End for first: USF 13, Notre Dame 0

Posted Sep 3, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Sep 3, 2011 at 04:24 PM

SOUTH BEND, Ind. USF has gotten off to a great start at No. 16 Notre Dame, ending the first quarter with a 13-0 lead over the Fighting Irish.

The biggest play came from the Bulls defense, which didn’t get off to a great start but made up for it in a huge way. The Irish marched right down the field on their opening possession, but on a third-and-goal play from the 1 USF safety Jerrell Young stripped the ball from running back Jonas Gray and cornerback Kayvon Webster picked up the loose ball and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown.

USF’s offense helped extend the lead with both first-quarter drives resulting in field goals. However, the Bulls missed an opportunity on their second one, getting three cracks from at the goal line from inside the 5 before settling for another Maikon Bonani kick facing fourth down from the Irish 1.

USF’s players are wearing a No. 63 decal on their helmets today in honor of former athletic director Lee Roy Selmon, who remains hospitalized in Tampa after suffering a stroke Friday. Selmon was scheduled to attend the game, according to athletic director Doug Woolard.