The South Florida Bulls had a chance to pick up a much-needed road win Friday night in Greenville, North Carolina, but couldn’t finish the job, falling to the East Carolina Pirates 20-17 on a 55-yard field goal as time expired. Despite a promising start and a fourth-quarter comeback, the Bulls once again came up short when it mattered most down the stretch.
Let’s breakdown what happened offensively and defensively against the Pirates.
Offense
The Bulls opened strong behind quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, making his first start in place of the injured Michael Van Buren. Kromenhoek completed all five of his passes on USF’s opening drive, connecting with wide receiver Bryson Rodgers for a 26-yard touchdown to give the Bulls an early 7-0 lead. The offense appeared to be ready for a breakout game.
But USF struggled to sustain drives, managed just three points in the second quarter, and got shut out in the third. The Bulls converted on just one of the 10 attempts on third down, an issue that repeatedly stalled the offense.
Kromenhoek finished 17 of 21 for 179 yards and a touchdown without an interception. Running back D.J. Crowther provided a major spark once again, rushing for 111 yards on 17 carries before exiting with an injury in the fourth quarter.
Trailing 17-10 in the fourth, Crowther helped spark a comeback with consecutive runs of 23 and 25 yards. Kromenhoek followed that up with a 27-yard completion to tight end Evan Dangler, setting up Jason Collins Jr. for a one-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 17.
Unfortunately, the offense wouldn’t get another opportunity to find the end zone.
Defense
The defense had its moments but couldn’t deliver when the Bulls needed one final stop.
USF forced an early turnover when Amarion Fortenberry punched the ball loose from an ECU receiver and recovered the fumble. The Bulls also recorded three sacks, with Asani Redwood accounting for 1.5 of them. Redwood has strung together some great games over the last couple contests.
Grayson Howard led the defense with 13 tackles, while C.J. Hicks and Tavin Ward added nine a piece.
Still, East Carolina found plenty of success through the air, finishing with 361 total yards. Landon Sides gave the Bulls fits all night, hauling in 14 catches for 126 yards and two scores.
The defense appeared to have done enough to force overtime after USF tied the game, but ECU took over with 1:42 remaining and marched down the field. A crucial 18-yard completion on third and 17 kept the drive alive before Andrew Conrad drilled the game winning 55-yard field goal as time expired.
For a defense that had kept USF within striking distance all night, allowing that final drive was a disappointing way to end the evening.
What’s Next?
The South Florida Bulls are entering another short week and will face off against the Memphis Tigers this Thursday, November 12th, back at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
USF desperately needs to get back in the win column.
Will they be able to do enough to get past the Tigers? Make sure to tune in to ESPN this Thursday at 8:00 PM EST.
Go Bulls!