Highlights, key plays and photos from BYU’s 27-23 loss to South Florida

BYU starting quarterback Jaren Hall scrambles during the first half against the USF Bulls at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. | Robert W. Grover, For the Deseret News

TAMPA, Fla. — BYU’s struggles continued to mount Saturday, as the Cougars fell 27-23 to South Florida at Raymond James Stadium.

Down to its third-string quarterback, Baylor Romney, the Cougars fell to 2-4 on their third straight loss as Romney’s pass on the final play was knocked to the ground in the end zone.

The Bulls took their first lead of the game with 7:37 to play on a Jordan Cronkrite 3-yard run to cap a 78-yard touchdown drive.

BYU was then forced to play Romney to try and complete the comeback, as Romney entered for an injured Jaren Hall following USF’s go-ahead score. Hall, who completed 15 of 23 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown to go with a team-high 83 yards rushing and another score, was making his first start in relief of original starter Zach Wilson.

Romney got the Cougars down inside the USF 10, but BYU failed to convert on a fourth down, though the Cougars — with three timeouts — got the ball back with 1:09 to play.

BIG 4th down stop for @USFFootball!

Cougs 23
Bulls 27 pic.twitter.com/7ERdHFoVWe

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 12, 2019

BYU reached the USF 12 before a sack forced the Cougars into a fourth down at the Bulls 20. Romney’s last-gasp pass was then knocked away, giving USF (3-3) the win.

Scoring summary: USF 27, BYU 23

First quarter

BYU, Jake Oldroyd 51-yard field goal (10:04)

Second quarter

BYU, Dax Milne 35-yard pass from Jaren Hall (14:29), Jake Oldroyd kick

BYU, Jake Oldroyd 22-yard field goal (9:07)

USF, Mitch Wilcox 39-yard pass from Jordan McCloud (6:01), Coby Weiss kick

BYU, Jake Oldroyd 28-yard field goal (0:36)

Third quarter

USF, Jordan Cronkrite 1-yard run (9:44), Coby Weiss kick

BYU, Jaren Hall 29-yard run (7:50), Jake Oldroyd kick

The redshirt freshman taking it to the HOUSE for @BYUfootball!

Cougs 23
Bulls 14 pic.twitter.com/yW2h1oGy2U

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 12, 2019

Fourth quarter

USF, Jordan McCloud 2-yard run (14:57), Coby Weiss kick

USF, Jordan Cronkrite 3-yard run (7:37), extra-point attempt no good

@USFFootball take the lead on Jordan Cronkrite's 2nd rushing TOUCHDOWN!

Cougs 23
Bulls 27 pic.twitter.com/DBQjBsNa54

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 12, 2019

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