Quarterback Byrum Brown scored two rushing touchdowns, and Keshaun Singleton snagged a 45-yard touchdown pass during a fake punt, leading South Florida to a decisive 34-7 victory over No. 25 Boise State on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.
This win marked South Florida’s first triumph over a Top 25 opponent since they defeated then-No. 22 Navy 52-45 on October 28, 2016, ending a streak of 18 consecutive losses against ranked teams.
Brown was 16 of 24 for 210 yards and added 43 yards on the ground. Cartevious Norton had an 8-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Singleton had five catches for 93 yards and a touchdown, while Chas Nimrod had three catches for 96 yards.
For Boise State, Maddux Madsen completed 25 of his 46 pass attempts for 225 yards, including a touchdown pass to Chris Marshall. However, Boise State struggled with ball security, losing three fumbles and failing to convert on fourth down three times within USF’s territory. Latrell Caples was Boise State’s leading receiver with four catches totaling 58 yards.
Takeaway
With this loss, Boise State will likely fall out of the Top 25 and may need to win all their remaining games to re-enter playoff discussions. They have a key opportunity to redeem themselves and make a strong impression on October 4 when they take on Notre Dame.
South Florida will face two more ranked opponents — Florida and Miami — before their conference schedule begins.
No. 22 Navy, 52-45.
Up next
Boise State: Hosts Eastern Washington on Sept. 5.
USF: At Florida on Sept. 6.
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