The South Florida Bulls and Miami Hurricanes are tied at 3 just over a minute into the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Both teams would reach bowl eligibility with a win in today’s in-state matchup.
Each team committed an early turnover. Travis Benjamin fumbled on an end-around on Miami’s second play from scrimmage and USF recovered at the Hurricanes’ 45-yard line. But on the very next play, B.J. Daniels threw an ill-advised pass under pressure that was easily picked off by Miami.
After exchanging punts, Miami drove 77 yards on 16 plays, helped by a couple of nice escapes by Jacory Harris from USF pressure, and by a very questionable pass interference penalty on Kayvon Webster. The drive stalled inside the Bulls’ 10-yard line, but Jake Wieclaw’s 26-yard field goal opened the scoring.
USF answered with a 10-play, 49-yard drive that petered out as soon as the second quarter began. Maikon Bonani’s 42-yard field goal tied the score.