Bulls Stomp Out Golden Hurricane, Claim Bowl Eligibility

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The South Florida Bulls (6-5, 4-3 American Athletic Conference) defeated the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-8, 1-6 AAC) 63-30 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. on Nov. 23. Bulls quarterback Bryce Archie threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns while Israel Carter also added two passing TDs. South Florida fans didn't have to wait long for the fireworks to get going. The Bulls' Kelley Joiner Jr. opened it up with a pair of big runs, including a 48-yard TD run on the game's third play for South Florida's first points. It was indicative of the long day ahead for the Golden Hurricane. It was also indicative of Joiner Jr.'s day to come.

How it Happened

While the Bulls' offense was flowing behind the running backs, Tulsa's was not. The Golden Hurricane went three-and-out on its first drive, moving backward and punting back to South Florida. Running back Nay'Quan Wright ended the Bulls' next drive, a 10-play one, with a 1-yard TD run. Joiner Jr. got his second TD halfway through the first quarter, making the score 21-0. While things continued to get better and better for the Bulls, it got worse and worse for Tulsa. By the end of the game, all of South Florida's running backs scored at least a TD and Archie ran for one, too.

One bright spot for the Golden Hurricane came in the middle of the second quarter. Starting QB Cooper Legas found wide receiver Joseph Williams for an 11-yard TD catch. They were Tulsa's first points of the game. But, after scoring once more, South Florida led 42-7 at halftime.

Turning Point for Bulls

The game was flipped on its head from the very beginning. Tulsa couldn't contend with the speed of the Bulls' offense. When Joiner scored within the first three plays, it shook morale for both teams: positively for the Bulls and negatively for the Golden Hurricane. South Florida's confidence rose immensely as it scored over the next few drives, expanding its lead. It also continued to negatively impact Tulsa.

© Danny Wild-Imagn Images

While the offense was firing on all cylinders, the defense gave the Golden Hurricane issues. Safety Tawfiq Byard was the Tulsa offense's nightmare. He had an INT and a fumble recovery in the first half alone. On top of that, the Bulls' front seven blew away Tulsa's offensive line. It kept Legas in check as he only completed 10 of his 25 pass attempts. Legas eventually was benched. Byard and fellow safety Tavin Ward had their way with Legas. They both had INTs off Legas. The Bulls' secondary forced separate turnovers, interceptions or fumbles in the victory.

What's Next

For the Bulls, they ran all over Tulsa. South Florida had 5 rushing TDs and dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. It was over before Tulsa ever had a second drive. With the win, the Bulls get themselves into postseason play. They will get 15 extra practices and an extra game. South Florida has one more game this regular season. The Bulls take on the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium in Houston on Nov. 30 to close out the regular season.

For the Golden Hurricane, head coach Kevin Wilson adds another game to an increasing pile of losses this season. Tulsa takes on the Florida Atlantic Owls in Tulsa, Okla. on Nov. 30. While the Golden Hurricane will not play in a bowl this season, they can finish their season strong and end with a fairly competitive matchup against Florida Atlantic. It is a team that also has underperformed this season.