By Jenn Sterger

Not to be outdone in their own territory, Grothe & Co. sprang to life. In just under four minutes the Bulls not only answered the Knights but pulled ahead, ending the half 14-10.

Yes, Jenn is wearing a USF cowboy hat, but she insists she just borrowed it. Bob Rosato/SI

During halftime I mingled in the stadium and made my way over to the student section. The Beef Studs were in full garb, some of them thanking me for showing some love to South Florida's football program, which in the past year has made giants leaps in becoming a more respected opponent yet gets little love or press from the major sports networks. The walk back to my section was much more eventful than the one over, since most of the Rutgers fans had now poured into the aisle next to my section. It seems wearing my boots was a good idea, because they were going to be used for a lot more than walking by the end of the night at this rate.

After another touchdown and field goal by Rutgers, things were not looking too pretty for the Bulls. However, a late fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Ean Randolph put the Bulls back in the game, and within points of defeating the ranked Scarlet Knights. I looked over at the Village People, who had since toned it down a notch given that their national ranking was on the line. The Bulls went for two, but Grothe's pass slipped from Hill's hands in the end zone. Incomplete. South Florida only had 16 seconds left to pull out a miracle.

The events that unfolded next are still a sore subject with Bulls fans. South Florida recovered the ensuing onside kick, but the play was put to review. The stadium went nearly silent, the student section all on their feet. Then came the ill-fated statement: "There is indisputable evidence that the ball failed to travel 10 yards prior to being received by the kicking team. Illegal touching. Rutgers ball."

Game over. There was celebration somewhere in Jersey, but there was no joy in Tampa as the Bulls had been shut down. The walk to the car among Bulls fans was a somber one. Some were sad. Some were hopeful for next season. And some were just plain pissed.

In the days following the game I received an interesting Facebook message from a friend in Jersey, asking if I had been at the Rutgers game on Friday night. I replied "yes" and received this in return:

"I was the Rutgers fan flipping you off at the game...sorry bout that. If you ever come to Jersey. I owe you a beer."

Not exactly poetry, but it was an apology nonetheless, so I guess something good can be said about the events that unfolded Friday night. Rutgers got to keep its spot in the rankings, South Florida earned respect from fans who before that night might not have known the school even had a football program, and I ... well ... I got an apology and a beer. And that suits me just fine. So Rutgers fans, you can keep this win, but next year is a whole new ball game. Who knows? Maybe next year the Bulls will be a nationally ranked opponent. Hey, it could happen.