Saturday, 4 a.m.
The streamers were out. The fireworks went off. Classes were shut down. The students were excited.
Yeah, North Texas sure was pumped at the prospect of playing the USF Bulls Friday night.
The only thing was, well, the Mean Green simply wasn't good enough.
Despite three first-quarter turnovers, and despite trailing three times in the first half, USF flexed its muscles in the second half to win a 63-36 game over previously unbaten North Texas. The Bulls have now scored 180 points in their last three games.
Oh, the Bulls had their struggles. They gave up 326 yards passing to redshirt freshman Drew Mestemaker. On the other hand, Mestemaker also threw his first three interceptions of the season.
How dangerous is USF? Consider this: The Bulls had a wide receiver (Christian Neptune) throw a touchdown pass. It had an ofensive lineman (Cole Skinner) run for a one-yard touchdown. It ran for 306 yars and threw for 274.
The Bulls ended the game on the Mean Greene eight yard line, hardly interested in scoring again.
Oh, there are still things the Bulls need to tidy up. The turnovers were difficult to overcome. They gave up too many passing yards. They had 67 yards worth of penalties.
But the Bulls don't have to apologize for their No. 24 ranking, which is sure to go up.
Quarterback Byrum Brown suffered all three of the turnovers (two fumbles and an interception. But he accounted for five touchdowns, three passing and two running.
Jeremiah Croger caught four passes for 94 yards and two scores.
The Bulls are at home Saturday against Florida Atlantic. They play Memphis on the road the following week.