Halftime: USF 10, Cincinnati 10

Posted Oct 22, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Oct 22, 2011 at 01:49 PM

USF and Cincinnati are tied at 10 at halftime, but both teams went into the locker room certainly knowing there was a chance for more points.

The Bulls had the last gaffe before the break. USF had a 2nd and goal from the 2 with 28 seconds remaining, but after quarterback BJ Daniels was stopped for no gain on the play coaches waited until three seconds remained on the clock to call the team’s final timeout. USF settled for a short field goal from Maikon Bonani to tie the game.

It was one of two trips inside the Cincinnati 5 that didn’t end in a touchdown for USF, though the other occasion resulted in zero points. Holder Justin Brockhaus-Kann couldn’t handle a snap that wiped out what would have been another short Bonani field goal attempt.

That was one of a handful of special teams mistakes for USF in the opening half. Ryne Giddins was flagged for a personal foul on a Cincinnati punt attempt, which gave the Bearcats a fresh set of downs and led to their field goal drive in the second quarter. USF also missed out on a great opportunity to recover a loose ball when Cincinnati’s punt returner lost his handle on a kick. And Victor Marc, who stepped into the punt returner role in place of Evan Landi, fumbled on his only return, though the Bulls were able to recover.

The Bearcats have had their trouble so far as well, with two trips into the red zone going amounting into nothing. Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros (13-for-23, 155 yards) has thrown two interceptions today, with the second one on an ill-advised flip that safety Jerrell Young managed to come down with to set up USF’s tying score at the break.

Daniels was 13 of 23 passing for 178 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Sterling Griffin has five catches for 46 yards and the Bulls touchdown reception, while Deonte Welch is having a career day with four receptions for 100 yards.

USF will get the ball to open the second half.