No. 13 Florida Gators Take Care of South Florida 42-20

The South Florida Bulls got beat by the No. 13 Florida Gators 42-20 on Saturday in front of an announced crowd of over 66,000 inside Raymond James Stadium.

The Bulls and Gators traded three-and-outs to start the game, but after settling for a field goal on their second drive to trim Florida’s lead to 7-3, the USF defense surrendered four straight touchdowns to put the game out of reach before halftime.

Florida QB Anthony Richardson was 3-for-3 for 152 yards, and two touchdowns through the air, and added another 115 yards, and a second half 80-yard touchdown run to cap his night. UF’s other QB—Emory Jones—threw for 151 yards, and score. He added a rushing touchdown as well, but his day was marred by two horrific interceptions in the second half that directly led to USF points.

For USF, their quarterback competition is heating up as well. Cade Fortin got the start, and played the entire first half before giving way to Timmy McClain in the second half. Fortin finished the game 12-for-18 for 91 yards, and an interception. McClain threw for 83 yards on 4-for-10 passing.

USF (0-2) just got through the two toughest games of the year, and showed improvement from week one to week two, like we asked. The defense is still worrisome—the Gators racked up 666 yards, and five touchdowns over 35+ yards. The offense showed some life in the second half as McClain, and Katravis Marsh led scoring drives.

Losing isn’t OK, but when you’re building the team, a day like today is a step—even if it’s a quarter-step—in the right direction.

The Bulls will face FAMU next week at 7 p.m. inside Raymond James Stadium.