> ## 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 rolls past South Carolina State behind Harris, strong run game - URL: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/usf-rolls-past-south-carolina-state/ - Published: 2025-09-21T19:00:57.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T15:46:30.000Z - Description: The Bulls finish their nonconference slate an impressive 3-1 - Author: Collin Sherwin - Tags: #Migrated-1792597384348, #Import 2026-10-21 15:44 **TAMPA, Fla.** — The South Florida Bulls (3-1) ran away from South Carolina State (2-2) with a 63-14 victory Saturday at Raymond James Stadium. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/a9/77a9bb8f-d0f1-45b5-8fed-5feacd465ef5/content/images/2026/10/16f008bb-d584-47db-bf96-8d0cdf8d40ab_1280x854-jpeg.jpg) Vanessa Wenzl | Bay Area Examiner South Carolina State opened with a 68-yard drive, but senior linebacker Mac Harris ended the possession with a 93-yard interception return for a touchdown. It was Harris’ first interception since 2023 and his first career pick-six. Harris was dominant again for the Bulls’ defense, finishing with 10 tackles, two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss in addition to the touchdown. “Mac’s biggest growth has been the buy-in to his leadership role,” head coach Alex Golesh said. Golesh raved about how young and old players alike follow Harris’ example. USF led 7-0 after the first quarter. Slow starts have become a trend for the Bulls, who have been outscored 24-10 in the opening frame this season and have yet to score an offensive touchdown in the first quarter. “I just told these guys elite programs and winning football teams can’t start like we did offensively,” Golesh said. From there, it was all USF. The Bulls scored more than 60 points for the seventh time in program history and outscored South Carolina State 35-0 in the third quarter. This season, USF has outscored opponents 58-7 in the third. The run game, a point of emphasis for Golesh, delivered 252 yards on nine yards per carry after averaging just 95 rushing yards in the first three games. Senior running back Sam Franklin led the way with 91 yards and two touchdowns, his first scores with the Bulls. Sophomore Nykahi Davenport added 52 yards and his first career touchdown. USF broke off five runs of 20 yards or more. Quarterback Byrum Brown was efficient, completing 14-of-20 passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns. Seven different Bulls caught passes in the win. Senior receiver Chas Nimrod hauled in four receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns, his first scores at USF and the first multi-touchdown game of his career. Sophomore Joshua Porter had a career-high 58 yards and his first career touchdown, while sophomore tight end Jonathan Echols added a 22-yard touchdown grab, his first of the season. Echols, a former four-star recruit, has seen increased playing time recently. “Up until this point he hadn’t earned the right to play, and in this program everything you get you have to earn,” Golesh said. Echols’ development could become a secret weapon as USF enters conference play. In the third quarter, senior defensive back Jaelen Stokes blocked a punt and sophomore defensive end Ashton Mosely returned it for a touchdown. It was USF’s first blocked punt return for a score since 2016 against Florida A&M. The Bulls also switched punt returners, with sophomore Alvon Isaac replacing Porter. Isaac had five returns for an average of 23 yards, including a 41-yard long. Defensively, USF was stifling. The Bulldogs averaged just 3.8 yards per play as the Bulls racked up five sacks and 10 tackles for loss. USF had only three sacks and 16 tackles for loss combined in its first three games. Senior defensive lineman Traevon Mitchell recorded his first sack as a Bull, while sophomores Ira Singleton and Mosely also posted sacks. Senior linebacker Jhalyn Shuler added a sack, seven tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. “We’re not looking to have the best stats. We’re looking to be the best leaders that we’ve ever seen at this facility,” Harris told the *Bay Area Examiner* when asked about his and Shuler’s impact. With the win, USF enters its bye week at 3-1, its best start since opening 4-0 in 2018\. The Bulls will close the season with eight straight conference games. “Really good teams play better in October and play their best in November,” Golesh said. “We’ve got to catch our breath and re-lock back in.”