USF falters in 4th quarter in 34-31 loss at Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The No. 18 South Florida Bulls were defeated in crushing fashion, 34-31, against the Memphis Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
USF led 31-17 at the start of the fourth quarter. Graduate running back Sam Franklin had just put the Bulls up two scores with a 73-yard touchdown run — the longest play of the season for USF’s offense.
From there, the Bulls’ offense sputtered and the defense wore down as Memphis scored the game’s final 17 points, all in the final frame. The Tigers outgained USF 221-89 in the fourth quarter.
USF had outscored opponents by 26 points in fourth quarters leading up to the game. It was the first time an American Athletic Conference opponent had outscored the Bulls in the second half this season.
“We didn’t finish,” head coach Alex Golesh said, taking the blame for the Bulls’ collapse.
With 1:07 left, senior Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis found the team’s leading receiver, senior Cortez Branham Jr., for a touchdown to give the Tigers their first lead since the first quarter.
Lewis’ status was a question mark after he sustained an ankle injury last week against UAB. He warmed up pregame and was cleared to play. Lewis completed 27 of 44 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns. Branham finished with seven catches for 75 yards and both receiving scores.
On USF’s ensuing drive, the Bulls marched to the Memphis 24-yard line with 10 seconds remaining. Golesh elected to take a shot at the end zone, but graduate offensive lineman Cole Best was called for holding, backing the Bulls up to the 34.
USF turned to sophomore kicker Nico Gramatica for a 52-yard field goal to tie the game. The execution faltered — a low snap was scooped up by senior punter Chase Leon, and Gramatica’s wobbly kick missed wide left. He is now 4-for-9 on field goals of 50 yards or more in his career.
The win was Memphis’ 11th straight at home and its fifth straight over USF. Golesh is now 0-3 against the Tigers since taking over as head coach.
The loss casts uncertainty over USF’s AAC title hopes. The Bulls now trail Tulane and Navy, who are both undefeated in conference play, and sit in a group of five teams with one conference loss.
USF senior quarterback Byrum Brown totaled 390 yards — 269 passing and 121 rushing — and accounted for three touchdowns, his most total yards in a game this season.
The loss is a heartbreaking one for the Bulls, especially considering the blown lead. Still, with only one conference loss and a month of play remaining, USF has a chance to recover.
“Everyone is hurt, everyone is broken and everyone is looking to improve — and from a loss, that’s all you can ask for,” Graduate Linebacker Mac Harris said.
USF has a bye week next week and will look to use the time to heal physically and emotionally from the tough loss.
TB3 Sports Talk 