> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # USF has fast start, but uneven finish in win over Charlotte - URL: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/usf-has-fast-start-but-uneven-finish/ - Published: 2025-10-04T20:00:37.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T15:46:29.000Z - Description: The Bulls have an up-and-down game in their conference opener - Author: Collin Sherwin - Tags: #Migrated-1792597384348, #Import 2026-10-21 15:44 TAMPA, Fla. — The South Florida Bulls (4-1) used a fast start to run past the Charlotte 49ers (1-4) 54-26 on Friday night. USF jumped out to a 23-0 lead after the first quarter, outgaining Charlotte 239-6 in the opening frame. For a team that had been outscored 24-10 in first quarters this season — without an offensive touchdown — the early burst was a welcome change. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/a9/77a9bb8f-d0f1-45b5-8fed-5feacd465ef5/content/images/2026/10/2978debd-b072-48a6-9024-447d57e3b0bd_4848x3232-jpeg.jpg) Vanessa Wenzl | The Bay Area Examiner “Coach preached starting fast all week. It started in practice and it translated into the game,” senior quarterback Byrum Brown said. The Bulls pounded the 49ers on the ground, rushing for 407 yards — just 15 shy of the program record they set against Charlotte in 2024\. They averaged 6.6 yards per carry with four players rushing for 69 yards or more. Brown led the charge, running for a career-high 162 yards and throwing for 211 more. He totaled five touchdowns — his first five-score performance since, fittingly, 2023’s regular-season finale against Charlotte. Sophomore running back Nykai Davenport ran for 79 yards and senior Sam Franklin added 76\. Both found the end zone for the second straight week after going scoreless in USF’s first three games. Charlotte transfer Cartevious Norton chipped in 69 yards and a touchdown against his former team before leaving in the fourth quarter with an injury. Head coach Alex Golesh said afterward that Norton was taken to Tampa General Hospital as a precaution and was “doing alright.” Freshman receiver Jeremiah Koger had his breakout moment, finishing with 75 yards and a touchdown. His first career catch was a 38-yard score in the first quarter from Brown. The Bulls scored touchdowns on all five red-zone trips. Charlotte, meanwhile, has allowed opponents to score on every red-zone trip this season. Still, it wasn’t all pretty for USF. The Bulls turned the ball over four times — after committing just three in their first four games — and had six drops in the first quarter alone. Brown threw two interceptions, Charlotte’s first picks of the season. It also marked Brown’s third straight game with an interception after going nine straight without one. Charlotte linebacker Kadin Schmitz led all players with 12 tackles and an interception, while senior cornerback Ja’Quirious Conley also had a pick. “There’s a level of confidence that you have to have to compete at an elite level in this game,” Golesh said. “I think there’s a threshold you cross when you get to a level of arrogance that you start to miss details. That’s a challenge to our guys, a challenge to our coaches and a challenge to myself that you never cross that threshold.” After trailing 26-0, Charlotte outscored the Bulls 28-26 the rest of the way. It was the first time the 49ers cracked 20 points against an FBS opponent this year. Starting quarterback Grayson Loftis completed just 2-of-11 passes for minus-1 yard and an interception before being replaced by junior Zach Wilcke. Wilcke gave Charlotte a spark, completing 14-of-18 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. He led all four of the 49ers’ scoring drives. USF’s defense forced four turnovers, bringing its season total to 11 — tied for second-most in the FBS. Sophomore cornerback Jarvis Lee grabbed his second interception of the season, while senior linebacker D.J. Harris picked off his first career pass. Since Todd Orlando took over the Bulls’ defense in 2023, USF has recorded multiple turnovers in 15 of 31 games. Linebackers Jhalyn Shuler and Mac Harris each forced a fumble, with Shuler adding a team-high 10 tackles. Harris had six tackles and two quarterback hits. Special teams made an impact, too. Junior cornerback Jair Murphy blocked a punt in the first quarter that rolled through the back of the end zone for a safety. It marked the Bulls’ second straight game with a blocked punt and the fourth straight win in which USF scored on special teams. USF broke out its retro “Robo Bull” helmets for the Flashback Friday theme. And honestly, that first quarter was so good you could say “booyah.” But the sloppy finish? Not exactly all that and a bag of chips. (Yes, I was born in 2003\. Can you tell?) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/a9/77a9bb8f-d0f1-45b5-8fed-5feacd465ef5/content/images/2026/10/34689bd0-8689-4e7f-9b3e-9a404cfff4a4_5139x3426-jpeg.jpg) Vanessa Wenzl | The Bay Area Examiner Up next: The Bulls head to Denton to face undefeated North Texas on Friday night.