TicketsNov. 19, 2005
TAMPA, Fla. - Cincinnati fell victim to South Florida's ball-control running attack and solid defensive play in losing to the Bulls, 31-16.
USF held the Bearcats to 89 yards rushing, eventually wearing down the UC attack and forcing a pair of costly turnovers in the third quarter, both of which resulted in Bulls TDs.
USF mounted a 16-play drive, consuming 8:12, on its opening possession before settling for a 25-yard Kyle Bronson field goal. Andre Hall extended that lead to 10-0 with a 1-yard TD plunge early in the second period, capping an 8-play, 64-yard drive.
Cincinnati got on the scoreboard shortly before halftime when Dustin Grutza hooked up with Dominick Goodman for a 25-yard TD. Midway through the third quarter, Grutza's third-down pass was intercepted buy D'Juan Brown and returned 26 yards for a touchdown. Later in the quarter, the Bulls converted a Grutza fumble into a TD, Amarri Jackson scoring on a 22-yard end-around.
USF added a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Grutza generated an 80-yard scoring drive, passing to Butler Benton for the final six yards. Grutza's 56-yard pass to Bill Poland set up Kevin Lovell's 26-yard field goal late in the game.
The Bearcats actually held a slight edge, 362-345, in total offense. UC held Hall, who entered the game ranked No. 4 nationally in rushing, to 100 yards on 29 carries, 24 yards under his season average. USF held a 13-minute advantage in time of possession.