For the first time in four years, the USF football team has won three games in a row. Last Saturday, the Bulls won 38-14 against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at Raymond James Stadium.
Quarterback Quinton Flowers provided the excitement with a herculean rushing performance, setting a USF quarterback-record of 201 yards.
The win also advanced the team to a 4-3 record, only two wins away from bowl eligibility.
The Bulls needed the performance from Flowers, as leading rusher Marlon Mack was on the sidelines with a tight hamstring as the rest of the offense struggled. The Bulls receivers dropped a lot of easily catchable passes and the running backs had trouble finding open running lanes.
In spite of a one-dimensional offense, the game was entertaining from multiple big plays on both offense and defense. With four forced turnovers and consistent pressure on the Mustang’s quarterback, the defense put up another strong showing.
SMU’s offense had trouble getting a rhythm started. The game began with a sack and a recovered fumble by the Bulls on the Mustang’s first possession of the game, which set the tone for the entire team.
Unfortunately, the team’s intensity was not matched by the home crowd. The student section was only about a third full.
Our Bulls deserve better. Coach Taggart has shaped a great team on the field and the season is shaping up to be the best in a while. As Coach would say “Get on the bus.”
The Bulls have two away games coming up. On Halloween at noon, the team will travel to the United States Naval Academy to take on the Midshipmen and their vaunted triple option offense, and then the East Carolina Pirates the following week on Nov. 7.
The next home game is Nov. 14 against the undefeated Temple Owls. Student tickets are free.
