TBO: Bulls Shut Down Golden Knights

[Brad]

Bulls Shut Down Golden Knights

By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

TAMPA - The Snore On I-4.

That pretty much sums up Saturday night's highly anticipated first meeting between the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida.

USF coasted to a 31-14 victory at Raymond James Stadium, extending the nation's worst losing streak to 17 games.

"We suffocated them, but unfortunately we didn't get the shutout," said USF senior defensive end Terrence Royal, who had two sacks. "There's no sense talking before the game; we said what we wanted to out on the field."

The schools might be located 98 miles apart, but on Saturday night the Bulls were light-years ahead of the Golden Knights in front of an announced crowd of 45,139 fans.

"We know it's an important game," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "We just kind of work and play the game. I'm not going to go off on this and that."

Since USF's inaugural season in 1997, UCF had sought a game against the Bulls. Perhaps now the Golden Knights are having second thoughts.

USF senior running back Andre Hall (22 carries, 155 yards) paced a running attack that rolled up 326 yards, and Ricky Ponton added 75 yards on 19 carries. By comparison, UCF (0-2) was limited to 45 yards on 20 carries.

"It was time to put up or shut up," USF senior offensive guard Chris Carothers said. "They didn't put up."

USF quarterback Pat Julmiste continued his solid play. He had a career-high 73 yards rushing and completed 10 of 16 for 95 yards, including a dump off to Hall, who turned it into a highlight-reel 26-yard touchdown pass.

With the Bulls leading 14-0 in the second quarter, Julmiste escaped a sack and hit Hall downfield. Hall juked one Knight then slipped between two more to complete the jaw-dropping touchdown.

Finally, when Hall reached the end zone, USF wide receiver Jackie Chambers accomplished something UCF never did Saturday night: He tackled Hall.

With a 43-pound per-man advantage in the trenches, USF controlled the offensive line of scrimmage. On its first drive, USF rushed for 75 yards -- more than double the 32 yards UCF allowed all game in its season opener at South Carolina.

Hall gave a glimpse of what to expect the opening drive. Hall broke loose on a 28-yard run that featured two 360-degree spins to avoid UCF defenders, who were left grasping at air.

"I practice those moves in practice all the time," Hall said.

Hall had 96 yards by halftime as USF (2-1) led 21-0.

"As far as the team, we expect to play this way every game," USF wide receiver Amarri Jackson said.

In the third quarter, UCF cut the deficit to 21-7 on quarterback Steven Moffett's 4-yard touchdown run. UCF's first score was set up by Joe Burnett's 60-yard punt return.

USF answered immediately with a nine-play, 80-yard drive. Hall had 36 yards rushing on the drive, capped by Julmiste's 1-yard sneak.

"We looked sluggish for some reason and didn't have our feet under us," UCF coach George O'Leary said. "I don't know if that was because of the bye week or not."

UCF had not played in 16 days since losing at South Carolina.

USF free safety Carlton Williams (nine tackles), cornerback Mike Jenkins (five tackles) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (five tackles) helped shut down the Golden Knights offense.

If not for two USF special team breakdowns -- a blocked field goal and Burnett's punt return -- the margin could have been greater.

"The guys are disappointed that they gave up that last touchdown," Leavitt said. "You want to finish strong."

Royal said the Bulls played well Saturday, but there's still room for improvement.

"You haven't seen our best game yet," Royal said. "Just wait."

Story Link

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That run after the catch by Hall was spectacular...if anyone has not sen it, you need to.  He made those guys miss badly.

[S p e n c e]

I have to give props to Julmiste, I dont ever remember him stringing together 3 solid games in a row like he has thus far.  Decision making continues to improve as well as his ability to handle pressure.  I guess the real test will come next week against UofL when we wont be able to rely on the running game as much and he will be forced to throw a little more.  I for one cant wait to see him put to the test.

Also want to point out once again the play of Mike Jenkins.  He continues to improve.  He broke up quite a few potential big plays which could have been game momentum changers.  Great Game.

[smazza]

playing qb in this game meant not fumbling the ball

ftu/ou/oc was no better than 1aa A & M

julmiste needs to play well and beat a team with a winning record

we beat up on  little sisters of mary

[Apis Bull]

playing qb in this game meant not fumbling the ball

ftu/ou/oc was no better than 1aa A & M

julmiste needs to play well and beat a team with a winning record

we beat up on  little sisters of mary

Can you just get off of it for a little bit?  At least wait until he plays poorly before bashing him.  He's had three solid games, making very few mistakes.

[Guest bullman33]

Yeah, but he has yet to act like a true qb.  Sure the guy can hand off the ball real well, and can run a qb draw well, but with our speed and size at receiver, he needs to be able to throw it.  He is so inaccurate, its not funny, and besides that one throw to hall, he rarely has any touch on his passes.  How many are in the dirt for the 3rd year in a row?