What's Happening?
The South Florida Bulls achieved a significant upset by defeating the No. 25 ranked Boise State Broncos 34-7 in the opening game of the 2025 college football season. The game took place in Tampa, where South Florida's quarterback Byrum Brown delivered an impressive performance, completing 16 of 24 passes for 210 yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns. The Bulls' defense played a crucial role, stifling Boise State's offense and forcing two fumbles in the first half. Boise State, which had been considered a top contender from the Group of Five for the College Football Playoff, struggled without their Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, managing only 122 rushing yards. This victory marks South Florida's first win against a ranked opponent since 2016, ending a 19-game losing streak.
Why It's Important?
This upset victory by South Florida has significant implications for the Group of Five teams vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Boise State's loss diminishes their chances of repeating their playoff appearance, especially as they face challenging upcoming games against Notre Dame and UNLV. For South Florida, this win boosts their profile and positions them as a potential contender in the playoff race. The victory also highlights the turnaround under coach Alex Golesh, who has led the team to consecutive bowl wins after a challenging 2022 season. The Bulls' strong start could influence their momentum as they face a tough schedule ahead, including games against Florida and Miami.
What's Next?
South Florida faces a challenging schedule with upcoming games against ranked opponents, including Florida and Miami. These matches will test the Bulls' ability to maintain their momentum and potentially secure further upsets. For Boise State, the loss necessitates a flawless performance in the remaining season to regain playoff consideration, starting with a crucial game against Notre Dame. Both teams will need to strategize effectively to navigate their respective paths in the season.
