We are lit to release our exclusive 150+ image photo album from the Bulls’ absolute thriller against Georgia Tech last Saturday afternoon. #ShakeNBlake USF quarterback Blake Barnett put on an absolute clinic with both his arm and feet after an early interception, leading the Bulls to the 49-38 win over the Yellow Jackets (ESPN Article). USF (2-0, 0-0) secured its fourth straight victory over Power Five conference opponents and improved to 6-1 in the last seven meetings versus P5 opponents. Dennis Akers and Will Turner bagged a plethora of exclusive photos that can only be found right here at SoFloBulls.com!
True freshman wide receiver Terrence Horne Jr. (nickname coming…) tied the NCAA single game, USF and American Athletic Conference records with back-to-back kickoff returns of 98 and 97 yards for touchdowns. Horne also set the new USF single game kickoff return yards record (264), and punched in his third touchdown via a three yard catch that ignited the Bulls’ fourth quarter rally. I expect this young Bull with track star speed to continue making explosive plays USF for the foreseeable future.
USF safety Bentlee Sanders stripped Georgia Tech tailback Qua Searcy at the USF 12 with the Bulls trailing 38-35 in the fourth quarter and linebacker Nico Sawtelle recovered the fumble which led to seven crucial points. Sawtelle played a pivotal role in the comeback, pulling down an interception late in the game to seal the eventual 49-38 victory.
Both Defensive back Ronnie Hoggins led the way for the Bulls defensively with 10 tackles, and linebacker Khalid McGee recorded nine tackles as well. Both Hoggins and McGee were sideline to sideline the entire game making big time plays in key moments down the stretch.
The USF offense posted 426 total offensive yards against the Yellow Jackets, the Bulls’ 11th straight 400+ yard performance. Quarterback Blake Barnett finished 21 of 31 passes for 202 yards and added 86 yards, two touchdowns with his feet on 15 carries. Wide receiver Tyre McCants posted a career-high 10 catches for 104 yards, his third career 100+ yard receiving game.
USF has won 30 of its past 36 games and is 23-4 since the start of the 2016 season, including a 10-1 mark in non-conference games. USF has won 18 of its past 21 games at Raymond James Stadium.
USF sits at 2-0 (0-0) as the Bulls prepare to travel to Chicago to square off against Big 10 foe Illinois at Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears, this Saturday at 3:30PM airing on the Big 10 Network. A victory over the Fighting Illini would bolster the Bulls impressive start to the 2018 season and further pad the young USF squad’s non-conference resume. #BeatILL
Saturday marked USF’s first-ever meeting with Georgia Tech. The series continues next season with a game on Sept. 7, 2019 in Atlanta.
Be sure to meander through our 150+ image Georgia Tech vs. USF 2018 photo album, you will not regret it.
Dennis spends an inordinate amount of time drenched in sweat while sprinting sideline to sideline to capture the best images in the USF photo game, so kindly tag us on Instagram (@soflobulls), Facebook (@SoFloBulls), and Twitter (@SoFloBulls). Follow Dennis on Twitter @USFDennis. All media requests must be made to either Matthew Manuri or Dennis Akers.
Click the image above or HERE to see all of the full size images.
by Matthew Manuri
Publisher & Editor, SoFloBulls.com | @Mcknurkle
⫻ Preview Georgia Tech vs. USF Photo Album 2018 ⫻
