The Syracuse Orange have struggled in the first half of their Big East matchup against the South Florida Bulls, and currently find themselves trailing 23-3. Quarterback Ryan Nassib had an inconsistent first half, completing nine of his 16 pass attempts for 90 yards. The Orange had more success on the ground in the first half than through the air. Running back Jerome Smith rushed for 75 yards on 16 carries, good for 4.7 yards per carry. Fellow tailback Prince-Tyson Gulley also chipped in 49 yards rushing on eight carries.
South Florida ran all over Syracuse in the first half, with two players logging 100 yards in the first two quarters. Tailback Lindsey Lamar rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown on six carries, while quarterback B.J. Daniels ran for 100 yards on six carries as well. The Syracuse pass defense played better than the rush defense, holding Daniels to 62 yards passing. South Florida kicker Maikon Bonani has had a solid first half, connecting on all three of his first-half field goal attempts, including a long of 46 yards.