Miami Beach Bowl, Western Kentucky vs South Florida, 45-35: Full highlights, final score and more

South Florida and Western Kentucky squared off at Marlins Park Monday for the Miami Beach Bowl.

Two of the more high-powered offenses that don’t get enough credit went at it on Monday afternoon at Marlins Park in the Miami Beach Bowl.

South Florida, known for its strong run game, struck first on a 12-yard quarterback keeper by Quinton Flowers and that set the tone for the Bulls’ ground attack. It was the running backs who accounted for most of South Florida’s scoring in this contest.

Western Kentucky, on the other hand, is known for its sixth-ranked passing attack. David Blough had over 4,500 yards and 45 touchdown passes coming into this one and he was looking to improve on those numbers and lead the Hilltoppers to an impressive victory.

For two solid offenses, the game got off to a slow start and the score at halftime was 14-10 in favor of the Bulls. The second half was a different story, though, as both teams came out firing. Western Kentucky’s explosive offense proved to be too much for the Bulls as it put up 28 yards in the third quarter, but the Bulls came back furiously in the fourth.

This game went from unimpressive to shootout in a matter of a quarter. Western Kentucky came out of the high-scoring affair with a 45-35 victory.

Three Stars

Brandon Doughty was an absolute star and if he didn’t have a high draft stock before, he should now. He passed for 461 yards, three touchdowns and two picks.

Quentin Flowers did everything he could for the Bulls, but ultimately came up short. He wasn’t accurate, completing just 13-of-34 passes, but he threw for 273 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 109 yards and two more scores.

Anthony Wales’ 42-yard touchdown was the nail in the coffin as the Hilltoppers benefited from his 105 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries.

Full Highlights

Betting Odds

Western Kentucky came in as a three-point favorite and the over/under was set at 69 points. The Hilltoppers covered the spread, winning by 10, and the over was achieved as both teams combined for 80.

2016 Openers

The Hilltoppers open the 2016 season with a tough one. Western Kentucky will have a bye in week one and then will hit the road to play the Alabama Crimson Tide.

South Florida has an easier contest to start next year’s campaign, hosting Towson in the season-opener.