The University of South Florida fell to Houston 24-28 in Tampa in a matchup that went through the final seconds.

Houston trailed by two touchdowns in the third quarter but exploded offensively with two touchdowns to tie the game followed by another two scores in the fourth quarter. Quiton Flowers and the Bulls maintained the score, replying with a touchdown and field goal of their own, leading by three points.

With minutes left, Houston went on 4th and 24 with a long pass into coverage and secured a critical first down in Bulls territory. D’Eric King of the Houston Cougars ran for a 20-yard touchdown with 11 seconds on the clock, dashing USF’s chance for a comeback.

The Bulls (7-1, 4-1 AAC) went 7-23 on third down against Houston, failing to halt Houston (5-3, 3-2 AAC) defensively while putting up 462 yards behind Flowers.

USF’s dreams of a New Year’s Six Bowl have dimmed. The Bulls needed to be perfect through the season, even against No. 18 UCF in their rivalry match against the Knights on Black Friday. USF will need to beat the Knights to make an appearance in the American Athletic Conference Championship game.

Stay tuned as the Knights continue their home game against Austin Peay. Follow @UCFKnightNews on social media for updates.