The USF Bulls got a rude awakening on Saturday after losing to the Miami Hurricanes, 50-15, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Given the caliber of their week 4 opponent, the UCF entered Saturday’s game against Miami with tempered expectations. It would take a monumental collapse on the part of Miami and a perfect game from UCF in order for an upset to be even possible. Nevertheless, nobody expected the Bulls to collapse hard like they did in the second half of the game.
The Turning Point of the Match
The Bulls stayed pace with Miami in the first and ¾ quarters, then grabbed a 15-14 lead after kicker John Cannon completed a 45-yard kick at 2:36 of the second period.
Miami quickly reclaimed the lead, 22-15, a few seconds later, thanks to a 76-yard TD pass from Cam Ward to Samuel Brown at 1:56 of the second quarter. That closing play of the first served as the turning point for Miami, igniting 28 unanswered points that completely zapped out the energy of the crowd through the entire length of the second half.
Lesson #1: USF should not have allowed Miami to score a touchdown with under three minutes left in the first half. I understand that the Bulls are one of the worst defensive teams in college football, allowing 29.8 points per game. However, if USF had stopped Miami in the last minutes of the second half, they would have been in a much better position to start the second half, leading 15-14.
Cam’s missed 2 TD throws in the first half already. This one goes for 76 and a score, though.
Miami just needs to keep dismantling USF through the air. They can’t do anything with their pass catchers.
pic.twitter.com/0GJkIuCG1a
— Outl✭w (@OutlawCowboyNFL) September 22, 2024
Miami Shut Down Scoring, Rushing Options for Byrum Brown and USF
USF quarterback Byrum Brown is still searching for his first passing touchdown four games deep into the 2024 college football season. Brown recorded the most passing yards this season against Miami, completing 19-for-30 passes for 254 yards. Unfortunately, the USF quarterback could not convert a passing touchdown despite several opportunities in the red zone.
Kudos to Miami because they did an exceptional job preventing Brown from making plays with his feet. After rushing for 74, 108 and 72 yards in the first three games, Brown could only run for 27 yards on 14 carries before exiting with a hip injury. Overall, USF rushed just 67 yards as Miami shut down almost all their rushing routes in this game.
Recher’s Rapid Reaction
USF loses to #Miami 50-15
They’re still not ready for primetime.
Positives are Sean Atkins and Nico Gramatica.
Byrum hung tough….and then left the game due to injury. No bueno.
No rushing attack.
No pass rush.
Big time issues in the secondary.… pic.twitter.com/QzcVWg2Wjc
— Jay Recher (@jayRecher) September 22, 2024
Lesson #2: USF has to add a new set of plays into their playbook as they prepare for their Week 5 game against Tulane after being exposed by Miami for a lack of creativity in their plays. The Bulls’ coaching staff must devise new plays for Byrum Brown, who is talented enough to cause havoc both in the air and on the ground but has yet to realize his full potential due to poorly designed plays by the coaching staff.
Defense Needs Major Work
After allowing three points in the opening game against Bethune, USF now ranks 104th in points allowed per game (29.8) after letting Miami drop 50 points on their heads. Entering week 5 showdown with Tulane, the Bulls are 105th in the country in total passing yards allowed per game (410.5), 118th in passing yards allowed (279.2) and 66th in rushing yards allowed (131.2), per Covers.com.
🎥: @CoachGolesh Postgame Presser – Miami https://t.co/gi5VPTlC6B
— USF Football (@USFFootball) September 22, 2024
Lesson #3: Clearly, their defense need a major work and it is up to the coaching staff to fill key gaps in their defensive line. Apart from averaging just 2.2 sacks per game, USF has allowed 92.5 penalty yards in four games, ranking 132nd in the country. If their defense continues to play poorly for the rest of the season, I fully expect a big revamp not only of their roster but also of their coaching staff, particularly the head of defensive coordinator Todd Orlando.
