Photo courtesy of usffootball on Instagram
By Kendall Bulkiewicz
The University of South Florida Bulls achieved a crushing victory over the Florida Atlantic University Owls with a 44-21 win, redeeming last season’s 56-14 homecoming loss.
The football rivalry between USF and FAU has seen memorable moments since their first matchup in 2002. The initial game USF won, 51-10. Over the years, USF has largely dominated, with victories in 2007 (35-23), 2010 (31-3), and 2024 (44-21). FAU, however, claimed a major victory in 2023, defeating USF 56-14 in Tampa last season in 2023.
Although their meetings have been spaced out, each game has added to the rivalry’s weight in Florida football, with both teams showing flashes of strength. Fans in both Boca Raton and Tampa continue to anticipate these matchups, as they showcase the growth and competitive spirit of these relatively young programs.
At the away game, players and staff paid tribute to the late USF men’s basketball coach, Amir Abdur-Rahim, who recently passed away due to surgical complications. Each USF player wore a special decal on their helmet featuring Abdur-Rahim’s initials, and staff members had patches sewn onto their uniforms in his honor.
Head coach Alex Golesh shared a few words about Abdur-Rahim at the post-game press conference.
“Amir’s impact on this campus was something special, He was a true mentor and leader—not only to his players but to all of us who had the privilege to know him. Tonight, this win was for him and for everything he stood for,” he said.
FAU’s running back CJ Campbell Jr., opened the scoring with a 9-yard rushing touchdown, giving FAU an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. USF responded quickly when wide receiver Nay’Quan Wright broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7 in the second quarter.
USF’s offense maintained the pressure, with running back Kelly Joiner Jr. scoring a 17-yard touchdown late in the quarter, pushing USF’s lead to 14-7.
“I thought the adjustments at halftime on both sides of the ball were really good. Once we got going, it felt like the momentum shifted” Golesh said.
USF quarterback Bryce Archie kept the Bulls in the game, consistently connecting with running back Joyner and JeyQuan Smith to set up key plays. Archie later completed a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, tying the game at 14-14.
Despite FAU’s comeback effort, USF’s offense was relentless. Kicker John Cannon scored a 34-yard field goal to help USF reclaim the lead at 24-21.
Not long after, Joiner powered through FAU’s defense again, delivering a 3-yard touchdown run. Cannon’s extra point extended the Bulls’ lead to 31-21 as the third quarter ended.
USF’s explosive plays continued into the final quarter. Running back Ta’Ron Keith secured a 42-yard touchdown that effectively sealed the game, putting USF up 44-21.
“When a play like that happens…the offense is over there, geeked, and the defense feeds off of it — that’s culture. We’re starting to feel like it should” Golesh shared.
USF’s running game, led by Joiner and KeShaun Singleton — who contributed 105 yards and a touchdown in his first starting game — proved too much for FAU’s defense, which struggled to contain their pace and misdirection plays.
In special teams, Cannon showcased consistency, while FAU kicker Carter Davis missed two field goals, losing valuable scoring opportunities.
Alex Golesh, the head coach of the Bulls, appeared to give Herman a brief handshake before leaving after the game. Regarding the handshake, Herman attempted to confront Golesh. But Golesh ignored Herman and kept on walking away to greet other FAU players.
Looking ahead, the Bulls will take on their own homecoming game against the United States Naval Academy on Nov. 9 at noon at Raymond James Stadium.
