On Saturday, quarterback Mike White completed all the passes he attempted for USF, and the defense had 6 takeaways against the Maryland Terrapins.
However, White was knocked out of the game after his first completion, and the Bulls lost 24-17 at home to fall to 1-1 on the season.
The Bulls were without offensive captain Andre Davis as well. The wide receiver’s streak and school record with 31 consecutive games with at least one reception ended. Back-up QB Steven Bench finished the game, in place of White, and was 14-for-36 for 162 yards with a rushing touchdown. Freshman Marlon Mack came back down to earth with 73 yards on 22 carries.
The loss to the Terrapins leaves the remainder of the Bulls’ season in question.
Coach Willie Taggart said White may have a fractured left forearm. The injury could sideline the QB for the next six weeks, if not longer.
In the final five minutes of Saturday’s game, not even Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer could rally the Bulls to a comeback victory. However, with the starting QB and the star WR out, the song may be played for weeks to come.
But the Bulls are staying positive despite the loss and the injuries. They realize they’ve come a long way from where the program was the past few seasons.
“We’re a lot further along than last year,” Taggart said. “I was really happy with the way our guys fought in that ball game, but again, I think its one of those games and one of those situations where our football team’s gotta learn how to win those ball games.”
Taggart has made the Bulls defense one of the team’s strong suits during his tenure, which was showcased when his team recovered four fumbles and two interceptions against the Terrapins.
“I told our guys afterwards that I’m excited for the way they fought, for the way they played,” Taggart said. “That’s South Florida defense. That’s what I know South Florida defense to be.”
Taggart has his players believing in the new 3-4 defensive scheme that was put forth this year.
“We’re making strides in the right direction,” linebacker Auggie Sanchez said. “We’re gonna win a lot of games.”
The Bulls will host their third straight home game to start the season at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 against N.C. State.
The Bulls believe they will bounce back and be ready come Saturday afternoon.
“We’re a team at the end of the day and we just gotta learn to grow from it and go back and practice harder, ya know, and tune in on the little things that we need to get right and we’ll be good come N.C. State. ” defensive tackle Todd Chandler said.
