GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Anthony Richardson virtually cost Florida a different victory.
He can thank cornerback Tre’Vez Johnson, operating back again Trevor Etienne and South Florida’s late gaffes for receiving him off the hook.
Etienne’s 3-yard landing operate followed Johnson’s fourth-quarter interception and served the 18th-rated Gators maintain off South Florida 31-28 in the Swamp on Saturday night.
USF’s Spencer Shrader missed a 49-property discipline target with 23 seconds still left that very likely would have despatched the recreation into overtime. Shrader experienced minimal possibility of producing the kick soon after holder Andrew Beardall dropped the ball although striving to get it set.
“We obtained a lot of operate to do. That’s extremely noticeable,” Florida mentor Billy Napier stated. “But credit rating to our staff for sticking together and finding a way to gain.”
However, the again-and-forth sport will be remembered mostly for Richardson’s miscues and his team’s lack of ability to quit the operate towards a 24 1/2-place underdog that entered the recreation getting misplaced 19 of 23 under third-calendar year mentor Jeff Scott.
“We arrived right here to earn the activity. We did not get that completed,” Scott said. “That hurts.”
Richardson was off most of the night time for the second straight week. He completed 10 of 18 passes for 112 yards and two interceptions. The first just one led to seven factors for the Bulls. The second a person price his group details. Richardson checked out of a operate on a first-and-goal perform from the 5 and tried a back-shoulder throw to Justin Shorter. Cornerback Aarmaris Brown picked it off.
“I have no difficulty with the determination. It is how he threw it,” Napier said. “Simple engage in, acquired to be executed improved.”
Richardson included: “I just didn’t give him a possibility to make a engage in on the ball.”
It was the next straight activity that Richardson did extra hurt than fantastic for Florida (2-1). He threw two interceptions past 7 days from Kentucky, both equally of them leading to short industry and touchdowns for the Wildcats in a 10-position reduction.
Richardson was hoping to rebound from South Florida, which entered the match with one particular of the worst defenses in university soccer. In its place, he left some Florida lovers questioning no matter if he’s a lengthy-expression alternative at the all-important situation.
Florida seemed to be in difficulties following Richardson’s next select. They trailed 28-24 and required support. Johnson sent, intercepting Gerry Bohanon’s third-down move on the ensuing possession and giving Florida the ball back with a shorter subject.
Napier turned to Etienne, the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running again Travis Etienne. Trevor Etienne carried the ball 4 straight occasions, the previous just one into the conclusion zone to set Florida again in front.
The Gators still desired a quit to maintain the victory. They acquired enable from the Bulls (1-2), who botched a shotgun snap, dropped 14 yards and ended up with a more time area-objective consider than predicted on their closing play.
Montrell Johnson ran for 103 yards and a touchdown to direct Florida. Etienne additional 56 yards on the ground. Richardson was the tale, however. He looked more like previous Florida quarterback Treon Harris than retired NFL star Cam Newton (the person he’s been in comparison to) as a passer.
Florida doesn’t have a TD go in 3 game titles, a skid for a application accustomed to tossing the ball all over with achievement.
“We put the ball in his fingers and ask him to do a large amount. He’s likely to make problems,” Napier explained.
Brian Battie led the Bulls with 150 yards dashing and a landing. Bohanon chipped in 102 yards and a score on the floor. But his two interceptions were being the distinction for a group than concluded with 286 yards hurrying.
“That game confirmed we can enjoy with anyone,” Bohanon stated. “We showed it is about us.”
THE TAKEAWAY
South Florida: The Bulls fell to -3 in opposition to Florida, but this one was significantly nearer than the preceding two. It could be a indication USF is closing the hole on the Gators, who remain the only Sunshine Point out crew that hasn’t dropped to South Florida.
Florida: The Gators unsuccessful to rating in the third quarter for the 3rd time in as numerous games this period, an eye-opening pattern in Napier’s to start with time. Florida has been outscored 24- by Utah, Kentucky and South Florida in the frame.
UP Next
South Florida: Plays at Louisville up coming Saturday, the Bulls’ 1st vacation there considering that 2012.
Florida: Plays at Tennessee future Saturday, the Gators’ initially street excursion of the season.
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