The USF Bulls (2-7) fell to the 20th ranked Houston Cougars (8-1) 54-42 on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium.
The Bulls scored on the first play of the game when Brian Battie ran the opening kick 100 yards back for a touchdown and an early lead. He added another 100-yard touchdown return on a kickoff late in the second quarter to send the Bulls into halftime with a 28-26 lead over the Cougars.
Houston was able to take control in the third quarter, getting three touchdowns to build a 47-35 lead. Both teams traded touchdowns late as the Houston Cougars would win by a final score of 54-42.
True freshman Timmy McClain got the start at quarterback, returning from an injury, and went 22-for-46 with 289 yards, two touchdowns, and the first two interceptions he had thrown since the opening week of the season. In addition to the two kickoff return touchdowns from Brian Battie, he added a touchdown run on the ground for three scores on the night.
The Houston Cougars will have a tough test as they host Cincinnati on Friday night at Raymond James Stadium - the Bearcats are undefeated and come into the game ranked as high as number two in the country in some polls. Kickoff between USF and Cincinnati is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Friday - pregame coverage begins at 5:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES