In the primetime Boca Raton Bowl at 8p ET, USF faced Syracuse with ESPN's Matt Barrie, Dan Mullen, and Harry Lyles Jr. covering the event, and ESPN Radio's Chris Carlin and HDouglas83 providing radio commentary. Bettors leaned towards underdog USF against Syracuse, according to BetMGM. The game started with USF's tempo challenging Syracuse, but the Bulls soon found their rhythm, reaching the red zone on their second possession. USF scored first with a touchdown in the first quarter (1Q | 7:49) and continued to dominate with a 31-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter (2Q | 11:54). Syracuse's Braden Davis went 2-of-2 for 35 yards, but the team's offense struggled, leading to a halftime score of USF 31, Syracuse 0. The game became increasingly one-sided, with USF extending their lead to 45-0 at one point, and the final score reaching USF 44, Syracuse 0 in the fourth quarter (4Q | 13:26). The outcome had bettors remarking on the unexpected loss of the under with Syracuse failing to score.
Syracuse is going to punt down 45-0 at the USF 40?
Ouch, Syracuse. Orange trying to knock #Hokies out of the record books for worst bowl loss by an ACC team (44-point margin vs. Maryland in the 2021 Pinstripe Bowl). Something to watch in a game not worth watching anymore. https://t.co/mLSmBafgLi
Iโm going to lose the under on this USF/Syracuse bowl game with Syracuse scoring zero points. This is incredible.
Another touchdown for the Bulls. FAU Stadium is clearing out. SU, 0 USF, 44 4Q | 13:26
Villari picked off targeting Umari Hatcher three plays into SU's first drive of the second half. USF in SU territory.
Itโs been a crazy game at the @BocaBowl ๐ฆ Weโre checking in at the half with @ChrisCarlin ๐๏ธ USF 31 Syracuse 0 https://t.co/oxvganjgtr
Not that there's a large sample size from Davis tonight, but it feels like Syracuse has managed a bit more with him under center. He's 2-of-2 for 35 yards. Not sure why they keep rotating back to Villari and Allen taking direct snaps other than it being Plan A.
Damien Alford with a nice grab off a pass from Davis. Syracuse maybe leaning into using him more here in the second quarter so far, though Allen takes the direct snap the next play.
A 31-yard connection from Byrum Brown to Khafre Brown gives USF a third touchdown. Basically the same spot in the end zone as the first offensive TD. SU, 0 USF, 21 2Q | 11:54
Syracuse's offense is, er, offensive. This game is unwatchable.
South Florida on the board first with a passing touchdown caught just inside the back of the endzone. SU, 0 USF, 7 1Q | 7:49
Syracuse handled USF's tempo well on the first drive but the Bulls are moving it now. Now in the red zone on its 2nd possession.
Laser of a pass from Villari to Donovan Brown sets up a fourth-and-short. Syracuse is going for it with Braden Davis under center. USF timeout first, though.
Spread and moneyline bettors leaning into underdog South Florida in #BocaRatonBowl vs. Syracuse, per @BetMGM's @johnewing. More in updated @VegasInsider #CFB Bowl Odds & Action Report: https://t.co/D1sg5FJQZh
Tonight's primetime bowl matchup features USF vs. Syracuse in @ESPNEvents' @BocaBowl (8p ET). Our crews: ๐ ESPN & ESPN+: @MattBarrie @CoachDanMullen & @harrylylesjr ๐ @ESPNRadio: @ChrisCarlin & @HDouglas83 https://t.co/IMQWE6m5xB