USF downs Charlotte 54-26 in a wild conference opener
South Florida threw it back in style — both in look and performance — as the Bulls rolled past Charlotte in a 54-26 win that felt like a vintage USF showing. With the iconic “Robo Bull” logo back on the helmets and at midfield, USF celebrated its roots by putting together one of its most complete performances of the Alex Golesh era.
Byrum Brown Puts on a Show
Quarterback Byrum Brown accounted for five total touchdowns, throwing for 211 yards and four TDs, while rushing for a career-high 162 yards and another score. It marked his sixth career 100-yard rushing game, and he looked in full command of an offense that racked up 631 total yards — the second-most under Golesh.
The Bulls posted 407 rushing yards, 21 explosive plays, and ran 97 total snaps, but were slowed only by four uncharacteristic turnovers.
Brown threw a pair of interceptions and had a costly fumble in the third quarter. The Bulls fumbled three times and lost two.
True freshman receiver Jeremiah Koger introduced himself with a bang, hauling in a 38-yard touchdown for his first career catch and finishing with four receptions for 75 yards. Stanford transfer Mudia Reuben also found the end zone for his first USF TD.
The running back trio of Cartevious Norton, Sam Franklin, and Nykhai Davenport combined for 224 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the ground. Norton was carted off the field with a serious leg injury late in the game.
Defense Sets the Tone Early
The Bulls’ defense channeled early-2000s energy, forcing six three-and-outs in Charlotte’s first eight drives and holding the 49ers to just 13 total yards during that span. USF also blocked a punt for a safety, came up with four takeaways, and extended its streak to 13 straight games with a turnover forced.
Cornerback Jarvis Lee grabbed his second interception of the season, while Jair Murphy’s blocked punt through the end zone made it 16-0 early, setting the tone.
Defensive back Jaelen Stokes had a sack and fumble recovery, and linebacker Jhalyn Shuler led the way with 10 tackles on defense.
USF returns to action next Friday at North Texas in a game that could help determine an early favorite for the American Conference Championship game.
