Byrum Brown throws 4 TDs as USF blasts South Carolina State 63-14
South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown tossed four touchdown passes and the Bulls’ defense added a record 93-yard pick-six as USF (3-1) rolled past South Carolina State 63-14 on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.
Brown went 14-of-20 for 236 yards with scores to Jonathan Echols, Josh Porter, and Chas Nimrod (twice). Running backs Sam Franklin and Nykahi Davenport powered the ground game with touchdown runs of 54, 43, and 30 yards, while B-backer Ashton Mosley added a scoop-and-score off a blocked punt.
Linebacker Mac Harris had the 93-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter.
The Bulls piled up 252 rushing yards and a 35-point third quarter to secure their first three-win non-conference slate since 2018. After a bye week, USF opens American Conference play in a primetime Friday night clash with Charlotte on Oct. 3.
Notes from USF on the game
KEY STATS
• USF scored on several big plays, including passing touchdowns of 43, 26, 22 and 22 yards, rushing touchdowns of 54, 43 and 30 yards, a 93-yard interception return, and a blocked punt.
• The Bulls scored a season high 63 points, getting points on offense, defense and special teams. It tied the most points scored under head coach Alex Golesh.
• USF outscored South Carolina State 35-0 in the third quarter, a program record for points in a quarter. The Bulls have outscored opponents 58-7 in the third quarter on the year and 181-63 (+118) since the start of the 2024 season.
NOTABLES
• QB Byrum Brown – threw a season-best four touchdown passes, his most since tossing four against Charlotte on Nov. 25, 2023. Brown now has six touchdown passes on the season.
• LB Mac Harris grabbed his third career interception and returned it 93 yards for a touchdown, the longest interception return in program history. Harris put on a show, logging six tackles, two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss in the first 20 minutes of action before finishing with a career-best equaling 10 tackles.
• S Jaelen Stokes – blocked a punt that was returned 4 yards by Ashton Mosley for a touchdown, the Bulls’ first blocked punt for a touchdown since 2011 when Andre Davis returned one 11 yards against Florida A&M.
• WR Chas Nimrod – posted his second straight 100-yard receiving game, catching four passes for 119 yards and touchdown catches of 42 and 22 yards.
