Finally, a memorable moment from a game we won, right? The Bulls traveled south to battle in-state rival Miami to have another shot at taking down another "Big 3" power. USF was in control for the entire first half and most of the second half, but their failure to score a touchdown caught up to them when Storm Johnson made the Bulls pay with a 71-yard run to take a 17-10 lead. With B.J. Daniels out of the game after exiting at halftime with a quad injury, it was all up to freshman Bobby Eveld to dig USF out of a hole with time running low.
The drive wouldn't have even mattered if not for the epic forced fumble by David Beford that sent the Miami ball out of the back of the end zone, resulting in the Bulls' taking over at the 20. With a little under 5 minutes to play, South Florida had one more chance to turn this game back in their direction. Eveld immediately hit Joel Miller for 15 yards, followed by a 37-yard bomb to Dontavia Bogan. From the Miami 39, Eveld handed off the ball to Demetris Murray, who turned it upfield for 16 yards.
Two straight incompletions put the Bulls in a dangerous 3rd and 10 at the Miami 23. Eveld had one more shot to do again what he'd done all drive: go long. After the snap, everyone pretty much immediately knew where he was going. But no Hurricane could do anything about it. Bobby launched a lob pass in the direction of Dontavia Bogan, who pulled it down at the UM 1 yard line, setting up 1st and goal. On second down, Eveld got the QB sneak and muscled it into the end zone, tying the game at 17.
It was at that point that Bulls fans knew we were going to win this game. USF was about to knock off another "Big 3" school and further push its name into the conversation of a "Big 4". The intrastate showdown was a source of great pride for USF fans, and instilled confidence across the entire fanbase that we do indeed have the potential to be an elite football program.
I remember this game best for the heroics of Joel Miller making several big catches as well. Not the player we would pick to make a big impact to start the season.
ReplyDeleteVery correct, he came up big on a few drives. It was a big team win, but the Bogan catch was the biggest highlight.
ReplyDeleteIt was this game that made me finally accept Miller after the whole offseason thing
ReplyDeletealmost broke the TV on that one
ReplyDeleteThat was a crazy game, have never yelled so much and been so happy at the same time. Miami fans were shocked during that one, priceless.
ReplyDelete"Beford" should read "Bedford" in the second sentence of the second paragraph in this posting. I'll never forget the passive aggressive Miami faithful thanking us for getting Shannon fired immediately after this game. No announcement was made until well after the game (possibly the next day), but they were positive after the final whistle blew that USF helped in getting another coach at another traditional Florida power the boot.
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