Doak Campbell stadium fell deafly silent as the clock expired on the Seminole’s second loss of the season on Saturday afternoon.
The University of South Florida Bulls entered the game as underdogs to the 18th ranked Florida State University Seminoles, but quickly proved to be driven opponents.
FSU quarterback Christian Ponder said in his post-game interview; “the other team came out more ready to play”.
The game was far from an exhibition in finesse as both teams stumbled through a scoreless first quarter.
In the second quarter the Bulls drew first blood with an eight-yard pass to Ben Busbee from quarterback B.J. Daniels.
Then the Bulls continued to attack the Seminoles with a 73-yard bomb from Daniels to wide receiver Sterling Griffin.
The Seminoles trailed the Bulls 14-0 going into the halftime break but would show signs of life in the second half.
Both teams appeared to be a little tight coming out of the locker room, as the third quarter proved to be a fumble and penalty fest from both teams.
With 13:35 to go in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles finally broke through the goal line on a three-yard touchdown run by Ty Jones.
Time, penalties and a number of missed opportunities proved to be too much for the Seminoles, as the Bulls added another three points to their lead with an Eric Schwartz field goal with 3:47 to go in the game and seal the deal.
For the second time this season, the Seminoles have fallen at home to unranked opponents, while being ranked themselves.
Fumbles proved costly for the Seminoles as they lost four total and two while in scoring position.
FSU defensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said, “You can’t have those things and win football games.”
USF player Daniels is froms Tallahassee having graduated from Lincoln high, and felt his Bulls came into the game ready for anything and not afraid of the Seminoles.
The Seminoles will have to once again find a way to bounce back following a tough loss.
FSU will prepare to look ahead after a loss that will undoubtedly drop them out of the top 25 standings again.