The USF Bulls unleashed a historic ground attack to overwhelm the Charlotte 49ers, 59-24, in a decisive Week 11 American Athletic Conference showdown at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Behind a program-record 425 rushing yards, the Bulls turned a tight contest into a runaway victory, inching closer to bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season.
Coming out of halftime, USF held a narrow 14-10 lead. However, their defense set the tone early in the third quarter, forcing Charlotte into an immediate three-and-out. On the second play of USF’s ensuing possession, running back Kelley Joiner raced 54 yards untouched for a career-long touchdown run, igniting a scoring avalanche.
From there, the Bulls dominated. USF ran for an astonishing 266 rushing yards in the second half alone and recorded a program-best 31 points in the third quarter. The offensive explosion left Charlotte unable to keep pace as USF rolled to one of its most convincing wins in recent memory.
USF’s rushing attack was nothing short of spectacular, with contributions from nearly every skill player. Kelley Joiner led the charge, tallying a career-high 140 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. His electrifying 54-yard score and a later 45-yard touchdown highlighted the Bulls’ day.
Quarterback Bryce Archie added 72 rushing yards on six carries while also managing the offense efficiently, needing only 16 pass attempts. Freshman Alvon Isaac chipped in with 37 yards and a touchdown, and Ta’Ron Keith, Nay’Quan Wright, and several others contributed to the rushing deluge.
The Bulls’ 425 rushing yards set a program record, and the 59 points marked the second-highest total in a road game in school history. The victory moved USF to 5-5 overall and 3-3 in AAC play, leaving them one win shy of bowl eligibility.
USF will look to clinch bowl eligibility next Saturday when they host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-7, 1-5 AAC) at Raymond James Stadium. Tulsa, coming off a 38-31 loss to East Carolina, has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 43.8 points in AAC play. However, Tulsa’s new quarterback, Cooper Legas, has shown promise with 10 touchdown passes and just two interceptions in his last three starts.
With momentum on their side and an opportunity to secure a postseason berth, the Bulls will aim to build on their dominant performance against Charlotte and continue their rise in the AAC standings.
