On November 4th, 2023, the South Florida Bulls stampeded up to Memphis, Tennessee for their in-conference competition, Memphis Tigers.
Following a Bye Week after the Bulls’ victory over UConn, USF looked to claim another victory for the 2023 campaign. Despite an explosion of offense throughout the game, the Bulls fell short, losing 50-59.
Offense
I literally could not say something negative about USF’s offensive performance against Memphis if I wanted to. Through the air and on the ground, the Bulls’ offense wreaked havoc on the Tigers’ defense.
Star Quarterback, Byrum Brown, took the Bull by the horns (yes, pun intended) and displayed a masterclass of a performance.
Brown completed 31-38 passes for 357 yards and five touchdowns. He also carried the ball 23 times for 100 yards.
I’m not a mathematician, but that’s 457 total yards for Brown. A stellar day for him.
Wide Receivers Sean Atkins, Naiem Simmons, Khafre Brown, Jaden Alexis, and Tight End Jayson Littlejohn all had one touchdown reception. Atkins lead the way with 89 receiving yards. Simmons and Wide Receiver Michael Brown-Stephens each had 73 yards.
On the ground, behind Brown’s 100 yards, was Running Back Michel Dukes leading the charge. He totaled 40 yards on five carries. Running Backs Nay’Quan Wright and Kelley Joiner each recorded a rushing touchdown as well.
Seven total touchdowns. 50 points. Typically, that is enough to win a game in the American Athletic Conference. Not this time.
Defense
There was not much that the USF defensive unit was able to stop. Memphis’ starting Quarterback, Seth Henigan threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns. He also carried the ball eight times for 42 yards and a touchdown.
Back-up Quarterback, Tevin Carter also threw for 92 yards on just two completions, recording one touchdown.
Defensive End, Jonathan Ross, lead the Bulls with six total tackles and 0.5 sacks.
Defensive Back Daquan Evans deflected two passes.
23 different players recorded at least one tackle against the Tigers. Memphis got the best of the South Florida defense and it showed on the scoreboard.
Next…
Up next for the USF Bulls is the Temple Owls.
This Saturday, November 11th, at noon, the Bulls will look to get back into the winning column as they attempt to be bowl game eligible for the first time since the 2018 season.
Hope to see you there!
Go Bulls!