TAMPA, Fla. – At one point in building a 28-0 first-quarter lead, USF outgained Tulsa 247-15. It was that type of afternoon Saturday at Raymond James Stadium where a 63-30 win clinched bowl eligibility on senior day for the second straight year.
The point total was the most since 2015 when USF blasted Cincinnati 65-27. The Bulls’ 715 yards were the program’s high-water mark against an FBS opponent and second-most to 745 versus Florida A&M in 2011.
“Excited the seniors were able to finish it off at home in the right way,” said coach Alex Golesh.
READ: R.J. Perry Enjoying Far More Productive Second Season At USF
The two most impressive plays of the game, though, did not show up in the scoring summary. The first was in the final minute of the opening quarter when freshman corner James Chenault sprinted roughly 75 yards to tackle Golden Hurricane running back Anthony Watkins at the two-yard line at the end of a 77-yard run.
Four plays later, Tulsa turned the ball over on downs and the Bulls (6-5/ 4-3 American) went 94 yards the other way to take a 35-0 lead.
In the third quarter, senior corner Ben Knox was beaten deep by Tulsa receiver Joseph Williams, who appeared to be on his way to a 77-yard touchdown. Instead, Knox, caught up to Williams and knocked the ball loose and recovered the fumble he forced at the one.
READ: USF Volleyball Dominates American Athletic Conference Awards
Chenault’s and Knox’s never-give-up effort represent the type of plays that underscore the program’s culture in two seasons under Golesh.
“Those were the only two plays that I talked about in the locker room,” said Golesh. “It’s literally what you are trying to build culturally. (They were) as cool of football plays to coach off of for years to come. That’s what you want your DNA to be.”
Kelley Joiner’s DNA is all over the program the past six seasons. A week after piling up a career high 140 yards on nine carries at Charlotte last week, the senior had 106 yards on his first three carries. His 48-yard touchdown run 41 seconds into the game got the Bulls off and running. Joiner finished with 10 carries for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
READ: USF’s Anna Sutter Flying The Friendly Skies To Wherever She Desires
“That’s the way we practiced,” said Golesh. “We came out and were locked in on both sides of the ball.”
Quarterback Bryce Archie accounted for 345 yards, including a career-best 305 through the air. He threw for two scores and ran for one.
The Bulls will go to a bowl game for the second straight year after a four-year hiatus. In the larger picture, though, it is another step toward what is hoped to be bigger and better before too long.
“Right now, we’re a 6-5 team that’s fighting to get to seven (wins), and then we’ll fight to get to eight,” said Golesh. “At whatever point we’re ready, we’re going to work incredibly hard to play for championships.”
The Bulls finish regular season at Rice next week.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.