Memphis Rallies to Defeat South Florida in Thrilling Fourth-Quarter Comeback
Table of Contents
- 1. Memphis Rallies to Defeat South Florida in Thrilling Fourth-Quarter Comeback
- 2. bulls Build Early Lead, Tigers Respond
- 3. Key Moments in the Fourth Quarter
- 4. Standout performances
- 5. Looking Ahead
- 6. The Growing Trend of Fourth-Quarter Comebacks in College Football
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions About the USF vs. Memphis Game
- 8. what was Timmy Sanchez’s passing yard total in the game?
- 9. USF Football Narrowly Defeated by Memphis in a Thrilling 34-31 Heartbreak Finale
- 10. Game Recap: Bulls Fall Just Short Against Memphis
- 11. Key Offensive Performances
- 12. Defensive Struggles and Turning Points
- 13. Impact on USF’s Season and Bowl eligibility
- 14. Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny
- 15. Statistical Breakdown: USF vs. Memphis
- 16. Looking Ahead: USF’s Path to Bowl Eligibility
MEMPHIS,tenn. – A dramatic fourth-quarter surge propelled the Memphis Tigers to a 34-31 victory over the No. 18-ranked South Florida Bulls Saturday at Liberty Bowl Stadium. The Tigers battled back from a 14-point deficit entering the final frame, maintaining their extraordinary 11-game home winning streak.
bulls Build Early Lead, Tigers Respond
South Florida initially capitalized on the strong performance of Quarterback Burum Brown, establishing a 31-17 advantage by the end of the third quarter. Brown showcased his dual-threat ability, accounting for 390 total yards and three touchdowns – including two rushing touchdowns. Though, Memphis responded with resilience, fueled by a late-game charge orchestrated by quarterback Brendon Lewis.
Key Moments in the Fourth Quarter
Lewis spearheaded a 17-point outburst in the fourth quarter,ultimately shifting the momentum in favor of the Tigers. With just 1:07 remaining, Lewis connected with Cortez Braham Jr.for a 10-yard touchdown, giving Memphis their first lead of the quarter.
Down by three points with only seconds left, the Bulls attempted a last-ditch effort. Burum Brown led a drive to the Memphis 24-yard line,but a crucial holding penalty pushed them back. A subsequent 52-yard field goal attempt by Nico Gramatica sailed wide left as time expired, sealing the Bulls’ fate.
Standout performances
Burum Brown’s performance for South Florida was remarkable,totaling 390 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Koger had five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown, continuing his streak of scoring in four consecutive games. Sam Franklin added 81 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Bulls.
Defensively, mac Harris led the Bulls with a career-high 13 tackles, while Jarvis Lee contributed seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. However, these efforts weren’t enough to contain the Tigers’ fourth-quarter rally.
| Team | Score | Total Yards | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 34 | 384 | 1 |
| South Florida | 31 | 564 | 1 |
Looking Ahead
South Florida will enjoy a bye week before returning to action on November 6th, facing UTSA in a primetime matchup at Raymond James Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff and will be broadcast on ESPN or ESPN2.
Did You Know? Memphis’s 11-game home winning streak is the longest active streak in the American Athletic Conference.
Pro Tip: teams that win the turnover battle consistently have a much higher chance of securing victory. Memphis capitalized on a key turnover early in the game, highlighting the importance of protecting the football.
The Growing Trend of Fourth-Quarter Comebacks in College Football
The Memphis versus South Florida game exemplifies a growing trend in college football: the increasing frequency of dramatic fourth-quarter comebacks. According to data from NCAA.com, the number of games decided by seven points or less has steadily increased over the past five seasons. This is attributed to several factors, including improved offensive schemes, enhanced quarterback play, and a greater emphasis on situational football.
these types of games are attracting a wider audience, contributing to the continued growth in popularity of college football. Fans are drawn to the unpredictable nature of these contests, where a single play can determine the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About the USF vs. Memphis Game
- what was the final score of the USF versus Memphis game? The final score was Memphis 34, South florida 31.
- Who was the key player for Memphis in the fourth quarter comeback? Quarterback Brendon lewis led the charge with a 17-point fourth quarter.
- What is South Florida’s record after this game? USF’s record is now 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the American Athletic Conference.
- When is USF’s next game? USF will play UTSA on November 6th in a primetime matchup.
- How long is Memphis’s home winning streak? Memphis has won 11 consecutive games at liberty Bowl Stadium.
- How many total yards did Burum Brown accumulate in the game? Burum Brown finished the game with 390 total yards and three touchdowns.
What was your biggest takeaway from this exciting game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
what was Timmy Sanchez’s passing yard total in the game?
USF Football Narrowly Defeated by Memphis in a Thrilling 34-31 Heartbreak Finale
Game Recap: Bulls Fall Just Short Against Memphis
The University of South Florida Bulls suffered a heartbreaking 34-31 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Tigers on october 26, 2025, in a game that went down to the wire.The high-scoring affair, played at Raymond James Stadium, saw both offenses showcase their capabilities, but ultimately, Memphis secured the victory with a late-game drive. This loss significantly impacts USF’s bowl game aspirations and adds another chapter to the competitive AAC football landscape. key moments included a late interception by Memphis and a crucial fourth-down conversion that sealed the Bulls’ fate.
Key Offensive Performances
The USF offense, led by quarterback Timmy Sanchez, put up a valiant effort. Sanchez finished with 320 passing yards and three touchdowns.
* Timmy Sanchez (QB, USF): 22/35, 320 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT. Sanchez demonstrated extraordinary arm strength and accuracy, connecting with multiple receivers throughout the game.
* Xavier Weaver (WR, USF): 8 receptions, 145 yards, 1 TD. Weaver was Sanchez’s primary target, consistently getting open and making contested catches.
* Memphis QB, Kevin Johnson: 28/42, 295 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT. Johnson efficiently managed the Memphis offense, making smart decisions and delivering accurate passes.
* Jalen Knox (RB,Memphis): 20 carries,110 yards,1 TD. Knox provided a consistent ground attack for the tigers, wearing down the USF defense.
The Bulls’ rushing attack, however, struggled to find consistent success, managing only 85 yards on the ground. This imbalance forced USF to rely heavily on the passing game, making them more predictable in the second half.
Defensive Struggles and Turning Points
While the USF offense performed admirably, the defense faced challenges containing the Memphis attack. The Tigers were able to exploit weaknesses in the Bulls’ secondary, particularly in the red zone.
* Red zone Defense: Memphis converted 75% of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns, a critical factor in their victory.
* Turnovers: The late-game interception thrown by Sanchez proved to be a game-changer, giving Memphis possession with enough time to run out the clock.
* Missed Tackles: Several missed tackles by the USF defense allowed Memphis receivers to gain extra yards after the catch, extending drives and keeping the Tigers’ offense on the field.
* Pass Rush: USF’s pass rush struggled to consistently pressure Johnson, allowing him time to make cozy throws.
Impact on USF’s Season and Bowl eligibility
This defeat is a significant setback for USF,who entered the game with hopes of securing a bowl berth. With a current record of 6-4, the Bulls will need to win at least one of their remaining two games to become bowl eligible.The American Athletic Conference (AAC) is highly competitive, and every game carries significant weight.
* Remaining Schedule: USF faces tough matchups against Tulane and Charlotte.
* bowl Projections: Pre-game bowl projections had USF potentially heading to the Gasparilla Bowl. This loss significantly lowers those chances.
* Recruiting Implications: A losing streak could negatively impact USF’s recruiting efforts for the 2026 class.
Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny
Several coaching decisions came under scrutiny following the game.
* Play Calling: Some fans and analysts questioned the Bulls’ play calling in the final quarter, suggesting a more conservative approach might have been beneficial.
* Defensive Adjustments: The lack of defensive adjustments to counter memphis’s offensive schemes was also a point of criticism.
* Time Management: Concerns were raised about USF’s time management in the closing minutes of the game.
Head Coach Alex Golesh addressed these concerns in the post-game press conference, stating that the coaching staff would review the game film and identify areas for improvement.
Statistical Breakdown: USF vs. Memphis
| Statistic | USF | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 405 | 405 |
| Passing Yards | 320 | 295 |
| Rushing Yards | 85 | 110 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| First Downs | 23 | 24 |
| Time of Possession | 28:30 | 31:30 |
Looking Ahead: USF’s Path to Bowl Eligibility
The Bulls must regroup quickly and focus on their remaining games. A strong finish to the season is crucial not only for bowl eligibility but also for building momentum for the future. Key areas of focus include:
- Improving the Rushing Attack: Establishing a more consistent running game will alleviate pressure on Sanchez and make the offense more balanced.
- **Strengthening the
