Running with the Bulls: A Look at the Team's Historical Top Wins

The USF Bulls don’t have the quantity to compare with some other traditional football powers in college football. What they do have is quality, however, racking up several very impressive wins over their short duration on the college football scene.

Having been led by Coach Jim Leavitt the entire way, USF proves on the big stage with the lights on it can hang with the best. The crowd at Raymond James Stadium truly is a 12th man and they’re proud of that fact. USF has compiled several big wins on the road, but the ones that are near and dear to the truest of fans are the ones surrounded by the sea of green and gold.

Here’s a quick rewind of some of those great memories, impossible upsets, and Grohawks for all.

5.) No. 25 Bowling Green vs. USF, Nov. 16, 2002

This victory may be forgotten by some, but it shouldn’t be. The first ranked team to play USF at home came into this game leading the nation in offense. A stifling USF defense allowed for QB Marquel Blackwell to lead the Bulls to a stunning 29-7 victory, their first over a ranked team.

This game deserves a spot on the list considering it gave both the Bulls and their fans proof that they can play with a ranked team and win.

Topping off the weekend was the fact that for the first time USF received votes for a national ranking in the “Others Receiving Votes” section.

The head coach felt a little differently about the excitement generated by the votes. "I always felt we were a decent team. I don't need the polls to tell me that," said Head Coach Jim Leavitt.

4b.) USF vs. No. 17 Auburn, Sept. 8, 2007

The Bulls entered this game just hoping to be competitive against an Auburn team that, on paper, looked to be superior. The Bulls jumped out to a quick 14-3 lead, only to have Auburn take the lead back 14-17 with consecutive drives by Brandon Cox.

USF was the recipient of five Auburn turnovers, but Delbert Alvarado missed three field goals. He did, however, kick the tying field goal, which sent the game into overtime. Matt Grothe hit Jesse Hester for the game-winning touchdown, and the Bulls first win over a SEC opponent 26-23 in OT.

4a.) USF vs. No. 18 FSU, Sept. 26, 2009

In the first meeting between the two schools, the Bulls had a huge question mark at quarterback.

Senior Matt Grothe, the Bulls offensive catalyst, had sustained a torn ACL and would be out the rest of the season. Entering the game was a red-shirt freshman by the name of BJ Daniels, a name at that time only true Bulls fans had heard.

After the game the nation was well aware of the quick footed signal caller with a rocket arm as he led the Bulls to a stunning 17-7 victory in his first true start. The Bulls dominating defense kept FSU on their backs most of the game and through the sweltering heat and occasional downpour the Bulls got their first win over this in-state rival at the Doak.

3.) No. 13 Kansas vs. No. 18 USF, Sept. 12, 2008

The Jayhawks Todd Reesing did all he could to propel his team over the Bulls during another sweltering September game in Ray-J.

Reesing threw for 373 yards and Kansas jumped out to a quick 20-3 lead in the first half. The second half was all Bulls as Matt Grothe helped the Bulls storm back taking a 34-20 lead.

In the fourth quarter the Jayhawks tied the game and were driving for a game winning score when Nate Allen picked off a pass, allowing for the young Makion Bonani, a true freshman in his first game, to kick the game winning field goal. The Bulls narrowly escaped with a 37-34 victory.

2.) No. 9 Louisville vs. USF, Sept. 24, 2005

The Cardinals entered this game a heavy favorite and potential Big East Title contender. These dreams were crushed quickly, as the Bulls jumped out to a 24-7 lead going into halftime.

The Bulls opened up the second half strong by returning the kickoff for a touchdown and continue their offensive dominance creating a 45-7 deficit for the Cardinals. This proved to be too much for Louisville to overcome as they could only manage another touchdown in a 45-14 Bulls victory.

1.) No. 5 WVU vs. No. 18 USF, Sept. 28, 2007

The crowds started filing in hours before kickoff and were in full roar long before kickoff.

Pat White led the Mountaineers into Ray-J with National title hopes, but a night game on ESPN ended that aspiration. This was the first Bulls sellout in Ray-J and 67,012 screaming fans got to see one great game.

Ben Moffitt picked off an errant Pat White throw and took it to the house, getting a quick 7-0 lead. Grothe, sporting his Grohawk, hit Carlton Mitchell with a 55-yard pass play, and the Bulls went into half time up 14-3.

This second half was marred with turnovers with a combined 10 between the schools for the game. The Bulls earned a 21-13 win, however, and jumped to sixth in the AP poll and ninth in the Coaches. This was USF’s first win over a Top Five opponent.

These September showdowns, and the one November thriller that got it all started, are great victories in this young program's history. USF can use these games as stepping stones on their way to earning their first National Championship. Whether that’s near or far, you can bet it’ll be a wild ride.