USF University Bulls Conclude Season with Heartbreaking Loss

News Summary

The University of South Florida Bulls concluded their football season with a disappointing 35-28 defeat against the Rice Owls. Despite hopes for a different outcome, USF struggled on offense and defense throughout the game. Quarterback Bryce Archie was limited by a formidable Rice defense, and while the Bulls showed resilience late in the game, they ultimately fell short. Nonetheless, fans are optimistic about their upcoming bowl game appearance in December.

USF Bulls End Season with a Tough 35-28 Loss to Rice Owls

Located in Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls wrapped up their football season on a rather disappointing note, falling 35-28 to the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium. Fans headed to the game with a pocketful of hope and high expectations, but the day didn’t quite turn out how they had imagined.

A Stubborn Finale

With the loss, USF ended the regular season with a record of 6 wins and 6 losses overall, maintaining a 4-4 status in the conference. This match showcased the Bulls struggling across the board—in offense, defense, and even in special teams. It was as if every aspect of the game conspired against them, leaving fans lamenting what could have been.

Defensive Troubles

The Rice Owls showcased a tenacious defense, famously known as the best passing defense in the American Athletic Conference. Their strategy successfully limited USF quarterback Bryce Archie to just 227 yards, while he managed to squeeze in one touchdown and was picked off once. Turning the spotlight toward Rice, their quarterback, E.J. Warner, son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, positively shined. He threw for an impressive 425 yards and netted three touchdowns, leading the Owls on a decisive march.

Struggling Ground Game

As the game unfolded, USF found themselves grappling with a struggling rushing game, managing only 111 yards. This marked their lowest rushing output since a prior defeat against Navy—a statistic that coaches and players will likely reflect on in the offseason. Compounding these issues was a lackluster kickoff coverage that frequently allowed the Owls to start drives near midfield, providing them with excellent field position throughout the game.

First Half Woes

After an exhilarating start where both teams scored on their opening drives, Rice began to assert their dominance. They took a commanding 27-7 lead by the time halftime rolled around. Highlights of Rice’s first-half performance included a 12-yard touchdown run by Quinton Jackson and a score through the air to Dean Connors alongside a field goal. It was a clean, effective performance that had the USF team scrambling to catch up.

A Glimmer of Hope

In the second half, Rice continued to extend their lead, with a 33-yard touchdown from Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman followed by a two-point conversion that had USF fans feeling a sense of dread. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, in the late fourth quarter, Archie exited the game after taking a hit during a slide. In stepped sophomore quarterback Israel Carter, who promptly threw a 28-yard touchdown to Keshaun Singleton, narrowing the score to 35-21.

Making it Interesting

Emerging from the shadows of a disheartening game, USF managed to force a fumble from Connors, quickly scoring again through a 32-yard pass to Michael Brown-Stephens. Suddenly, the score was 35-28, and Bulls fans felt their adrenaline surge as they believed one last miracle was within reach. However, following a failed onside kick, USF’s defense held strong, offering one last chance to mount a comeback with just under thirty seconds left.

The Final Play

In a nail-biting finish, the last play was a frantic scramble involving multiple laterals, ultimately resulting in a Rice defender recovering the ball. While it wasn’t the ending USF fans were hoping for, there was a silver lining: the Bulls are set to make their second consecutive bowl game appearance in December. Mark your calendars for December 8—the matchup will be unveiled then!

Despite the sorrow of a tough loss, the spirit of USF Bulls football endures, and fans can look forward to the upcoming bowl game with excitement.

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• USF Bulls 2025 Schedule Revealed
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• Google News: USF Bulls
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• Wikipedia: University of South Florida