Another USF come from behind victory to stay undefeated over Tulsa

October 12, 2018 University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)
Seth Boomer slipping tackles during the University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)

Tulsa, OK – After a slow start the University of South Florida Bulls out ran the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricanes to a last second field goal victory of 25-24.

Jordan Cronkrite led the way rushing for 151, which was his fourth consecutive game of 100 or more yards.  Cronkrite has become USF’s go to running back after coming off an outstanding 302 yards in their come from behind 58-42 victory over Umass the previous week.

When asked what he saw on the 66 yard touchdown run that kick started the USF offense in the beginning of the second half, Cronkrite answered, “Great Call. Great blocking.  I had to beat one guy and I was able to do that and capitalize on the play.”

In the fourth quarter, USF pulled to within two with a pair of broken play touchdown runs by quarterback #11 Blake Barnett.  The first with a PAT kick blocked, setting up the second touchdown’s failed two point conversion to make it 24-22.

Blake Barnett using his legs during the University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)

After a Tulsa punt USF took the ball from the USF’s 43 to the five yard line with the passing of Barnett.  Setting up a short 22 yard field goal for kicker Coby Weiss to win.

Both teams were off to slow start to start the game.  Not achieving a first down until USF’s second possession.  Tulsa scored first with a 10 play, 80 yard drive capped by a 14 yard TD pass from #12 Seth Boomer to #4 Jarion Anderson.  After multiple runs, USF and Tulsa, were only able to add a field goal each.  The #23rd ranked Bulls found themselves down 3-10.  By the end of the first half USF had 67 rushing yards to Tulsa 83.

University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)

The second half saw the action heat up from the start.  It took only three plays into the 3rd quarter for the Bulls to score with 66 yard touchdown run by Cronkrite to tie up the game at 10-10.  His fourth 60 plus yard run of the season.  Tulsa answer back with two 10 yard touchdown runs by #3 Shamari Brooks to put Tulsa ahead 24-10.

“He takes what the defense gives him,” said head coach Charlie Strong of Cronkite’s performance.

Along with the scrambling feet of quarterback Blake Barnett, who said he was, “Doing what I got to do to help this team win,”.

SHAMARI BROOKS diving for a touchdown during the University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)

USF duo of Barnett and Cronkite helped prevent an upset to a Tulsa team that was hungry for a win after losing 4 straight.