South Florida’s surge under head coach Alex Golesh continued in emphatic fashion Saturday afternoon, as the Bulls unleashed another dominant offensive performance and a turnover-hungry defense to rout UAB 48–18 at Protective Stadium.
With the win, USF improved to 8–3 (5–2 American), securing the program’s 12th season with at least eight victories and its first since the 10–2 campaign in 2017. With one regular-season game and a bowl trip remaining, the Bulls are now well within reach of what would be just the third 10-win season in program history.
South Florida entered the matchup ranked No. 4 nationally in total offense, No. 5 in scoring, and No. 8 in turnovers gained—and the Bulls played to their identity once again. They piled up 544 yards, forced three interceptions, and posted their seventh 500-yard game and sixth 40-point outing of the season. Their turnovers-gained total climbed to 23.
Quarterback Byrum Brown continued to strengthen his case as one of the nation’s most productive players. Brown delivered his second straight 300-yard passing game, completing 19 of 25 passes (76%) for a season-high 353 yards and three touchdowns.
He added 63 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, finishing with 416 total yards and five touchdowns—marking his seventh straight 300-yard game and sixth time this season accounting for at least four touchdowns.
Brown also set a new program record with his 11th 200-yard passing game of the year. He entered the week ranked No. 2 nationally in total offense and No. 1 in points responsible for, and his performance only strengthened those positions.
Wide receiver Mudia Reuben delivered one of the greatest single-game performances in USF history. He finished with five catches for 174 yards and touchdown receptions of 60 and 59 yards—the sixth-highest receiving yardage total ever recorded by a Bulls player.
Running back Nykahi Davenport added balance to the explosive offense, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries (7.1 ypc)—his first career 100-yard game.
USF’s defense set the tone early. On UAB’s opening drive, safety Fred Gaskin made a sharp interception over the middle and returned it to the UAB 36.
Two plays later, Brown hit Reuben for a leaping grab at the 1-yard line, and Brown punched it in on the next snap to give USF a quick 7–0 lead.
UAB answered with a 68-yard kickoff return from Solomon Beebe, but the Bulls defense held firm, forcing a field goal. The Blazers eventually took a brief 10–7 lead after an 85-yard touchdown drive aided by a personal foul.
Linebacker Mac Harris and defensive back De’Shawn Rucker added interceptions, and the Bulls forced a turnover on downs while allowing no scoring over UAB’s next six possessions.
Brown guided a 96-yard, 10-play touchdown march to reclaim the lead. From the UAB 6, he executed a smooth play fake and lofted a soft pass to tight end Wyatt Sullivan for a touchdown and a 14–10 advantage.
Kicker Nico Gramatica followed with a 49-yard field goal, the first of two 40-plus-yard kicks, extending the halftime lead to 17–10.
USF then blew the game open in the second half. Alvon Isaac opened the half with a 40-yard kickoff return. On the very next play, Brown fired a 60-yard strike to Reuben for a quick 24–10 lead—just 22 seconds into the half.
Rucker’s interception set up Gramatica’s 43-yard field goal. A defensive stop on downs paved the way for Davenport’s 2-yard scoring run, capping a 45-yard drive and stretching the lead to 34–10 late in the third quarter.
UAB briefly halted the onslaught with a forced fumble and a short Beebe touchdown run, cutting the margin to 34–18.
The Bulls closed the game with two more touchdowns. Brown connected with Reuben on a 59-yard bomb for their third scoring hookup of the day. USF then marched 99 yards in 11 plays, with Brown finishing the drive himself on a 2-yard keeper to cap the 48–18 rout.
South Florida’s blend of explosive offense, depth of weaponry, and disruptive defense once again proved overwhelming. The Bulls showed why they’re among the nation’s most potent units—and why they could finish the season among the Group of Five’s elite.
With eight wins secured and momentum surging, USF sets its sights on joining the exclusive club of Bulls teams that reached 10 wins, potentially making the 2025 season one of the most memorable in program history.
