TAMPA, SEPT. 28, 2019 – The Bulls fell behind early in their conference-opening clash with SMU Saturday, but quarterback Blake Barnett (Corona, Calif.) jump-started the offense with three touchdown passes on three straight drives in the second half of a 48-21 loss to unbeaten SMU (5-0) at Raymond James Stadium.
Barnett completed 13 of 21 passes for 222 yards, his 10th career 200-yard passing game, and the senior added 24 rushing yards in an impressive relief effort. Redshirt freshman Jordan McCloud (Tampa) earned his second straight start at quarterback, but was sacked six times in the first half and exited with a sprained wrist before USF (1-3) saw its three-game winning streak in conference openers snapped.