USF Football Loses Heartbreaker to No. 18 Florida 31-28

The South Florida Bulls outplayed the No. 18 Florida Gators for 59 minutes, and 10 seconds inside The Swamp before falling 31-28 in Gainesville. USF rushed for 286 yards en route to nearly pulling off the biggest upset by the program in a decade.

With the Bulls trailing 31-28 with five minutes left in the final frame, the USF offense engineered a methodical eight play drive to that point to get to the Gators 23-yard line with 50 seconds to play. Then the wheels came off.

After a four yard gain on first down, the Bulls were primed to attempt a chip shot field goal from the UF 19. But, on second and six, center Brad Cecil’s snap was too low for USF quarterback Gerry Bohanon to get, and running back Brian Battie, and Bohanon pounced on the ball and it pushed the Bulls back to the Gators 33. A two-yard gain by Battie on third down set up a 48-yard field goal try from kicker Spencer Shrader.

Then fourth down happened...

The fact Shrader got the ball up in the air and barely missing it right is a testament to him.

Gut punch. Gators escape.

Battie finished the night with a career-high 151 yards, and a touchdown. Bohanon rushed for 102 yards and a score. He threw two more interceptions, including a pick six. But, none proved more costly than his interception with a little over seven minutes to play and the Bulls seemingly in control. USF DB Aamaris Brown intercepted Gators QB Anthony Richardson at the goal line. Then just three plays later Florida cashed in to take the lead for good.

A lot to like from this game, but the Bulls will be making that drive south down I-75 wondering “What if..”

Notables

• Xavier Weaver had eight catches for 82 yards. He also fumbled.
• Linebacker Antonio Grier led the Bulls with 10 tackles.
• USF out-gained UF 402-329.
• The Bulls converted on 8-of-13 third downs, and were 2-for-2 on fourth down.