Final: Rutgers 20, USF 17, OT

Posted Nov 6, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Nov 6, 2011 at 12:54 AM

PISCATAWAY, N.J. USF’s losing streak reached a program-worst four consecutive games Saturday night, as the Bulls failed to protect a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost, 20-17, in overtime to Rutgers.

The Scarlet Knights scored the game’s final 17 points, including a pair of touchdowns in the final seven and a half minutes. After USF went ahead 17-3 on a 4-yard Demetris Murray touchdown run, Rutgers’ Jeremy Deering returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a score, and quarterback Chas Dodd, who entered in relief of an ineffective Gary Nova, threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Coleman with 1:08 left to play in regulation to tie the game.

USF had a chance to win on the final play of the fourth quarter, but kicker Maikon Bonani missed a 27 yard field goal try as time expired. Bulls quarterback B.J. Daniels then threw an interception on the Bulls overtime possession, and Rutgers kicker San San Te nailed a 37 yard field goal in overtime to win it.

USF (4-4, 0-4 in Big East) travels to face Syracuse on Friday.