SOUTH FLORIDA BOUNCES BACK WITH AUTHORITY AGAINST UTSA
Updated: Oct 31
TAMPA (FL) — Under the lights of Raymond James Stadium — shared with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while awaiting the opening of USF’s new on-campus stadium scheduled for 2027, South Florida and UTSA clashed Thursday night in a pivotal American Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup. Two ambitious Group of Five programs that, despite a season ending tinged with frustration, continue to assert themselves among the conference’s most competitive forces.
“Really cool to play at night here on national TV again, showcase what’s going on,” said head coach Alex Golesh after the game. “A lot of talk about the new stadium, a lot of talk about the new football complex in a positive light. And then to be able to go finish it off with a win, I thought, as unique of a first quarter as I’ve been a part of in my coaching career.”
For Golesh and the Bulls, the game marked a turning point after a tough bye week to digest , a heartbreaking loss to Memphis had ended their College Football Playoff hopes and complicated their path to the conference title game. Still powered by one of the most explosive offenses in the country (eighth nationally with over 480 yards per game), the Bulls needed to stay perfect to keep their championship chances alive.
Across the field, UTSA came in hot. The Roadrunners had won four of their last six, rediscovering their offensive rhythm behind precise passing and a productive backfield. Their dominant 48–26 win over Tulane a week earlier had reminded everyone of their potential, standing in stark contrast to a 55–17 blowout loss at North Texas. While their title hopes were slim, a win in Tampa could have reignited their season and confirmed their reputation as one of the Group of Five’s most dangerous offenses.
Behind an aggressive defense and a vintage Byrum Brown performance
The Bulls fully erased the sting of the Memphis loss. Led by a spectacular Byrum Brown (14-of-15 passing for 239 yards, 2 touchdowns, plus 109 yards and 1 rushing TD), they delivered one of their most complete games of the year. Receiver Keshaun Singleton continued his breakout stretch (4 catches, 122 yards, 2 TDs), while the defense dominated from start to finish. Cornerback Jarvis Lee Jr. (6 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 TFL), Tavin Ward (1 interception returned for a TD), and Fred Gaskin (1 fumble recovery returned for a TD) symbolized the unit’s renewed intensity and cohesion, forcing three turnovers.
“They played together, they played with a purpose,” Golesh said. “Held what I think is one of the best running backs in the entire country to 27 yards. Defense played on a mission. The two turnovers — Jar was involved in both of those. Jarvis Lee played out of his mind. Powerful. I was really, really proud of him.”
Game Flow
USF didn’t wait long to set the tone. On the very first play of the game, UTSA quarterback Owen McCown, son of former NFL QB and current Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, was violently hit by Jarvis Lee Jr. as he prepared to throw. The ball floated in the air and landed straight into the hands of cornerback Tavin Ward, who ran it back 40 yards for a pick-six. The Bulls came out charging, scoring the fastest defensive touchdown in program history, just eight seconds into the game.
UTSA tried to respond right away, driving the full length of the field with help from two defensive pass interference penalties. But just two yards from the end zone, McCown met his nightmare again as Lee Jr. burst through the line, sacked the quarterback, and forced a fumble. Safety Fred Gaskin scooped it up and sprinted 85 yards to give the Bulls their second consecutive defensive touchdown on UTSA’s first two drives. Raymond James Stadium erupted: 14–0 after barely four minutes of play.
The Roadrunners showed slight improvement on their third offensive series, avoiding a turnover this time. Contained by the Florida defense, they were forced to punt, but luck briefly swung their way when the returner mishandled the ball, and UTSA recovered at the South Florida 27-yard line. The opportunity was ideal, but McCown failed to complete any of his three passes, and the visitors had to settle for a 33-yard field goal by Michael Petro.
Meanwhile, South Florida’s offense, led by its explosive quarterback Byrum Brown, had yet to take the field. The Bulls’ first offensive snap came after 13 minutes, a rare occurrence. But it was worth the wait. Brown rushed for 27 yards on three carries before the end of the first quarter, without throwing a single pass. Early in the second quarter, on 3rd-and-1, he faked a QB sneak and broke free to the left for the Bulls’ third touchdown, his ninth rushing score of the season and the 26th of his career.
UTSA finally responded. Three plays later, McCown connected with tight end Patrick Overmyer on a play-action fake for a 45-yard touchdown, the visitors’ first of the night. 21–10 South Florida.
But the illusion didn’t last. The Bulls’ fast-paced offense completely disoriented the Texas defense. Brown tore through defenders; after a 36-yard run, he faked another rush and delivered a perfect 16-yard lob to Keshaun Singleton for the touchdown. Early in the second quarter, USF led 28–10.
The Roadrunners, unable to block the relentless defensive line, quickly gave the ball back. South Florida immediately capitalized. On their third offensive possession, they scored a third touchdown, this time on a 65-yard burst from Nykahi Davenport, who sprinted left before exploding upfield. Fireworks were already lighting up the Tampa sky for the fifth time that evening. 35–10 Bulls, after a successful extra point from Nico Gramatica, son of former Buccaneers kicker and 2002 Super Bowl champion Martin Gramatica.
UTSA continued to collapse. McCown was crushed again by Ira Singleton. Moments later, another Singleton, Keshaun, made his mark on offense, blowing past his defender to haul in a perfect 40-yard strike from Brown for his second touchdown of the night, the first multi-TD game of his college career. 42–10 South Florida.
On the next drive, the same story unfolded as the Bulls’ defense suffocated UTSA. McCown took a fifth sack before halftime, including a second from the unstoppable Jarvis Lee Jr. On the other side, Byrum Brown was flawless, completing 9 of 9 passes for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus 87 rushing yards on seven carries and another score. In barely over one quarter of play, the Florida quarterback delivered a complete masterclass.
Nico Gramatica capped off the dominant half with a 40-yard field goal before both teams headed to the locker room. South Florida led 45–10 after a one-sided first half where offense and defense equally shone.
Finishing the job
After the break, South Florida kept control without losing focus. Davenport added another touchdown on a 7-yard run, and Gramatica nailed a 51-yard field goal. UTSA salvaged two late scores, a Brandon Tennison touchdown pass to Mekhi Anderson and a Petro field goal but the outcome was never in doubt. Final: 55–23 Bulls.
A statement win
More than a victory, it was a statement of balance and purpose. With 471 total yards, an aggressive defense (6 sacks, 3 forced turnovers), and just 20 minutes of possession, South Florida (7–2, 4–1 AAC) reminded everyone why, when firing on all cylinders, it is among the most dangerous teams in the country. Coach Golesh could savor a near-perfect night; his Bulls responded with authority, rediscovered their defensive bite, and kept themselves firmly in the AAC title hunt.
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