BY: John Mamola
For the first time in South Florida school history, the USF Bulls have lost five games in a row with a 27-25 loss to #16 Louisville. The Bulls defense simply had no answer for Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as the Cardinals signal caller passed for 256 yards and two touchdowns plus rushed for 74 yards as well.
Following a two week lay off after their 37-28 loss to Temple, the Bulls offense came out smoking hot on the first drive of the game. Although the ten play, 71 yard drive looked great with a balance of run and pass plays, the end result was only a 36 yard field goal by Maikon Bonani. The Bulls led early 3-0.
The Bulls lead lasted through the entire first quarter, however two touchdown runs in the second quarter erased that lead by halftime. Senorise Perry’s one yard touchdown run and Jeremy Wright’s eleven yard run put the undefeated Cardinals up 14-3 at the half.
USF came out of the half on their first possession and got their offense rolling as BJ Daniels ended a nine play, 71 yard drive with a Andre Davis twelve yard touchdown catch pulling the Bulls within four to 14-10.
Louisville answered immediately with a touchdown of their own as Bridgewater found Damian Copeland for a 21 yard touchdown putting Louisville up 21-10.
The Bulls found themselves down 11 points at the start of the fourth quarter, but fought back to take the lead in the last moments of the game. Sean Price’s first career touchdown catch got the Bulls within three at 21-18 with a converted two pointer. The Bulls struck again with just over three minutes left as Daniels found Davis for the second time of the afternoon for a 12 touchdown catch.
USF lead Louisville 25-21 with just over three minutes left to play, but the Bulls defense crumbled in the final stages of the game. Teddy Bridgewater led Louisville on a eight play, 75 yard drive ending in an Eli Rogers 11 yard touchdown catch. Louisville took back the lead at 27-25.
After the Bulls blocked the extra point following Rogers touchdown, USF had one final shot at winning the game but could not get into Louisville territory. BJ Daniels last pass ended in an interception, and the Bulls have now dropped their eleven of their last thirteen division one games.
USF is now 0-3 in Big East play this season, and still without an interception on the year.
USF will return home to host Syracuse next Saturday.
