USF Bulls: Squeaking Out A Win Over UAB 35-25

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The USF Bulls came into this game on a three-game losing streak. Even though the events were moved to next week, this was their homecoming game. The Bulls went through, not one but two, major hurricanes in the last two weeks. USF also lost starting quarterback Bryum Brown to a leg injury during the Miami Hurricanes game. Bryce Archie, the backup, made his first start last week and was the starter in this game. The visiting Blazers wore white tops, green pants, and white helmets. The Bulls were in their traditional all-green uniforms with gold helmets. On the helmet was a special sticker that said “Our City.” It represents the many that were impacted by the two hurricanes.

The USF Bulls won the toss and instead of deferring, they took the ball. Both offenses struggled early on but the UAB Blazers struck first and took a 3-0 lead on a 41-yard field goal. The Bulls thought they had a go-ahead touchdown only to have a penalty that cost them the score and drive. At the end of the first quarter, UAB held on to their 3-0 lead. After having two touchdowns called back the Bulls got on the board with a pass from Bryce Archie to Keshaun Singelton for 67 yards giving USF a 7-3 lead. Midway through the second quarter, the Blazers sustain a drive that leads to another field goal pulling them to within one point at 7-6. The Blazers got another field goal and took a 9-7 lead into the half. They received the ball coming out of the half.

Photo Credit: Justin Willett NGSC Sports

UAB wasted little time in the second half in three plays they scored their first touchdown and took a nine-point lead 16-7. USF’s offense has looked erratic and they relied on their defense. To make things worse, USF muffed a punt and the ball went to UAB. The turnover led to three more points and the Blazers took a 19-7 lead. Frustration boiled over as players for the Bulls were fighting on the sideline. The next possession was a bunch of defensive penalties and runs that resulted in USF’s second touchdown. The score was 19-14. The Bulls defense made a key play shoving the left tackle into the quarterback causing an errant throw that led to an interception. At the end of the third quarter, the Bulls led 20-19.

The momentum switched and was on the USF Bulls sideline. UAB drove down to start the fourth quarter and retook the lead 25-20. That would be the last time the Blazers would have the lead. The Bulls scored 15 points in the final quarter and took home a 35-25 win. This was a must-win for USF to stay in the hunt to get into the AAC Championship game. At the moment the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen are the ones who are dominating the conference. When it came down to the thick and thin the Bulls offense and defense stood tall. USF has its second bye week, so this will hopefully give starting quarterback Bryum Brown time to recover from his injury.

How big of a win was this for the USF Bulls? Leave a comment below.

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