Bulls Lose Close One to Kansas 13-7

USF found themselves in familiar territory on Saturday at Kansas. The Bulls were trailing most of the game and once again had a chance to post a come from behind victory. Read on for a complete summary of the second half of the Bulls hearbreaking loss. Only on USFNation.com

On the opening drive of the second half, (3-1) Kansas attempted to draw first blood. On second and 9 at the 21 yard line, Adam Barmann passed to Jon Cornish who was then lit up by Mike Jenkins for a 5 yard loss. Then on third and 14, Barmann hit Marcus Henry for a 15 yard gain. Then two plays later, he completed a pass to Dexton Fields for 31 yards. To end the drive, Barmann found Cornis for six yards which set up a 37 yard field goal to put Kansas on top 3-0. Barmann finished the game completing 25 of 35 for 273 yards.

The (3-1) Bulls had a quick response for Kansas though. Matt Grothe drove the Bulls 58 yards capped off by a 7 yard rushing touchdown to give USF the 7-3 lead. The lead did not last long though and on the ensuing drive, Kansas regained the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter off of a two yard touchdown run by Cornish. USF attempted to answer immediately, but once again unnecessary penalties severely cost the Bulls at the worst possible time. On second and 9 from the 32 yard line, Grothe completed a 45 yard pass to Amp Hill. The play was called back due to offensive pass interference and the Bulls ended up punting three plays later.

The following drive for Kansas ended with a 41 yard field goal. The special teams play was set up following runs by Cornish of 35 and 9 yards. By the end of the game, Cornish had rushed 26 times for 104 yards and 1 touchdown. USF once again tried to respond. Grothe hit Taurus Johnson for a 15 yard gain on third and nine to reach midfield. Then Walt Smith fumbled on the following play which was recovered by Paul Como of Kansas. For the game, Como Had the biggest impact on defense with six tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery.

The defense made another stand and forced Kansas to punt. Then trailing 13-7, Grothe took over with 1:06 remaining in the game. After throwing two incomplete passes, he found Ean Randolph on the right side for a gain of 20 yards. After Kansas sacked Grothe at the 41 yard line, Grothe scrambled for a 14 yard gain with only 0:21 seconds remaining.

Then from the 27 yard line, Grothe threw two incomplete passes in a row setting up third and 10 with 0:03 seconds left. His final pass was caught, but by the Kansas defense in the back of the end zone to preserve the 13-7 victory. For the game Grothe completed 17 of 13 for 197 yards and 3 interceptions while rushing 18 times for 65 yards and one score. His receivers seemed to come up short mostly. They were led by Marcus Edwards with 4 catches for 53 yards, and Taurus Johnson who had three receptions for 47 yards. This marks the ninth consecutive game at Home won by Kansas. USF now is 0-3 all-time against the Big 12