The Rutgers Scarlet Knights ruined the South Florida Bulls' 2012 Big East opener at home, topping the Bulls 16-13 in a hard-fought, oftentimes sloppy Thursday night game from Raymond James Stadium.
A low, line-drive 22-yard kick from Scarlet Knights kicker Kyle Federico proved the difference in the game, and it was running back Jawan Jamison's ankle-breaking spin move to free himself for a touchdown that put the game away.
Scoring was limited through the first half, as both teams struggled with mistakes and penalties throughout the night. South Florida and quarterback B.J. Daniels could not convert strong offensive drives and big plays throughout the night into touchdowns, as Daniels' three interceptions doomed drives. Daniels finished 15-of-33 for 243 yards and three picks.
Bulls kicker Maikon Bonani and Federico accounted for the scoring early, as each hit on two field goals.
Rutgers struggled mightily with penalties in the first half, recording seven in the half alone, but quieted down in the second half, which helped the Scarlet Knights convert on drives, including on the game's first touchdown from quarterback Gary Nova to receiver Mark Harrison in the third quarter.
South Florida finally broke into the endzone in the fourth quarter, finally converting a long pass play in the middle of a drive into a touchdown, as Bulls running back Demetris Murray took the ball at the 1-yard line into the endzone to knot the game at 13.
But Federico's third field goal and Jamison's highlight reel touchdown scamper finished off the Bulls on Thursday. Jamison finished the game with a Rutgers record 41 carries and 138 yards rushing.
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