BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Thirty-three unanswered points had the expected effect on South Florida. The Bulls were grasping to explain how their 17-7 lead turned into a 40-17 defeat Saturday at Alabama - and coming up empty.
"It's really hard to tell right now what went wrong," center Alex Herron said.
"In the second half guys kind of faded out, I guess," said linebacker Maurice Jones, who had 16 tackles.
"We let one go," defensive end Terrence Royal said.
"I couldn't tell you (what went wrong)," receiver Brian Fisher said.
Coach Jim Leavitt said his impressions during the game were reinforced by videotape.
"It was just what I thought, they just wore us down," Leavitt said. "They ran it on us, we didn't run the ball."
The good news for USF is that it thoroughly controlled the first 28 minutes, and has a large window of time to improve before the Conference USA schedule starts. The Bulls host Division I-AA Nicholls State this week, then have two open weeks.
"Nicholls State is a big game for us, that's for sure," Leavitt said.
LITTLE THINGS: The Bulls were careless Saturday. They had four fumbles, losing two, dropped a pass that led to an interception-return score, missed a 19-yard field goal and committed eight penalties for 64 yards.
GETTING PERSONAL: Personal fouls helped Alabama get a cushion in the middle of the third quarter. The Tide, leading 27-17, was about to face third and 6 from its 7, perhaps giving USF a chance to get the ball back in good field position. But Matt Groelinger was flagged for a late hit, though replays indicated he barely made contact with running back Shaud Williams while falling over him. A personal foul on Royal two plays later aided the drive as 'Bama marched 97 yards for a touchdown and 33-17 lead.
BIG SHOT: Alabama sophomore quarterback Brodie Croyle was impressive. After starting 2-of-7 for 2 yards, Croyle was 12-of-20 for 201 the rest of the way. Tide receivers consistently got open and Croyle usually had time to pick them out. He threw for 99 yards in the third quarter when Alabama pulled away.
GROUND DOWN: Aside from Fisher's sterling 17-yard touchdown run, the Bulls generated almost no rushing attack, finishing with 51 yards on 22 attempts. Vince Brewer led with 28 yards on nine carries.
GROUND DOWN II: Defensive end Tim Jones had four tackles, but the rest of the defensive line combined for just six.
NOTHING SERIOUS: Several Bulls were felled by cramps in the humid conditions, but Leavitt said there were no serious injuries.
