The Syracuse University football program twice marched inside the University of South Florida's 10-yard line in the fourth quarter Friday night, but both times the Orange came away with no points. The failure to score late and capitalize on USF's second-half miscues led to the Bulls downing the Orange, 37-17, in a Big East Conference game at the Carrier Dome.
USF junior quarterback B.J. Dainiels completed 23-of-35 passes for 249 yards, and added a team-best 115-rushing yards with a touchdown to help the Bulls (5-4, 1-4) snapped a four-game losing streak. USF scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns, both by junior running back Demetri Murray, who finished with 85-rushing yards.
Meanwhile, the Orange (5-5, 1-4) are now on a three-game losing streak, last in the Big East, mathematically eliminated from the league-title race and are still looking for their sixth victory, which would help SU become bowl eligible for the second straight season.
SU's senior quarterback Ryan Nassib finished 19-of-40 for 252 yards, while senior tailback Antwon Bailey rushed for 65 yards, failing to get over the 100-yard mark for the second straight game. Senior wide receiver Alec Lemon caught 10 passes for a collegiate-best 180 yards.
More to come from the Carrier Dome...
Quarter-by-quarter recaps:
(SB Nation New York blogged live from press row at the Carrier Dome. Be sure to check back for a complete Syracuse Vs. USF StoryStream that will have complete post-game coverage. Follow along on Twitter at SBNationNY or JaredSmithCNY.)