USF Bulls Radio

The USF Bulls defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 30-19, eliminating any chance of a three-peat of their 2007 and 2008 seasons’ three game losing streaks.

In the opening drive, the Mountaineers (6-2, 2-1) managed to march across an 80-yard span in 11 plays. Jarrett Brown rushed for a 3-yard touchdown giving West Virginia its only lead throughout the night.

The Bulls answered the Mountaineers opening drive with a five play, 60-yard drive. The Bulls (6-2, 2-2) took some risks early in the game, going for a fourth-and-2 yard conversion, instead of punting. Moise Plancher was able to convert the play into a first down. The risk paid off, because in the next play Carlton Mitchell caught a 49-yard pass from B.J. Daniels in the end zone to tie the game 7-7.

Eric Schwartz made a 30-yard field goal attempt, moving the Bulls up 10-7, with only three minutes left in the first quarter. The Mountaineers were able to get two more points when Jamar Taylor was tackled in the end zone, for a safety. The score was 10-9, USF, at the end of the first quarter.

A.J. Love caught an 11-yard pass in the end zone during the second quarter, which put the Bulls up 17-9. Tyler Bitancurt then kicked a 33-yard field goal for West Virginia, but Schwartz answered with a 26-yard field goal of his own. The Bulls were up 20-12 at halftime.

The Mountaineers returned from halftime determined to get back in the game, and succeeded. Brown made an 11-yard dash into the end zone, which minimized the Bulls’ lead to only one point. However, Sterling Griffin, USF’s freshman wide receiver, caught a 6-yard pass in the end zone. The game was 27-19 at the end of the third quarter but with offensive players like Jock Sanders and Noel Devine the Mountaineers could not be counted out just yet.

The Bulls offense did not score a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but Schwartz was able to make another field goal, this time for 44 yards. Schwartz was three for three on field goal attempts. Despite only adding three points to their score in the fourth quarter, the Bulls were able to maintain their lead because of some key defensive plays made by Cornerback Jerome Murphy.

After two Big East losses, this win against No. 20 West Virginia, was much unexpected. Despite their winning record overall, West Virginia had lost three of the last four games they have played against unranked USF.

“There offense is similar to ours, so we are familiar with it,” Kion Wilson said.

Wilson was one of the several USF players injured during the game. Wilson says he walked off the field due to a groin injury. He also said that Mitchell, who made his post-game rounds with the aid of a crutch, claims to be doing just fine as well.

Beside penalties and turnovers, Noel Devine was USF’s biggest threat going into this game.

“We kept Devine inside… If he gets outside he’s gone,” Coach Jim Leavitt said.

Chris Robinson said that they knew Devine had speed, which is why they added defensive ends that could match it and keep him covered at all times.

Leavitt, Wilson and Nate Allen all agreed on one thing: the Bulls were all playing for self-pride. The loss at Pitt was largely due to a lack of confidence, both from players and the coaches.

Leavitt said he “chained” Daniels in the game versus Pitt. The three fourth down conversion attempts were evidence that Leavitt was allowing Daniels opportunities to prove himself.

“Going into those fourth down conversions, I was confident because the coaches had confidence in us, to allow us to go for it,” Daniels said.

All the Bulls can do now is take their bye week and hope this newfound confidence doesn’t wear off before they face Rutgers.

Photo courtesy: Jacob Tillman