Talk about a season opener! South Florida just pulled off a massive upset, absolutely dominating No. 25 Boise State 34-7. From a fake punt touchdown to breaking an 18-game losing streak against ranked teams, the Bulls showed up. Is this the start of a new era for USF football, or just an early season fluke?

In a stunning display of gridiron dominance, the USF Bulls delivered an emphatic upset, routing the No. 25 Boise State Broncos with a decisive 34-7 victory in their NCAA Football season opener. This monumental win not only marked the Bulls’ first triumph over a ranked opponent since 2016 but also signaled a potential shift in identity for the program, leaving the Broncos to ponder a difficult path forward without their star running back.

The electrifying performance from USF was spearheaded by quarterback Byrum Brown, who demonstrated exceptional prowess by rushing for two crucial touchdowns. Adding to the highlight reel was wide receiver Keshaun Singleton, whose 45-yard touchdown reception off a cleverly executed fake punt became an instant classic, showcasing the Bulls’ audacious play-calling and their players’ ability to break free from defenders.

Conversely, the Boise State Broncos’ offense struggled to find its rhythm, particularly in the absence of their Heisman-caliber running back, Ashton Jeanty, who was a top NFL draft pick. The Broncos’ woes were compounded by three costly fumbles and a trio of failed fourth-down conversions deep in USF territory, illustrating a fundamental lack of execution that proved insurmountable.

Post-game, South Florida coach Alex Golesh proudly stated, “This is going to be a display of our identity,” reflecting on the team’s hard work and the resilience of its veteran players. On the other side, Boise State coach Spencer Danielson lamented his team’s inability to win the turnover battle and generate explosive plays, key metrics he emphasized are critical for victory in both college and professional football.

For the South Florida Bulls, this victory was more than just a win; it was a statement. Breaking an eighteen-game losing streak against AP Top 25 opponents, the Bulls showcased a renewed spirit and a tangible demonstration of their coach’s vision. The atmosphere was electric as the team celebrated a historical moment, proving that “this ain’t the same old South Florida anymore.” This significant College Football Upset will be remembered by fans.

The defeat will undoubtedly see Boise State fall from the Top 25 rankings, casting a shadow over their playoff aspirations. With a challenging schedule ahead, including a pivotal matchup against Notre Dame on October 4th, the Broncos face immense pressure to win out if they hope to re-enter the national championship conversation, making every remaining game a must-win scenario for the Boise State program.

A pivotal moment in the game occurred when USF, facing a fourth down at the Broncos’ 45-yard line, pulled off a gutsy fake punt. Freshman backup quarterback Locklan Hewlett, disguised as the punter, perfectly executed the play, connecting with a wide-open Keshaun Singleton. Singleton then showcased his agility, breaking three tackles en route to the end zone, a play that truly deflated Boise State’s hopes and ignited the USF faithful.

In a poignant moment following the game, Coach Golesh paid tribute to the late South Florida basketball coach Amir Abdul-Rahim, whose inspiring words about the “new South Florida” resonated deeply with the football team’s own narrative of transformation and triumph, adding an emotional layer to their hard-earned victory.