It was a lot closer than even the 35-23 score, but USF fought off a game Florida Atlantic team on the road. This was clearly a trap/letdown game for South Florida and it showed as the Bulls committed 4 turnovers in the game. Looking sloppy and a bit distracted for most of the game.FAU's defense was solid against the pass. Playing solid fundamentals and not allowing the USF receivers much in the way of yards after the catch. It rendered the Bulls one-dimensional. The problem was that USF likes being one-dimensional on offense when that dimension is running the ball.
Mike Ford had been the leading rusher going into the game, but his struggles in holding onto the ball led to him not playing this game. Instead the former walk-on and last year's starter, Ben Williams tore through the Owls to the tune of 185 yards on 25 carries with 4 touchdowns. QB Matt Grothe had only 3 less yards running than passing (120 versus 123) to pile over 300 rushing yards in the game.
