Tampa, FL (Sports Network) – Demetris Murray ran for 115 yards and the South Florida Bulls defeated the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 24-12, in a non- conference clash at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Moise Plancher added 79 yards and a score on the ground for USF (2-1), which amassed 226 rushing yards as a team. QB BJ Daniels threw for just 57 yards and an INT, but did have 30 yards and a score on the ground.
Kawaun Jakes led WKU (0-4) with 221 yards and a touchdown on 19-of-37 pass attempts. Jack Doyle had seven receptions for 94 yards and a score for the Toppers, who have now dropped 24 straight games, the nation’s longest current streak.
The game was scoreless for nearly 25 minutes before Plancher gave USF a halftime advantage with a 13-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter.
The Bulls added to their lead midway through the third quarter with a two-yard touchdown run by Richard Kelly.
Daniels followed later in the frame with a one-yard plunge for a 21-0 lead.
The Toppers finally got on the board early in the final frame behind a five- yard touchdown pass from RB Bobby Rainey to Quinterrance Cooper. The extra- point, however, was off the mark.
A 33-yard field goal by Maikon Bonani gave USF a 24-6 lead late in the game.
WKU ended the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jakes to Doyle. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful.