South Florida’s Byrum Brown Powers Bulls to 34-7 Upset of No. 25 Boise State

TAMPA, Fla. - Quarterback Byrum Brown made a triumphant return from injury Thursday night, leading the South Florida Bulls to a stunning 34-7 victory over No. 25 Boise State in the season opener at Raymond James Stadium. This marked USF’s first win over a ranked opponent since October 28, 2016.

Brown displayed his dual-threat prowess, completing 16 of 24 passes for 210 yards and rushing 14 times for 43 yards and two touchdowns. His first rushing score opened the game’s scoring in the second quarter, and he added a second in the third to punctuate South Florida’s dominance.

The Bulls’ offense struck again on a trick play late in the first half when freshman quarterback Locklan Hewlett executed a 45-yard touchdown pass to Keshaun Singleton on a fake punt. Singleton finished with five receptions for 93 yards and the special-teams score.

Boise State’s offense struggled all night, committing five fumbles and converting just 1 of 2 fourth-down attempts. Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen went 25 of 46 for 225 yards with one touchdown and three fumbles lost.

Key Performances

• Byrum Brown (USF): 16-of-24, 210 pass yards; 14 rushes, 43 rush yards, 2 rush TDs
• Keshaun Singleton (USF): 5 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD
• Maddux Madsen (BSU): 25-of-46, 225 pass yards, 1 TD, 3 fumbles lost

Following the win, South Florida will face No. 15 Florida on the road on September 6. Boise State returns home to host Eastern Washington on September 5.