The South Florida Bulls Athletics program is ramping up excitement for the 2024-2025 season following notable individual and team accomplishments this past year. The Bulls have not only showcased talent on the basketball court but have also made headlines on the football field.
On the hardwood, Sammie Puisis, a graduate guard for the South Florida women’s basketball team, has garnered USBWA National Weekly Honors. This recognition, announced just last week by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, highlights her significant contributions and performance. "It’s such an honor to receive this recognition, and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates," Puisis commented, underscoring the collaborative effort behind her success, as reported by USF Athletics.
Meanwhile, the Bulls football team capped off their season with thrilling drama in the Hawaii Bowl against San Jose State, clinching victory with a nail-biting 41-39 scoreline after five overtimes. The win marked their triumphant end to the 2023 season, boosting the team's morale and setting positive expectations for the coming year.
The game, played on Tuesday night, featured sensational performances from notable players like Keshaun Singleton, who caught the game-winning two-point conversion pass from quarterback Bryce Archie, cementing the film-worthy moment. "Keshaun Singleton caught a game-winning two-point pass from Bryce Archie," detailed Field Level Media.
Another standout was Ta'Ron Keith, who made his mark not only with his two-touchdown performance but also with his remarkable kickoff return for a touchdown. His contributions were instrumental as South Florida took on the Spartans. He scored on both offense and special teams, leaving fans eager to see what the next season holds. "Ta'Ron Keith scored on a touchdown run and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown for South Florida," as mentioned by Field Level Media.
The road to the Hawaii Bowl was paved with challenges for both teams. For the Bulls, trailing early, they needed to claw back from deficits, with Archie throwing for 235 yards and putting together key plays when it mattered most. The football team fought through adversity, with notable moments like John Cannon forcing overtime with just two seconds left on the clock. His 41-yard field goal hit the right goalpost before bouncing gracefully through the uprights, tying the game at 27.
During the game’s four regulation quarters, the Bulls initially surged to a solid lead thanks to touchdowns by Nay'Quan Wright and Kelley Joiner. Joining them was Sean Atkins, whose performance of 11 receptions for 104 yards not only contributed heavily to the win but also solidified his status as the program’s all-time leading receiver with 2,167 yards, surpassing the previous record held by Andre Davis.
The dramatic overtime scenes unfolded with Keith’s determined 2-yard run leading to the first point of overtime, and the Spartans quickly answered, tying it again through Walker Eget’s pass. Each overtime section demonstrated the teams' resilience, pulling them back from defeats and errors, showcasing the will to win on both sides.
After pushing through Springfield's four overtimes, it was Singleton and Archie’s daring cooperation, leading to the last conversion and seals the victory. The game displayed not only athletic prowess but also teamwork, determination, and hard-fought efforts from both squads.
The successful season and Wong's leadership have energized discussions surrounding the forthcoming athletic year. Expectations for the South Florida Bulls are climbing with the excitement from the Hawaii Bowl conclusion and Puisis's recognition for the women’s basketball team helping to frame the narrative of both squads as they edge toward the upcoming season.
With the Bulls' remarkable accomplishments behind them, this season serves as not just an ending but the foundation for potential future successes. Heading toward the 2024-2025 season, fans can anticipate more thrilling moments, exceptional talent, and the shared excitement of unity as South Florida’s athletics continue to grow.
