What Is 2016 South Florida Bulls football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 South Florida Bulls football team does not exist; USF's team is the Bulls, competing in the NCAA Division I FBS as part of the American Athletic Conference with a 10–2 record that season.

Key Facts

USF Bulls finished the 2016 season with a 10–2 record under head coach Willie Taggart
The team played home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
Quarterback Quinton Flowers led the offense, throwing for 2,817 yards and 24 touchdowns
USF reached as high as No. 2 in the AP Poll during the 2016 season
The Bulls defeated Texas Tech 38–34 in the Birmingham Bowl to cap the season

Overview

The University of South Florida (USF) fields a Division I FBS football team known as the South Florida Bulls, commonly referred to as the USF Bulls. In 2016, the team achieved one of its most successful seasons in program history, finishing with a 10–2 record and earning national recognition. Competing in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the Bulls rose to prominence under head coach Willie Taggart.

The 2016 season marked a turning point for the program, as USF reached a peak ranking of No. 2 in the Associated Press Poll, the highest in school history. The team's dynamic offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Quinton Flowers, powered their success, combining speed, precision, and resilience. Despite not reaching the College Football Playoff, the season was a milestone for the young program.

Record: The 2016 USF Bulls finished with a 10–2 overall record, including a 7–1 mark in American Athletic Conference play.
Ranking peak: USF reached No. 2 in the AP Poll in November 2016, the highest ranking in school history, trailing only eventual national champion Clemson.
Stadium: The team played home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, a venue shared with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Head coach:Willie Taggart led the team in his fourth season, earning AAC Coach of the Year honors for his leadership.
Bowl game: USF defeated Texas Tech 38–34 in the Birmingham Bowl, capping the season with a dramatic comeback victory.

Offensive and Defensive Performance

The 2016 Bulls were known for their explosive offense and improving defense, combining high-tempo play with disciplined execution. Under offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert, the team utilized a spread attack that maximized quarterback Quinton Flowers’ dual-threat abilities.

Passing yards: Quinton Flowers threw for 2,817 yards and 24 touchdowns, completing 61% of his passes despite limited NFL-level size.
Rushing attack: The team averaged 243.5 rushing yards per game, with Flowers contributing 1,064 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.
Receiving leader:Marlon Mack rushed for 1,031 yards, while Chris Godwin (before departing for the NFL) caught 46 passes for 791 yards.
Defensive stats: The Bulls allowed 22.5 points per game, a significant improvement from previous seasons, led by linebacker Auggie Sanchez.
Turnover margin: USF had a +10 turnover margin, forcing 23 turnovers while committing only 13, a key factor in close wins.
Third-down efficiency: The offense converted 47.6% of third downs, ranking among the top 25 nationally in that category.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2016 USF Bulls compared to other top Group of Five teams that season:

Team	Record	Final AP Rank	Head Coach	Bowl Result
USF Bulls	10–2	10	Willie Taggart	W 38–34 vs. Texas Tech (Birmingham Bowl)
Western Michigan	13–1	13	Pat Fitzgerald	W 24–21 vs. Wisconsin (Cotton Bowl)
Boise State	10–3	19	Bryan Harsin	W 38–34 vs. Oregon (Cactus Bowl)
Temple	10–4	23	Philip Fulmer	L 24–37 vs. Georgia (Independence Bowl)
San Diego State	11–3	21	Mike MacIntyre	W 34–10 vs. Houston (Holiday Bowl)

The 2016 USF Bulls stood out for their midseason ranking surge, even though Western Michigan completed an undefeated season. USF’s No. 2 ranking in November was a program milestone, highlighting national relevance despite not earning a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Their performance underscored the growing competitiveness of the American Athletic Conference.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was transformative for USF football, elevating the program's national profile and proving that a mid-major team could compete with top-tier programs. It also demonstrated the impact of strong leadership, player development, and modern offensive schemes.

Program growth: The season marked USF’s first top-10 finish in the AP Poll, boosting recruiting and fan engagement.
Quarterback legacy: Quinton Flowers became a school legend, finishing second in USF history in total offense.
Coach recognition: Willie Taggart’s success led to his hiring at Oregon, showing the coaching tree impact of the 2016 season.
Conference strength: USF’s rise helped validate the AAC as a competitive Group of Five conference.
Bowl success: The Birmingham Bowl win was USF’s first bowl victory since 2012, ending a three-year drought.
Media exposure: National games on ABC and ESPN brought unprecedented visibility to the USF brand.

The 2016 South Florida Bulls season remains a benchmark for the program, symbolizing what sustained investment and strategic coaching can achieve in college football’s evolving landscape.