Miami Beach Bowl 2015: Western Kentucky vs. South Florida Live Score, Highlights

Western Kentucky 45, South Florida 35 - Game Over

Western Kentucky held off South Florida in a wild 2015 Miami Beach Bowl to cap off one the most successful seasons in program history.

Senior quarterback Brandon Doughty went over 5,000 yards passing for this season to lead the Hilltoppers to a 12-2 finish, which ties the program record for wins in a season.

Doughty, who finished with 461 yards and three touchdowns, was helped by running back Anthony Wales, who totaled 105 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries. 

After a sluggish start by the normally-prolific Western Kentucky offense allowed South Florida to jump out to a 14-0 lead, Wales was instrumental in stabilizing Doughty and the Hilltoppers offense by forcing the Bulls to play the run. This gave Doughty more time to throw and created more space for his receivers. As a result, Nicholas Norris and Taywan Taylor each went for over 100 yards receiving, with Norris hauling in a pair of scores.

South Florida was largely ineffective on offense, but it flashed some explosiveness. Quarterback Quenton Flowers threw for 278 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 108 yards and two more scores. Star running back Marlon Mack also chipped in 108 yards on the ground, but the high-tempo, quick scoring pace of the game adversely affected his impact.

The turning point of the game occurred in the third quarter. Western Kentucky, the champions of Conference USA, put up 28 points to give them enough for the win after Doughty got the offense back to its unstoppable ways. South Florida used some big plays of its own to nearly close the gap at 38-35, but a 42-yard touchdown from Wales late in the fourth put the game away.

South Florida finishes at 8-5 after the loss to head coach Willie Taggart's alma mater. The Bulls have plenty to build on with Flowers, Mack and big-play receiver Rodney Adams set to return next season.

Meanwhile, Doughty will set his sights on the NFL, leaving as one of the most decorated passers in FBS history.