USF Football: Bull survive late rally, top Tulane in Week 8

It wasn’t pretty, but USF Football stayed perfect, holding off a late push by Tulane in New Orleans to improve to 7-0 on the season.

It was another night when the South Florida offense wasn’t clicking on all cylinders, but the end result was the same: another victory. Charlie Strong’s team remains undefeated on the season after earning win number seven over a tough Tulane team on the road in Week 8.

Quarterback Quinton Flowers once again had a mediocre night through the air, but his impact on the game was unparalleled. The senior signal caller from Miami completed just 10 of 24 passes for 127 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. However it was on the ground that he did the most damage. He had 13 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown.

He wasn’t the only Bull that found success in the running game. Running back Darius Tice had 13 carries for 141 yards and a score and Dernest Johnson added 20 carries for 84 yards and one touchdown. That was enough to put USF up 34-14 entering the fourth quarter.

Tulane running back Dontrell Hilliard added a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns, but the Green Wave’s late onside kick attempt was recovered by the Bulls. USF ran out the clock and walked away with the victory.

Next: Projected Week 9 College Football AP Poll

The Bulls are in the running for a spot in a New Year’s Six Bowl. That goes to the highest ranked Group of Five school, which would be the Bulls if the season ended today. However, their lead in the race continues to shrink. While the Bulls keep winning close games, their fellow AAC for UCF is blowing out their opponents and looking even more impressive. The two schools meet in their respective season finales on Nov. 24, possibly with that bowl berth on the line.