USF Announces Its Return With Colossal Wipeout of 25th-Ranked Boise State

Whatever impression outsiders may have had about USF football before Thursday night, that opinion should change.

If they thought the Bulls were at best an also-ran in the American Conference, think again. If they weren’t sure USF could hang with a ranked team, well, what more proof do you need than the colossal wipe-out the Bulls handed 25th-ranked Boise State?

The 34-7 blowout win before a national ESPN audience served notice that USF football has resumed its place among the programs that must be taken not just seriously, but very seriously. Yes, Florida Gators, we're talking to you.

After a shaky first quarter, where Boise seemed in control, the Bulls took over and became a rolling ball of knives cascading downhill over the befuddled visitors.

Quarterback Byrum Brown looked like the player everyone thought he would be last year before injuries took his toll. But a bit of bravado by USF coach Alex Golesh in the third quarter turned the game and the momentum totally in the Bulls’ favor.

The Bulls lined up to punt, leading by three points. USF appeared ready to rely on its defense, which had been playing lights-out all night long.

But as the snap came back, neither Boise nor anyone else noticed that the receiver was freshman quarterback Locklan Hewlett. Boise was caught off guard, and Hewlett, making the first pass of his college career, connected with receiver Keshaun Singleton for a 45-yard touchdown.

It put the Bulls ahead 17-7, and it built from there.

For a team that was in the College Football Playoffs last season, Boise ran out of answers against the Bulls.

Random thoughts: In his first start since breaking his leg last September against Tulane, USF quarterback Byrum Brown showed he is still a major weapon.

His 23-yard touchdown run with 6:34 left in the second quarter put the Bulls ahead 10-7, a lead they would never surrender.

He is still working on his touch, especially on deep throws. Brown missed a wide-open Chas Nimrod for a potential TD, but he also showed what a weapon his legs can be.

But the story of the night was USF’s defense.

We don’t need to repeat all the negative stats from the last two years. The defense was a building in progress, and I believe Boise would agree that the Bulls looked like a team capable of lining up against excellent teams and being competitive.

USF came up with repeated big plays against a veteran Broncos quarterback and vaunted ground game. The Bulls were more physical and opportunistic. When they got the lead, they protected their house.

Now we look ahead to Week 2 and a trip to Gainesville and the Florida Gators. We’ll dive into that game later, but for now … wow!

This game took its rightful place among the greatest wins in USF history.