USF’s history vs. national title programs

USF may not have captured any titles in its 22-season football history, but it has managed to haul in its share of titlists.

Thursday’s news that the Bulls have scheduled a three-game football series with Alabama reminded us that USF has played ― and in some cases, will keep playing ― seven programs that have won a national title since the dawn of the BCS era (1998-on). USF’s record against the seven teams are in parentheses.

Oklahoma (0-1)

South Florida quarterback Marquel Blackwell (10) escapes the pressure of Oklahoma defender Jimmy Wilkerson (45) Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, during a game in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Jerry Laizure)

Marquel Blackwell and Co. fell to the No. 2-ranked Sooners, 31-14, in 2002. At the time, it was the biggest game in program history. USF outgained Oklahoma 328-229 despite the lopsided score. The Sooners honored then USF athletic director and former Oklahoma great Lee Roy Selmon at halftime.

FSU (1-3)

South Florida defensive tackle Keith McCaskill (91) and his USF teammates celebrated with five sacks in its 17-7 stunner against FSU in 2009. The Bulls have not fared as well against FSU since that upset. [WILLIE J. ALLEN JR., Times]

’Noles have rolled in the last three meetings since USF’s 17-7 upset in B.J. Daniels’ starting debut in ’09. Bulls players climbed into the stands at Doak Campbell Stadium to celebrate with fans after the upset.

Miami (1-5)

South Florida's Kevin Gidrey (45) leads his team onto the field to celebrate after the Bulls' 23-20 overtime win over Miami. The teams renew the rivalry in 2025. [AP Photo/J Pat Carter]

This rivalry will have been dormant for a dozen years when the Bulls and 'Canes meet again in 2025. USF’s only win in the series actually occurred in Miami.

Auburn (1-0)

South Florida quarterback Matt Grothe celebrates a 26-23 overtime win over Auburn in 2007. [AP Photo/Dave Martin]

USF’s 26-23 overtime win in 2007 ― on Matt Grothe’s 21st birthday ― gave Bulls their first ranking ever. Grothe, out of Lakeland Lake Gibson High, remains one of the program’s all-time greats.

Florida (0-1)

South Florida running back Moise Plancher (3) gets wrapped up by Florida Gators linebacker A.J. Jones (16) during Florida's 38-14 victory over the Bulls in 2010. It's the only time the programs met. [WILL VRAGOVIC, Times]

Spend your days with Hayes

Subscribe to our free Stephinitely newsletter

Columnist Stephanie Hayes will share thoughts, feelings and funny business with you every Monday.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

Bulls fell, 38-14, in Gainesville in Game 2 of the Skip Holtz era. Played at high noon on Labor Day weekend, it may have been one of the hottest games in Florida Field history.

Clemson (1-0)

Bulls head coach Skip Holtz gives USF president Judy Genshaft a hug on stage after a 31-26 over Clemson in the Meineke Car Care Bow in Charlotte, NC. Genshaft would fire Holtz two years later. [WILLIE J. ALLEN JR. | Times]

Thanks to a 31-26 triumph in the ’10 Meineke Car Care Bowl, Bulls can say they own the three-time national champions. B.J. Daniels threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third to lead USF.

Alabama (0-1)

USF receiver Huey Whittaker holds on to a Ronnie Banks' pass for a gain of 37 yards in the second quarter. USF Bulls play Alabama Crimson Tide in their season opener at Legion Field in Birmingham, Al., on Saturday (8/30/2003).

Bulls thumped in Birmingham, 40-17, in 2003 opener. But the game was actually tied 7-7 before the Tide ripped off 10 points in a 26-second span at the end of the first half. A number of USF fans, many painted in green and gold, went home disappointed.

Regions

Topics