USF continues to have problems playing against Rutgers and the Big East as the Scarlet Knights rallied from a late 14-point deficit to defeat the visiting Bulls 20-17 in overtime Saturday night.
The Bulls had a chance to secure a victory when the game was tied at 17 late in the fourth quarter with two seconds left in regulation, but kicker Maikon Bonani missed a 27-yard field goal to send it into overtime. Bulls quarterback B.J. Daniels was picked off by defensive back Duron Harmon to close out the Bulls’ possession. Rutgers was conservative in their possession, running the ball three straight times before letting San San Te kick the game-winning field goal from 37 yards.
Much of the first half was a defensive struggle until Daniels found receiver Victor Marc for a 23-yard score with 6:11 left to play in the half to bring USF ahead 7-0. Bonani kicked a 43-yard field goal to pull the Bulls ahead 10-0 with 43 seconds left to help close the half.
After Te kicked a 33-yard field goal to put the Scarlet Knights on the board in the third quarter, the defensive struggle turned to a slugfest in the fourth quarter. USF sought to put the game out of reach when the Bulls engineered a 13-play, 89-yard drive closing out with a 4-yard Demetris Murray touchdown run to put the Bulls ahead 17-3 with 7:38 left to play in the game.
The Scarlet Knights responded immediately with a 98-yard kickoff return from Jeremy Deering to put Rutgers within a touchdown with 7:25 left. A few three-and-outs later Rutgers quarterback Chas Dodd, who replaced freshman Gary Nova in the fourth quarter, produced a 12 play, 80-yard drive which culminated in a game-tying touchdown catch to receiver Brandon Coleman.
USF caught a break late in the last minute when Dodd was intercepted by cornerback Kayvon Webster at the Bulls 26. Daniels led USF down 65 yards to Rutgers 9-yard line before he handed the reins off to Bonani. Bonani was 1-for-3 on field goals.
Daniels completed 14 of 34 passes for 160 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Running back Darrell Scott led Bulls rushing with 100 yards from 19 carries. Justin Brockhaus-Kann got in a lot of work punting the ball 9 times for 295 yards.
The Bulls will travel to Syracuse at the Carrier Dome on Nov. 11 to play the Orange.
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