Offense
For the fourth consecutive game, USF failed to score an offensive touchdown in the first half. The Bulls managed just 101 yards before the break, struggling to find any rhythm against a Kent State team that entered the game winless.
The offense finally found some life after halftime. Quarterback Luke Kromenhoek punched in a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to cap a lengthy scoring drive.
Quarterback Michael Van Buren then connected with Wide Receiver Cameron Seldon for a 36-yard touchdown early in the fourth, giving the Bulls some much-needed breathing room.
Van Buren finished with 193 passing yards and a touchdown, while Seldon hauled in four catches for a career-high 60 yards.
The second-half improvement was encouraging, but the sluggish start remains a concern. The Bulls cannot afford to spend entire halves searching for an offensive spark as conference play continues.
Defense
Fortunately, South Florida’s defense had other plans.
After Kent State threatened to score early, the Bulls repeatedly came up with critical stops to keep the Golden Flashes off the scoreboard. The biggest moment came when Defensive End C.J. Hicks scooped up a fumble and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown, giving USF a lead it would never surrender.
The incredible return tied the longest fumble return in program history (Kayvon Webster), and completely shifted the momentum. With the offense struggling to get anything going, Hicks provided the spark the Bulls desperately needed.
USF’s defense continued to dominate from there, limiting Kent State to just 228 total yards and preventing the Golden Flashes from scoring a touchdown. Defensive End Michael Williams II contributed 1.5 sacks, while the defensive front consistently made life difficult for Kent State’s offense.
Defensive Back Jabari Smith added one final highlight in the closing seconds, tackling Kent State Quarterback Nolan Good in the end zone for a safety to seal the 29-2 victory.
What’s Next?
Up next for the South Florida Bulls is a Halloween showdown at home at Raymond James Stadium, for a matchup against the UAB Blazers.
Will the Bulls stay in the win column? Make sure to tune in to ESPNU at 12 PM EST on Halloween to find out.
Go Bulls!