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)
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)
’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)
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.
Related: USF agrees to 2-for-1 football series with Miami
Auburn (1-0)
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)
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Explore all your optionsBulls 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)
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)
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.