USF Bulls fall to East Carolina on last-second 55-yard field goal

The University of South Florida Bulls football team suffered a narrow 20-17 defeat at East Carolina, as reported by WUSF. The game ended with a 55-yard field goal by East Carolina's Andrew Conrad as time expired, securing the Pirates' win.

This loss marked USF's third in the American Conference, bringing their conference record to 2-3 with three games remaining against Memphis, Florida Atlantic, and Tulane. The Bulls have lost all three conference games by a combined total of 14 points.

East Carolina's winning drive was aided by two penalties against USF, including a personal foul and pass interference. After a critical sack put East Carolina at third-and-17, quarterback Emory Williams completed an 18-yard pass to Ashton Gray, setting up the game-winning field goal.

USF's offense was led by quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, who completed 17 of 21 passes for 179 yards in place of the injured Michael Van Buren Jr. Running back D.J. Crowther rushed for 111 yards but was injured late in the game.

The Bulls scored first on a 26-yard pass, keeping the game competitive throughout. The announced crowd at East Carolina’s Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium was 33,708.

With three conference games remaining, USF will look to improve their record starting with a home game against Memphis.

Fans in the Tampa Bay area will be watching closely as the Bulls continue their season.