Bulls’ Unbeaten Run Ends in Late‑Game Heartbreak
South Florida entered Saturday night’s primetime matchup as one of just 22 unbeaten teams in FBS football and the only undefeated program in The American. Another strong defensive effort and a second‑half surge put the Bulls in position to extend their streak, but a late Temple touchdown drive delivered a 17‑13 loss before 36,349 fans at Raymond James Stadium.
The defeat snapped USF’s nine‑game home win streak, the second‑longest in program history.
First‑Half Struggles Stall Offensive Rhythm
For the second straight week, USF went into halftime trailing after an uneven offensive performance. The Bulls defense kept the game close, allowing just 113 yards in the first half — 55 of those coming on Temple’s final drive, which ended in a touchdown. Offensively, USF managed only five first downs and 108 total yards, with penalties repeatedly derailing momentum.
Temple carried a 10‑3 lead into the break.
Bulls Rally, Then Stall as Temple Strikes Late
South Florida opened the second half with renewed energy, scoring on its first two possessions to take a 13‑10 lead. But the offense stalled from that point forward, and the defense finally cracked late in the fourth quarter.
Temple marched 96 yards in 10 plays, capped by a 34‑yard touchdown run from quarterback Ajani Sheppard with 3:08 remaining. The drive proved decisive, pushing the Owls ahead 17‑13.
USF had two final chances to respond. The first ended on a fourth‑and‑8 incompletion at the Bulls’ 42. The second began with 51 seconds left at the USF 10, but with no timeouts, the clock expired as the Bulls reached their own 38.
Offensive and Defensive Leaders
Running back D.J. Crowther, coming off consecutive 100‑yard games, was limited to 68 yards on 23 carries and scored USF’s lone touchdown. Quarterback Michael Van Buren completed 17‑of‑32 passes for 205 yards as the Bulls finished with 319 total yards.
Temple’s Ajani Sheppard led the Owls with 87 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding 92 passing yards and another score. The Owls totaled 274 yards, including 182 on the ground.
Linebacker Pup Howard paced USF with a career‑best nine tackles in his most extensive action since an early‑season injury. C.J. Hicks added seven tackles and a crucial fumble recovery in the endzone to halt a Temple scoring threat.
First Half Summary
USF opened strong, forcing a three‑and‑out highlighted by an Asani Redwood sack. Van Buren connected with Bryson Rodgers for 17 yards on the Bulls’ first play, setting up a drive that ended with a 35‑yard Nico Gramatica field goal.
Temple tied the game early in the second quarter with a 34‑yard field goal from Carl Hardin. USF attempted to answer, converting a fourth‑and‑1, but Gramatica’s 52‑yard attempt sailed wide left.
Temple closed the half with a 55‑yard drive capped by a 24‑yard JoJo Bermudez touchdown run, giving the Owls a 10‑3 lead.
Second Half Summary
USF immediately found rhythm after halftime. Van Buren connected with Josh Porter, Crowther, Rodgers, and Cam Seldon on a balanced drive that set up Jason Collins Jr.’s 21‑yard burst to the Temple 1. Crowther punched in the tying score from a yard out.
Temple threatened to retake the lead, but a combined hit from Zavier Hamilton and Amarion Fortenberry jarred the ball loose at the goal line. Hicks recovered in the endzone for a momentum‑shifting turnover.
USF added a 49‑yard Gramatica field goal early in the fourth quarter to go up 13‑10. But the Bulls could not extend the lead, and Temple’s late 96‑yard march proved decisive.
Key Stats
• USF scored just three first‑half points and has been outscored 47‑44 before halftime this season. • The Bulls defense held Temple to 274 yards on 50 plays, forced five punts, and limited the Owls to 5‑of‑12 on third down. • South Florida committed eight penalties for 60 yards.
Notables
• LB Grayson “Pup” Howard — career‑high nine tackles. • LB C.J. Hicks — career‑high seven tackles and a key endzone fumble recovery. • WR Cam Seldon — career‑best 53 receiving yards on three catches.
Up Next
South Florida heads to San Antonio for a Thursday night primetime matchup against UTSA at the Alamodome. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Roadrunners have gone 25‑1 in conference home games since 2020 and improved to 4‑1 with a win at Rice.
