#20 Nebraska – 10
LINCOLN, Nebraska -- #36 South Florida became the first team to punch its ticket to the Final Four with a 17-10 win over #20 Nebraska. In the most surprising matchup of the Elite Eight, USF marched into Lincoln and kept the crowd out of the game, something they have grown accustomed to in 2010. It was their their fourth win on the road, and by far their closest since a 21-17 victory at #29 Rutgers in the first round.
The kicking game has been crucial as of late, and this game was no exception, featuring a rare 50+ field goal made, and one missed from 25.
After forcing a three and out to open the game, USF's HB Mike Ford ran it in from 10 yards out to cap a long drive. Nebraska responded with an impressive 51-yard field goal from K Alex Henery. The Huskers then forced a punt, but lost a fumble at their own 7-yard line when DT Terrell McClain stripped backup QB Cody Green and jumped on the loose ball for the Bulls.
South Florida then advanced the ball to the 1, where they faced a fourth down with five seconds remaining in the first half. Instead of kicking a field goal from the left hash mark, they elected to go for it, and FB Moise Plancher was lit up in the backfield by DT Ndomukong Suh, sending the teams to their halftime showers with the score 7-3.
...this TNS halftime shower moment brought to you by Irish Spring, the original deodorant soap for men...
On the first play from scrimmage in the second half, QB Matt Grothe hit WR Carlton Mitchell for 62 yards to set up a first and goal from the Nebraska 3. After a sack and two incompletions, USF this time decided to kick the field goal from the right hash, only to watch it sail wide right. K Eric Schwartz got another chance on the next drive and barely made a 45-yarder to put USF up 10-3.
Nebraska had a tough time moving the ball, especially on the ground, where HB Quentin Castille was held to 14 yards on 9 carries. The Cornhuskers were also victimized by a couple dropped balls in big spots, as well as a couple questionable incompletions by the sideline.
They were finally able to get the passing game going at the start of the fourth quarter, manufacturing a promising drive with help from a huge first down on a superb 21-yard scramble by QB Zac Lee. That put them at the USF 32 with about three minutes remaining in the game. But then, on fourth down with 2:12 on the clock, another big kicking decision had to be made. Nebraska's offense stayed on the field but could not convert.
South Florida then needlessly ran a screen on their next series and put 7 more points on the board, giving Nebraska the ball back with about a minute and a half remaining. The Huskers promptly moved down the field and punched it in with a run by Lee. They then had a great onside kick that didn't quite travel the required ten yards. Their second attempt was less dangerous, and USF recovered the ball and ran out the clock.
Unlike South Florida's previous three opponents, Nebraska was able to keep Matt Grothe from getting outside the pocket and wreaking havoc with his legs.
"We spent a lot of time this week looking at tapes and preparing for their speed in the backfield," said Nebraska coach Bo Pellini.
Grothe was able to move the ball through the air, though, and put together a couple critical scoring drives. He finished with 184 yards and one touchdown.
"Watch out for these guys!" Lee Corso said of the Bulls.
South Florida now awaits the winner of the regional final between powerhouses #1 Texas and #8 USC.
"We don't care who wins that one," said Grothe. "We're playing great right now and we're ready for any challenge. Except Chuck Norris."
Stats:
USF
QB Matt Grothe – 9/14, 184 yards, TD
DE Craig Marshall – 3 TFL, sack
DT Terrell McClain – FF, FR
DE George Selvie, CB Quenton Washington – sack
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