The Memphis Tigers (4-1) and the South Florida Bulls (2-3) will square off in Week 7 of the 2024 college football season in what promises to be a critical showdown for both programs. Initially scheduled to be played in Tampa, the game has been relocated to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Milton. This location shift adds another layer of adversity for both teams, but the stakes remain unchanged.
For Memphis, the pressure is high. Sitting on the cusp of the College Football Playoff (CFP) conversation, the Tigers must continue to stack victories to remain in the hunt for both a playoff berth and an appearance in the AAC title game. Any slip-up, especially against a conference opponent, would not only derail their CFP hopes but also put them at risk of falling behind in the race for a conference championship.
On the other side, South Florida finds itself in a must-win situation. After a promising 2023 campaign that saw them win seven games and achieve bowl eligibility, the Bulls were expected to contend for the AAC title in 2024. However, a shaky start has them sitting at 2-3, with their championship aspirations hanging by a thread. A win over Memphis would keep them in the AAC title hunt, while a loss would almost eliminate their chances.
Both teams enter the game after a bye week, but the momentum is drastically different. Memphis is riding high after a 24-6 win over Middle Tennessee State, while South Florida is looking to regroup following a humbling 45-10 loss to Tulane in Week 5. The Bulls must play their best football to pull off an upset and keep their season alive.
Related: AAC Football Power Rankings: Week 7
South Florida Scouting Report
- Head Coach: Alex Golesh
- Record: 2-3 (0-1 AAC)
- Quarterback: Byrum Brown
The 2024 season has not gone according to plan for head coach Alex Golesh and his South Florida Bulls. After a successful 2023 campaign in which they finished 7-6 and secured bowl eligibility, expectations were sky-high entering this season. Many experts had USF tabbed as a dark horse contender for the AAC title and a potential New Year’s Six bowl bid. Their matchup against Memphis was circled early on as one of the AAC’s marquee games, especially after last year’s wild 59-50 shootout, which Memphis won.
However, the Bulls have struggled to find consistency this year. A disappointing 2-3 start, punctuated by a blowout loss to Tulane, has left them on the outside looking in regarding the AAC title race. They now face an uphill battle to save their season, and the matchup against Memphis will likely be their make-or-break moment.
The key player to watch for USF is junior quarterback Byrum Brown. Last season, Brown emerged as a star during his electrifying performance against Memphis. He threw for 357 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 100 yards on 23 carries, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Despite that loss, Brown’s performance put him on the map as a dangerous playmaker.
Coming into this game, however, there are questions surrounding Brown’s health. He suffered an injury during the Bulls’ Week 5 loss to Tulane, and head coach Alex Golesh has described his status as day-to-day. While it’s uncertain whether Brown will be at full strength, his presence could make or break the Bulls’ chances of pulling off an upset. If he plays, his ability to extend plays with his legs and challenge defenses through the air will be pivotal for South Florida.
Score Prediction
Expect this to be a pivotal matchup in the AAC, but Memphis ultimately wins. While last year’s game was a shootout, this year’s contest may not reach the same level of offensive fireworks. Both teams are coming off bye weeks, but Memphis has the more complete team, and South Florida’s inconsistency this season is a cause for concern—especially if Byrum Brown is not at 100%.
Memphis will use this game to get their offense back on track. South Florida’s defense presents plenty of opportunities for Henigan and the Tigers’ offense to break out and finally showcase their true potential. The Bulls will put up a fight, especially if Brown can play, but their defense will struggle to contain Memphis’ attack for four quarters.
Final Score Prediction: Memphis 38, South Florida 28
Memphis secures a much-needed victory, keeping their AAC title and playoff aspirations alive, while South Florida’s hopes of a conference championship fade further.
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