Failure to capitalize on its early chances cost visiting Kent State dearly in a 29-2 loss to South Florida on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The Golden Flashes (2-5) turned the ball over on downs at the Bulls 2-yard line on their second possession and fumbled the ball away after reaching the South Florida 1 on their third possession.
The turnover on downs led to a safety when KSU defensive tackle Dion'Dre Taylor tackled South Florida running back D.J. Crowther in the end zone to give the Flashes a 2-0 lead. But the fumble by quarterback Dru DeShields was returned 96 yards for a touchdown by defensive end C.J. Hicks to put USF (5-2) in front for good.
Kent State had a chance to cut into its deficit late in the second quarter, but Sean Leonard missed a 46-yard field goal attempt. The Bulls capitalized when Nico Gramatica nailed a 49-yard field goal with five seconds left in the first half to make it 10-2 at halftime.
South Florida then outscored the Flashes 19-0 in the second half to pull away.
DeShields finished 17-of-30 passing for 165 yards without a TD or interception. Brandon White led Kent State with 39 yards rushing on 10 carries.
The Flashes host Akron in the "Wagon Wheel Game" at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kent State football score at South Florida. Flashes don't capitalize on chances in loss