USF dominated from the first series. In fact, ECU never took a lead in the game. At no point in the game did USF fans feel threatened as the Bulls always felt in control, even when ECU made it a one-possession game. A 61-31 blowout, at home, may not sound like many good things happened for ECU, but the Pirates put up a good fight.
In the first half they were incredibly explosive. ECU started off with a punt on the first series. USF, contrary to how they have started out before this season, put together a great drive that was capped by a D’Ernest Johnson rushing touchdown.