Hurricanes Overcome Early Challenges to Defeat USF

©Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (4-0) defeated the South Florida Bulls (2-2) 50-15, on Sept. 21 in Tampa, Fla. The Hurricanes and Bulls kept it close in the first half, but halftime adjustments made by Miami coach Mario Cristobal gave the Hurricanes the edge.

Miami Quarterback Cam Ward finished the day 24-of-34 with a single interception. He threw for 404 yards and 3 touchdowns. USF quarterback Byrum Brown completed 19 passes for 254 yards, most of which happened in the first half. The Hurricanes neutralized the Bulls' rushing attack, which ultimately won them the game. USF wide receiver Sean Atkins led the Bulls with 125 yards receiving on 11 catches. The Hurricanes' two leading receivers had 14 catches alone with 2 combined touchdowns.

Hurricanes' First Half Challenges

Halfway through the first quarter, Ward threw an interception. This was quickly followed by a trick play thrown by Atkins to Brown in the end zone. The PAT was blocked, making the score 9-7. Brown and Atkins finished the game with 11 connections for 125 yards.

After a Miami touchdown, the Bulls added a pair of field goals, including a 41-yarder from John Cannon, which gave South Florida the 15-14 lead.

Miami immediately responded with a touchdown pass from Ward to wide receiver Samuel Brown. Miami went for two and converted, making the lead 22-15 going into the half. By the end of the third quarter, Miami stretched the lead to 36-15 after another Martinez touchdown run. The game was effectively out of reach at this point.

What It Means

This game was a trap game for Miami, and they passed the test. The Bulls are a good team. They may not be good enough to be ranked, but they could surprise some teams down the line. After all, they nearly upset the Crimson Tide a few weeks ago. In this case, however, Miami took care of business and defeated the Bulls handily. While the outcome doesn't come as a shock, it is a game that the Hurricanes couldn't afford to lose, especially given Miami's somewhat challenging schedule for the rest of the season. Looking ahead, the Hurricanes play at home against Virginia Tech on Sept. 27, at Cal on Oct. 5 followed by another away game at Louisville on Oct. 19.

©Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

For South Florida, the loss is insignificant. While the Bulls could have made leaps regarding the College Football Playoff, the expected happened. They have to put this one behind them and focus on conference play in the American Athletic Conference. Their next three games will be at Tulane on Sept. 28, at home against Memphis on Oct. 11 and at home against UAB on Oct. 19.