Bulls Battle to the Final Seconds in National Spotlight
In front of a primetime ESPN audience, South Florida delivered one of its grittiest efforts of the season, erasing a 13-point second‑half deficit and briefly seizing the lead inside the final two minutes. UTSA, which entered with a dominant 35‑5 home record since 2020, responded with a touchdown and two‑point conversion in the closing seconds to secure a 31‑24 win at the Alamodome.
The loss snapped South Florida’s three‑game true road winning streak, tied for the second‑best road start to a season in program history. The Bulls pushed the Roadrunners deep into the night, matching energy with execution in a loud, nationally televised environment.
Fast Start Sets Tone for Competitive First Half
South Florida opened the game with confidence, marching 75 yards in nine plays before D.J. Crowther bounced outside for a 15‑yard touchdown run. UTSA answered quickly, with A’Marion Peterson breaking free for a 53‑yard score to tie the game.
The Bulls struck again late in the first quarter. Facing fourth‑and‑two near midfield, Brian Hartline kept the offense on the field, and Crowther powered ahead for the conversion. On the next snap, Michael Van Buren Jr. lofted a deep ball to Bryson Rodgers, who hauled in a 42‑yard touchdown to put the Bulls ahead 14‑7.
South Florida added a 24‑yard Nico Gramatica field goal late in the half after a drive extended by a targeting penalty and a fourth‑down conversion from Luke Kromenhoek. The defense closed the half strong, with Ayden Jackson’s fourth‑down sack stopping a UTSA scoring threat and sending the Bulls into the locker room up 17‑10.
UTSA Surges, Bulls Respond with Late Heroics
UTSA opened the second half with a methodical 75‑yard touchdown drive to tie the game. The Roadrunners added two field goals to build a 23‑17 lead early in the fourth quarter.
South Florida answered with its best possession of the night. Van Buren guided a 12‑play, 75‑yard march, converting on third and fourth downs before finding Crowther out of the backfield for an 11‑yard touchdown. Gramatica’s extra point gave the Bulls a 24‑23 lead with 1:56 remaining, briefly silencing the Alamodome.
UTSA responded with a 10‑play drive of its own, converting twice under pressure before Peterson scored from a yard out with 15 seconds left. The Roadrunners added a two‑point conversion to push the margin to 31‑24, and South Florida’s final possession expired as time ran out.
Key Stats from the Road Thriller
South Florida outscored UTSA 24‑20 from the opening‑drive touchdown until the Roadrunners’ final score. Van Buren completed 16 of 29 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns without an interception or a sack, delivering a clean, efficient performance.
The Bulls were perfect in the red zone and converted both fourth‑down attempts. Defensively, South Florida posted two sacks and four tackles for loss, highlighted by Jackson’s fourth‑down stop late in the second quarter.
Notable Performances
S Tavin Ward led the Bulls with a season‑best nine tackles. S Ayden Jackson added eight tackles and a key fourth‑down sack. WR Bryson Rodgers caught five passes for 72 yards, including a 42‑yard touchdown. RB D.J. Crowther scored twice, adding an 11‑yard receiving touchdown to his early rushing score.
Up Next: Homecoming Under the Lights
South Florida returns home next Saturday, Oct. 17, for a homecoming matchup against Kent State at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls are 3‑0 in non‑conference play and will face the Golden Flashes for the first time. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
It will be South Florida’s second MAC opponent of the season after a road win at Bowling Green earlier this year.
