Take Five: Bulls roll past UTSA 55-23
STORY BY MARCUS MORGAN
With an electric atmosphere on Thursday night, South Florida rebounded from its loss to Memphis with a decisive 55-23 win over visiting Texas-San Antonio. Afterward, coach Alex Golesh said he appreciated the fans and students coming out on a Thursday night, as he called it “a really cool day — sports energy on campus, national TV, a chance to showcase what’s happening here. To finish it off with a win like that made it even more special.”
Our Marcus Morgan was at Raymond James Stadium and goes over five things that stood out from the Bulls’ win.
Defensive intensity
The Bulls’ defense set the tone from the very first snap. Jarvis Lee was everywhere early, forced
pressure and helped convert turnovers into scores.
“I don’t care who makes the play, as long as it happens,” he said. “We got the ball back, turned it into touchdowns — that’s what it’s all about, helping the team.”
Golesh praised Lee’s focus and preparation, noting that his “attention to detail, intent every day, and violent playing style” makes him a consistently disruptive force. The defense’s intensity and purpose were contagious, holding one of the nation’s best running backs to just 27 yards and scoring twice before the offense even took the field.
Offensive explosion
Despite not taking the field until the second quarter, the offense was in rhythm immediately.
Quarterback Byrum Brown’s poise and preparation shone through.
“I was just playing the next play,” he said. “We were all clicking. That’s what happens when you get in that kind of rhythm.”
His efficiency, combined with career nights from Keshaun Singleton and strong contributions from Nykhai Davenport, allowed the Bulls to convert every drive into points. They completed 14 of 15
passes and exploited UTSA’s weak run defense. Golesh highlighted Brown’s elite preparation,
saying, “He’s as close to a coach on the field as you can ever imagine.”
Controlling the minor details
After the Memphis loss, Golesh emphasized execution and discipline. Against UTSA, the Bulls
answered that call.
“These dudes came out to play,” he said. “They answered the bell. They got challenged,
and they answered the bell.”
Every detail mattered — from precise passing to disciplined tackling — and even with young players rotating in, the team maintained focus and composure throughout the game.
Explosive plays made the difference
USF’s ability to create game-changing plays was on full display. From the opening pick-six to
deep strikes downfield and sacks that disrupted UTSA’s rhythm, the Bulls demonstrated why
they’ve been ranked in the AP Top 25. Lee captured the feeling of those early swings.
“That’s South Florida football,” he said. “Defense making plays, scoring points, setting the tone. It’s tiring being out there that long, but when you’re up 14–0 off defensive touchdowns, you’re loving every second of it.”
Those plays turned momentum into a decisive advantage on both sides of the ball.
Back on track to finish the season strong
The Bulls’ response to adversity was clear.
“The down is inevitable,” Golesh said. “The bad things are going to happen. How you respond is either going to be your prison or your testimony. These guys responded the right way.”
With a 7–2 record and 4–1 in conference play, USF is firmly positioned for a championship run in The American. The combination of disciplined execution, high-level talent, and a culture of accountability has the team locked in and ready for the final stretch of the season.
