On September 21st, 2024, the USF Bulls hosted the NCAA’s 8th ranked Miami Hurricanes. At 7:00PM, right under the lights of Raymond James Stadium, the Bulls and Hurricanes took the field as hundreds of thousands of fans watched live on ESPN.
Offense
On Offense, there’s three Bulls that stood out the most to me. Those three are: Quarterback Byrum Brown, Running Back Kelley Joiner, and Wide Receiver Sean Atkins.
Brown completed 19/30 passing attempts for 254 yards through the air – that’s 8.5 yards per completion.
Joiner carried the ball six times for USF, totaling 31 yards on the ground. Though that might not seem like a productive performance; remember that is 5.4 yards per rush. Going up against the defensive line of a top 10 team in the country is a tall task to handle. But, averaging over five yards per carry is a success in my book.
In my opinion, WR Sean Atkins had the best night out of the entire team. Atkins hauled in 11 receptions for 125 yards (11.4 yards / catch). He even tossed a 12-yard touchdown to QB Byrum Brown on a trick play early in the game.
ATKINS 👉 BROWN
Hit 'em with the Uno reverse!
📺: @espn | #ComeToTheBay pic.twitter.com/M0ZYcnR7uJ
— USF Football (@USFFootball) September 21, 2024
The Canes’ secondary gave the Bulls trouble all game, but Atkins did what he does best – he found ways to be successful.
.@seanatkinss keeps climbing 📈#ComeToTheBay | #StayInTheBay pic.twitter.com/0hpucggkkp
— USF Football (@USFFootball) September 22, 2024
Defense
Defensively, the Bulls gave up 404 yards through the air, and 168 on the ground. Miami Quarterback, Cam Ward, did what he’s known for – beating defenses in every way possible.
Cornerback Brent Austin reeled in an interception off of the Heisman frontrunner, Ward.
Catch was bobbled and USF's Brent Austin intercepts it!!!
— SoFloBulls (@SoFloBulls) September 21, 2024
Additionally, Safety Tawfiq Byard and Linebacker Jamie Pettway lead the team in tackles, recording six each.
The Bulls could not get to Cam Ward in the backfield, resulting in zero sacks on the night.
Special Teams
My Special Teams Player of the Game is True-Freshman Kicker, Nico Gramatica.
Gramatica was 2/2 on Field Goal Attempts, both were 50+ yards. His longest of the night was a 58 yard nuke he sent right through the goal post.
58 YARDS FROM NICOOOOO 👏 pic.twitter.com/Be1ZOSSVQJ
— USF Football (@USFFootball) September 21, 2024
The 58 yarder was the second longest in program history.
.@nico_gramatica is HIM 💣#ComeToTheBay | #StayInTheBay pic.twitter.com/2YvgTKqCVD
— USF Football (@USFFootball) September 23, 2024
What’s the longest? 63 yards by his Uncle, Bill Gramatica, in 2000!
Gramatica also became the first USF Bulls to make two 50+ yard field goals in a single game.
What’s Next?
Welp, after falling 50-15 to Miami, the Bulls will take on the Tulane Green Wave in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Will USF bounce back? Tune in on ESPNU on Sept. 28th at 12:00PM EST!
Opening conference play in NOLA 👊#ComeToTheBay | #StayInTheBay pic.twitter.com/ZkA1GwfBaE
— USF Football (@USFFootball) September 24, 2024
Go Bulls!