USF Bulls Fight Hard Against No. 10 Alabama but Fall Short, 17-3

The USF Football team (1-2) gave No. 10 Alabama (2-1) a challenging game, keeping it a one-score contest in the final minutes before falling 17-3. The game, broadcasted nationally on ABC, saw 65,138 fans fill Raymond James Stadium.

The Bulls' defense shone brightly, recording five sacks—their highest since 2019—while forcing eight punts and limiting Alabama to 310 yards, their fewest since a game against Mississippi State last season. Safety Daquan Evans led the defensive effort with eight tackles, four tackles for loss, and three sacks. Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler and safeties Jaelen Stokes and Logan Berryhill also posted career-best tackles.

On offense, quarterback Byrum Brown nearly achieved his third career 100-yard rushing game, ending with 92 yards on 23 carries. Running back Nay'Quan Wright added 62 yards, including a powerful run that set the tone early on.

USF held a 3-0 lead for much of the first half until Alabama tied it with 2:10 left in the second quarter. In a critical moment, Brown connected with Sean Atkins for a 15-yard pass, but a subsequent deep ball was intercepted by Alabama's Malachi Moore, halting a promising drive.

Alabama then executed an 80-yard, 11-play drive, culminating in a 1-yard run by quarterback Ty Simpson, securing the victory with just 33 seconds remaining. The Bulls' aggressive strategy saw them go for it on fourth down multiple times, but they were unable to convert enough to sustain their offensive momentum.

USF's defense was relentless, forcing four punts and allowing only three first downs and 53 yards in Alabama's initial possessions. A key turnover on a fumbled punt recovered by D.J. Harris set up USF's only score—a 44-yard field goal by John Cannon.

Inclement weather, including rain and a lightning delay, interrupted the game in the second quarter. Upon resuming, the Bulls advanced into Alabama territory but failed to convert on a crucial fourth-and-16.

Despite a strong defensive showing, highlighted by sacks from Evans and Jason Vaughn, the Bulls' offense couldn't capitalize. Alabama's defense held firm, and a critical sack by Dallas Turner resulted in a fumble recovery, setting up Alabama's game-tying field goal just before halftime.

In the second half, Alabama took the lead with an 84-yard drive, capped by a 45-yard pass to tight end CJ Dippre. The Bulls responded but fell short on fourth down attempts, reflecting their determined but ultimately unsuccessful effort to upset a top-10 team.

Key Stats:

• The USF defense held Alabama to three points in the first half, forcing five punts and allowing just 113 yards. It was the first time since 2021 that Alabama had been held to three points or fewer in the first half.
• USF recorded five sacks, the most since 2019, bringing their season total to eight.
• The game saw the fifth-largest attendance in USF history, with 65,138 fans, including over 10,000 students.

Notables:

• Daquan Evans achieved career-bests in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks.
• Jhalyn Shuler and Jaelen Stokes posted career-high tackles, with Shuler leading the team with 11.

Up Next:The Bulls return to Raymond James Stadium next Saturday to face new American Athletic Conference foe Rice at 4:00 p.m. This conference opener will be televised nationally on ESPNU