In the home of the number 19 team in the nation, 78,111 people showed up to the football game. It was quieter than most USF home games. The lack of noise was not a factor for the Bulls, as they managed to slow the Wisconsin Badgers’ offense in the first half.
Although the Bulls showed improvement on the offensive side of the ball in the second half, the Badgers proved to be the better team, winning Saturday afternoon 27-10.
It seemed as if the Bulls’ defense picked up right where they left off against Connecticut.
The Bulls kept it close and the score was tied 3 to 3 at halftime.
The Bulls’ defense was able to shut down Heisman hopeful and NFL prospect Melvin Gordon through two quarters. Gordon had 17 carries for 50 yards. The defense allowed 139 yards to the Badger offense. On third-down conversions, the Badgers were a mere 1 for 7.
But that was the first half.
The Bulls defense lost its edge at the start of the third quarter, allowing Gordon to run for 84 yards and two touchdowns on the Badgers’ first two drives. Gordon finished with 181 yards.
The Bulls’ 11 penalties for 80 yards gave the Badgers several first downs on third down plays.
A pair of plays that gave the Bulls hope resulted in turnovers. Quarterback Mike White threw a third-down pass that hit the wide receiver, Rodney Adams, between the numbers. The ball then bounced off of Adams and was intercepted.
During the third quarter, a 52-yard pass-and-catch from White to freshman fullback Kennard Swanson was fumbled inside the 10-yard line. The play would have given the Bulls a first-and-goal to make it a one score game.
Overall, the Bulls defense has proven that they can hold their own, but the struggle continues on the offensive side of the ball.
As the injured offensive team captain and WR, Andre Davis, has been sidelined since the season opener, fans wonder when he will return to spark the offense. The Bulls receivers have struggled all season, seeming to drop two passes for every one they catch.
The Bulls will enter their bye week hoping to fix the issues that have haunted the team this season.
In order to beat East Carolina (3-1) and their senior QB, Shane Carden, on Oct. 11, the Bulls will need to put points on the board and the receivers must step up and help White, giving the defense some breathing room.
