USF Bulls: A Tough and Close Loss To Alabama

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Under a humid cloudy sky, the USF Bulls were all set to play the Alabama Crimson Tide. All three levels at Raymond James Stadium were sold out. Most fans wore crimson and white and cheered for the Tide. The US Military had parachute jumpers pre-game that are based at MacDill Air Force Base nearby in Tampa. The Bulls were wearing their classic gold helmets with green tops and white pants. Alabama was in their all-road white uniforms with crimson helmets. There was a good feeling on the sidelines before the game. The crowd that was here to represent USF was loud and they made sure their voices were heard. The feeling was electric and excitement rang throughout Raymond James. The Bulls took the field first before the visiting Crimson Tide.

The USF Bulls won the toss and deferred to the second half which meant the Crimson Tide received the ball. The Crimson Tide committed the first turnover as they muffed a punt return. USF took the turnover and turned into a 44-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. Towards the end of the first quarter, the rain clouds started to develop. But it did not dampen the mood or the game. The Bulls held their lead at the end of the first quarter. The rain started and came down in sheets. It caused a delay but both teams came out to play. The Bulls had a late turnover with just over four minutes left in the second quarter. The USF defense stood strong and held Alabama to a field goal. It was all about defense in the first half. The score was tied at three.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle as the defenses allowed very few big plays. Alabama got the first touchdown of the game with just over four minutes left in the third quarter. The third quarter ended with Alabama leading 10-3. The Bulls continued to sack Crimson Tide quarterbacks throughout the game. The Tide got an interception on a Byrum Brown pass. He continues to overthrow his wide receivers as he has in all three games. The Bulls hung in as long as they could. In the end, the scoreboard showed who the better team was. The Bulls played well but in the end, lost 17-3.

Many people will say the USF Bulls played a good game. These are types of games last year where it was a moral win instead of a win. These games are the types that frustrate fans. The game should have been a blowout in favor of Alabama. The USF Bulls program is heading in the right direction. Losses like this one need to turn into wins and in a hurry. On the bright side, the Bulls did not make any major mistakes other than maybe the Brown interception. USF will have to rebound and not let this loss bother them as they welcome the Rice Owls next week. If they play like they did against Alabama they should have no problem beating the Owls next Saturday. Head coach Alex Gloesh said in his post-game press conference that moral wins are for losers.

What are your thoughts on the USF vs. Alabama game? Leave a comment below.

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