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Defense Keys USF's Second-Half Surge

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By Ray Fittipaldo, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 24, 2007

PITTSBURGH – South Florida's defense sparked a 48-37 comeback victory today at Heinz Field.

Defensive backs Nate Allen and Trae Williams returned interceptions for touchdowns in the second half and linebacker Ben Moffitt returned an interception to the 1 to set up another touchdown by running back Mike Ford.

Those big plays helped turn around a 14-10 halftime deficit. The Bulls did not take the lead until the first play of the third quarter when Matt Grothe ran a quarterback draw 80 yards for a lead the Bulls would not relinquish. The Bulls scored 24 unanswered points to open the second half.

It was the second time this season the Bulls came from behind after halftime to win a game. They also did it at Auburn.

South Florida (9-3, 4-3 in the Big East) ties a school record for most victories in a season.

The South Florida defense regrouped after allowing Pitt to go up and down the field in the first half. Pitt had just 33 yards in the third quarter, when the Bulls assumed control of the contest.

The Panthers (4-7, 2-4) raced to the halftime lead behind a couple of big plays. The Panthers' first touchdown was set up by a 45-yard screen pass to freshman running back LeSean McCoy, who took it to the South Florida 12. Five plays later, McCoy - who later scored his third TD on a 1-yard run with :42 remaining - scored on a 1-yard run for a 7-0 lead.

South Florida tied the score on the ensuing drive. On fourth down at the Pitt 46, Sam Miller received a direct snap from a punt formation and raced 29 yards to the Pitt 17. On second down, Ford ran 17 yards to make it 7-7.

Pitt took the lead on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Pat Bostick to Maurice Williams on third-and-28. That was after Pitt was penalized for holding on three consecutive plays after penetrating to the South Florida 18.

South Florida made it 14-10 just before halftime when Alvarado kicked a 31-yard field goal.

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