Game Recap: USF Bulls Rally for a 20-14 Victory Over FAU Owls
In a thrilling contest filled with dramatic momentum shifts and standout defensive plays, the USF Bulls staged a gritty comeback to edge out the FAU Owls 20-14 at home.
The game started with fireworks for the Bulls as FAU’s HB CJ Campbell fumbled on the very first play from scrimmage. USFs MLB Mac Harris delivered a crushing hit, forcing the ball loose, which was quickly pounced on by LB Jason Vaughn. However, USF couldn’t fully capitalize, settling for an early field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
FAU responded with authority. QB Cam Fancher connected with WR Omari Hayes on a perfectly executed 28-yard touchdown strike. Moments later, USF’s QB Byrum Brown made a costly error, throwing an interception that FAU Safety Jayden Williams returned for a touchdown. By the end of the first quarter, the Owls were firmly in control, leading 14-3.
USFs resilience shined through late in the first half. With FAU threatening at the goal line, Bulls CB Brent Austin delivered a game-changing 87-yard pick-six, swinging momentum back to the Bulls and narrowing the deficit to 14-10 at halftime.
The second half belonged to USFs defense. The Bulls shut down FAU’s offense, forcing multiple turnovers and denying them any further points. In the third quarter, Byrum Brown bounced back, finding speedy WR JeyQuan Smith for a 59-yard catch that set up the go-ahead touchdown. Kicker John Cannon added insurance with a 25-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, putting USF ahead 20-14.
In a game marked by nine total turnovers, both teams showed flashes of brilliance and raw determination. The defenses overshadowed the offenses, with key plays like Brent Austin’s pick-six and Mac Harris’ early forced fumble shaping the game’s outcome.
This hard-fought battle showcased the heart of two programs playing for the love of the game. With the intensity of this matchup, fans are already eyeing a potential rematch in the future.
1st Quarter
Cannon 31yd FG 3-0 USF
Hayes 28yd TD rec 7-3 FAU
J. Williams 38yd INT RET TD 14-3 FAU
2nd Quarter
B.Austin 88yd INT RET TD!!! 14-10 FAU
3rd quarter
Smith a beauty 59yd TD Rec 17-14 USF
4th quarter
Cannon 25yd FG 20-14 USF
Coach Buckeye had this to say after the game……”USF has a great veteran Coach. Always fun to play against and this game was no different. We jumped out in the 1st quarter to a 14-3 lead after a nice pick 6 by Williams. The dagger at the end of the half, I was trying to get a quick hitter for a score. The plan was if it wasn’t there to throw it away unfortunately hit the ole square button and the next thing you know is B. Austin is running untouched to the endzone to make it 14-10. USF came out and on a 2nd down play called up a great play. Smith was able to haul in a 58yd TD reception to make it 17-14. We had a great goalie stand in the 3rd. USF had a great goalie stand with 4 to play in the game to keep us out of the endzone. Ultimately our defense played great. Our offensive is just not playing good at the moment. But I this game that’s a tip of a cap to Coach Marine. “ GReat Game Coach Marine always a pleasure. GL the rest of the way!
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