The Mountaineers opened the second quarter with a 23 yard Bitancurt field goal, but it was a disappointing finish to a thrilling turn of events for WVU fans. The quarter opened when South Florida had a punt blocked by Willie Milhouse and the 'Eers had 1st and goal from the five. Holgorsen was going to go for it on fourth and goal from the one, but was stymied by a false start penalty.
The ensuing Bulls drive was stuffed, and Mountaineer fans can breathe a sigh of relief that Julian Miller has returned to the ballgame. After another disappointing Mountaineer drive and some bizarre play calling from Dana, things began to look bleak, but the defense came up huge. Defensive back Pat Miller picked off BJ Daniels and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown. The second Mountaineer fans saw Bruce Irvin out in front blocking, they breathed a sigh of releif, knowing the defense would do what the offense couldn't: put six on the scoreboard.
Mountaineer hope was short-lived as Daniels led the Bulls on their first real drive, courtesy of some awful tackling. The defense then gave the Bulls their seven points back, giving up a twenty yard touchdown catch to Sterling Griffin who caught it while rolling out of bounds. Originally declared incomplete on the field, the call was overturned in the booth.
The Mountaineer offense would possess the ball twice more before the half came to an end, but could only muster 3 more points on a 42 yard field goal.
At halftime, the Mountaineers lead 13-7.