USF Covers Spread, Loses at Cincinnati 35-23

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty ImagesThe once 7-0 South Florida Bulls are now 7-3 and eliminated from contention for the AAC East title after they lost 35-23 to the Cincinnati Bearcats inside Nippert Stadium on Saturday night.

USF was without starting quarterback Blake Barnett due to a shoulder injury and redshirt sophomore Chris Oladokun earned his first career start in his place.

Things started well for USF offensively after the defense forced the Bearcats to punt on their opening possession. On second down, Oladokun threw a deep pass to senior Ryeshene Bronson who hauled in the pass one-handed and off the back of a UC defender for a 72-yard touchdown. Kicker Coby Weiss’s PAT attempt was…