The 2025 college football season kicked off with a bang as the Boise State vs South Florida matchup delivered one of the earliest upsets of the year. On August 28, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the unranked South Florida Bulls hosted the No. 25 Boise State Broncos in a non-conference clash that few expected to be lopsided. What unfolded was a dominant performance by the Bulls, who routed the Broncos 34-7 in front of a raucous home crowd. This Boise State vs South Florida game marked the first meeting between the two programs, and it couldn’t have been more memorable for USF fans. The Bulls, coming off a rebuilding phase under head coach Alex Golesh, showcased a revamped defense and opportunistic offense, while Boise State struggled with turnovers and inefficiency.
The final score of Boise State vs South Florida was a shocking 34-7 in favor of the Bulls, snapping Boise State’s momentum as the top Group of Five contender for the College Football Playoff. USF’s victory was their first over a ranked opponent since 2016 and their first against a ranked non-conference team in 14 years. The game drew national attention for its bold plays, including a fake punt touchdown that shifted the momentum irreversibly. As the dust settles, this Boise State vs South Florida contest serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college football, where underdogs can rise and favorites can falter.
Game Summary and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The Boise State vs South Florida game started with promise for the Broncos, who struck first in the opening quarter. Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen connected with receiver Chris Marshall on a 6-yard touchdown pass, capping a 9-play, 38-yard drive that took 4:35 off the clock. Kicker Colton Boomer added the extra point, giving Boise State a 7-0 lead. The Broncos’ defense looked sharp early, holding USF to just 3 yards in the first quarter while Boise State racked up 75 yards. However, that would be the high point for the visitors.
In the second quarter, South Florida began to find their rhythm. Kicker Nico Gramatica nailed a 52-yard field goal to put the Bulls on the board, making it 7-3 after a 10-play, 41-yard drive. Momentum swung decisively when quarterback Byrum Brown, returning from an injury-plagued 2024 season, scampered for a 23-yard touchdown run. Gramatica’s extra point gave USF a 10-7 lead at halftime. Brown’s mobility was a key factor, as he evaded Boise State’s pass rush and extended plays with his legs.
The third quarter was where the Bulls pulled away. On fourth down, USF special teams coordinator Chad Creamer dialed up a fake punt. True freshman quarterback Locklan Hewlett, in punt formation, lofted a perfect 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Keshaun Singleton, extending the lead to 17-7. The play not only shocked Boise State but also energized the crowd at Raymond James Stadium. Shortly after, Brown added his second rushing touchdown of the night on a 15-yard scamper, pushing the score to 24-7. These quick strikes came on efficient drives: a 4-play, 49-yard march and a 3-play, 77-yard burst.
By the fourth quarter, Boise State vs South Florida had turned into a rout. Running back Cartevious Norton punched in an 8-yard touchdown run, and Gramatica added a 33-yard field goal to finalize the 34-7 scoreline. The Broncos’ offense stalled repeatedly, failing on three fourth-down attempts in USF territory and coughing up three fumbles. USF’s defense, under coordinator Todd Orlando, was relentless, stopping Boise State four times on fourth down overall and forcing the turnovers that sealed the game.
Key Highlights
Several moments defined this Boise State vs South Florida thriller. The fake punt touchdown stands out as the game’s turning point—a gutsy call by Coach Golesh that Hewlett executed flawlessly on his first collegiate pass attempt. “It was set up perfectly,” Hewlett said post-game. “When I got out there and saw the way they lined up, I knew it could work.”
Brown’s dual-threat performance was another highlight. He rushed for two scores and threw for 210 yards without an interception, extending his streak to 206 consecutive attempts without a pick. A long rushing touchdown by Brown was called back due to a penalty, but it showcased his explosiveness. On defense, linebacker Jhalyn Shuler’s fumble recovery and tackle for loss epitomized USF’s physicality.
Boise State’s lone bright spot was Madsen’s early touchdown pass to Marshall, but the Broncos’ three lost fumbles and poor third-down conversions (they went 5-for-15) doomed them. The game ended with USF students rushing the field, celebrating a statement win that propelled the Bulls into the national conversation.
Player Stats and Standouts
USF quarterback Byrum Brown: 16-of-24 passing for 210 yards; 43 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Wide receiver Keshaun Singleton: 5 receptions for 93 yards and 1 touchdown. Wide receiver Chas Nimrod: 3 receptions for 96 yards. Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler: 14 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 tackle for loss. Cornerback De’Shawn Rucker: 11 tackles, 1 pass breakup. Linebacker Mac Harris: 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble. Kicker Nico Gramatica: 2 field goals (52 and 33 yards), perfect on extra points.
For Boise State: Quarterback Maddux Madsen: 25-of-46 for 225 yards, 1 touchdown. Receiver Chris Marshall: 1 reception for 6 yards and 1 touchdown. Receiver Latrell Caples: 4 receptions for 58 yards.
Team stats highlighted USF’s dominance: The Bulls outgained Boise State 353-300 in total yards, won the turnover battle 3-0, and held the Broncos to 75 rushing yards. USF’s 12 different receivers caught passes, showing offensive depth, while their defense recorded multiple fumble recoveries by Ira Singleton.
Analysis and Implications
This Boise State vs South Florida result sends shockwaves through the Group of Five landscape. Boise State, fresh off a playoff appearance in 2024 despite losing Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty, now faces an uphill battle. They’ll need to win out, including a tough matchup at Notre Dame on October 4, to re-enter playoff contention. Coach Spencer Danielson will focus on cleaning up turnovers and special teams lapses.
For USF, the win validates Golesh’s rebuild. The Bulls, now 1-0, face ranked Florida and Miami next, but this momentum could carry them through the American Athletic Conference schedule. “This ain’t the same old South Florida anymore,” Golesh quoted a former player, emphasizing the program’s turnaround. The defense’s speed and physicality, combined with Brown’s leadership, positions USF as a dark horse.
In a broader context, the game underscores the parity in college football. Boise State’s early lead evaporated under USF’s pressure, proving that rankings mean little on any given Thursday. Fans and analysts alike will watch how both teams respond—Boise State hosts Eastern Washington on September 5, while USF travels to Florida on September 6.
For more in-depth reading:
- Wikipedia on the 2025 Boise State Broncos: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Boise_State_Broncos_football_team
- Wikipedia on the 2025 South Florida Bulls: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_South_Florida_Bulls_football_team
- Medium article discussing USF’s momentum: https://medium.com/@huntergriggers/how-usf-stunned-the-gators-in-the-swamp-181d2ca68440