Memphis Secures Convincing Victory Over USF in Orlando

© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In a pivotal contest in the American Athletic Conference, Memphis (5-1, 1-1) kept its conference title hopes alive with a strong defensive effort in a 21-3 victory over USF (2-4, 0-2).

This game was originally scheduled to be played on Oct. 11 in Tampa, Fla., but was postponed and moved to Orlando, Fla. due to ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. It was a difficult game for the South Florida Bulls, displaced from their flooded hometown.

In the words of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bulls and Tigers were "plopped into a surreal backdrop—Orlando's Camping World Stadium[,]" where they played before a "sparse audience." The reported attendance was a mere 3,365.

USF suffered its third consecutive loss.

Game Summary

The Tigers defense forced 3 turnovers and held South Florida to 258 yards. One of the turnovers was a fumble in the end zone which Memphis recovered for a touchdown.

The Tigers featured a balanced attack, with 31 rushing attempts and 40 passing plays. Quarterback Seth Henigan threw for 208 yards and 2 TDs. Backup running back Brandon Thomas led the team with 67 yards on the ground. He replaced starter Mario Anderson Jr., who was ejected from the game for spitting on a USF player.

USF starting QB Byrum Brown was sidelined with a left leg injury. In his stead, backup Bryce Archie completed 22 of 41 passes for 234 yards. He threw 1 interception.

Memphis: Key to Victory

The Tigers' defense was strong throughout the game. In the first half, Memphis clamped down particularly hard, holding USF to 69 yards and only 5 first downs. In the half, the Bulls had more punts (5) than rushing yards (4).

The only score the Bulls managed in the game was a field goal in the second quarter.

Next Up

The Bulls are scheduled to host UAB (1-5, 0-3) on Oct. 19 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Memphis returns home for a Week 8 matchup in Nashville, Tenn. with the North Texas Mean Green (4-1, 1-0.)