Bulls caught balls for scores, including Sterling Griffin with eight receptions for 97 yards, A. J. Love with two receptions for 53 yards, and Andre Davis with three receptions for 39 yards. Davis also blocked a punt on special teams returning it 11 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter.
“I do what I can,” Daniels said. “I just make sure I lead the offense the right way. I try to prevent the bad play and just be consistent. There’s still a lot of work to do, three games in.”
Holtz heavily rotated his lineup throughout the game with his second and third units when the game was getting out of reach.
“We got a good half of football with Bobby, Ruben and Andre Davis—a lot of these young guys getting an opportunity giving them some valuable experience,” Holtz said. “Many of them are one play away from being starters.”
The game was played in front of 50,128 in attendance, but most left around the middle of the third quarter. The Bulls led 49-14 at the half.
USF will continue their home stand and play UTEP at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 24.
Photo courtesy of USF
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