DENTON, Texas - The USF Bulls delivered a statement victory on Friday night, crushing the previously undefeated North Texas Mean Green with a dominant 63-36 performance. The game, which drew a record crowd to DATCU Stadium, showcased the Bulls' explosive offense and disruptive defense, solidifying their position as a team to watch in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Bulls' Offense Explodes
Quarterback Byrum Brown was the star of the show, accounting for five touchdowns. He threw for three scores and ran for two more, leading an offensive attack that proved too much for the Mean Green to handle. The Bulls' offense racked up impressive yardage, consistently finding ways to exploit the North Texas defense.
Defensive Turnaround Fuels Victory
After a tight first half, the Bulls' defense stepped up in a major way, forcing four turnovers in the second half. Jhalyn Shuler's 34-yard fumble return for a touchdown was a key moment, extending the Bulls' lead and silencing the home crowd. The defensive pressure rattled North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker, disrupting the Mean Green's offensive rhythm.
Playoff Implications
With this victory, the No. 24 ranked USF Bulls improve to 5-1 on the season and send a clear message to the rest of the college football world. Their impressive resume includes wins over Florida and Boise State, making them a serious contender for a Group of 5 playoff berth. Coach Alex Golesh praised his team's performance, highlighting their focus and execution. The Bulls have a remaining big test against Memphis. A win there would almost guarantee a playoff spot.
The electrifying atmosphere in Denton, despite the lopsided score, underscored the growing excitement surrounding Group of 5 football in the expanded College Football Playoff era. The Bulls' dominant performance proved that they are a force to be reckoned with and a team that South African fans should definitely keep an eye on.