The anticipation was palpable at kickoff: Boise State, ranked No. 25 and led by junior quarterback Maddux Madsen—hailed as the 2025 Mountain West preseason player of the year—entered the post-Ashton Jeanty era determined to prove their mettle. South Florida, meanwhile, welcomed back their dynamic quarterback Byrum Brown, who was returning from a season-ending leg injury, eager to ignite the Bulls’ offense and send a message to the American Conference.
The Broncos struck first, with Madsen connecting with Chris Marshall for an early touchdown, but it would prove to be their only highlight. As the sun set over Tampa and the humidity thickened, momentum shifted dramatically. After a 7-0 Boise State lead at the end of the first quarter, the Bulls responded with a flurry of big plays, including a 52-yard field goal from Nico Gramatica and a bruising 24-yard touchdown scramble by Brown that signaled the start of a Bulls onslaught.
What followed was a merciless, 31-point barrage by South Florida. Brown orchestrated the offense with poise and power, finishing the night with 210 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns, while backup quarterback Locklan Hewlett stunned the Broncos with a perfectly executed fake punt touchdown pass to Keshaun Singleton. The Bulls’ defense dominated the trenches, forcing two turnovers and limiting Boise State to a meager 246 total yards. Even special teams joined the party, capitalizing on Bronco confusion and missed assignments.
Boise State’s offensive line, touted as a strength with four returning starters, wilted under pressure, surrendering sacks and committing costly penalties. Running backs struggled to find daylight, and Madsen’s valiant efforts were repeatedly stymied by a relentless Bulls front. Head coach Spencer Danielson’s postgame interview captured the frustration: “We just haven’t made the plays we need to make.”
The atmosphere in Tampa was electric, the Bulls’ faithful roaring as Cartevious Norton delivered the knockout blow with a fourth-quarter touchdown. As the clock wound down, South Florida had not only handed Boise State a humbling defeat but had also announced themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the American Conference.
This emphatic victory by South Florida—their first over a ranked opponent in years—sends shockwaves through the college football landscape. For the Broncos, the loss is a sobering reminder of the work ahead if they hope to remain in the College Football Playoff conversation. For the Bulls and quarterback Byrum Brown, it’s a triumph that could redefine their season, and perhaps, the future of the program itself.
Fans can relive every moment of this dramatic showdown, from the opening kickoff to the last whistle, on ESPN’s live gamecast and by following updates from passionate beat reporters and the teams’ official social media accounts. As the dust settles in Tampa, one thing is clear: college football’s heart beats loudest on nights like these.