The USF Bulls kicked off their 2024 football campaign in resounding fashion, overwhelming Bethune-Cookman 48-3 at Raymond James Stadium in front of a lively crowd of 36,694. The atmosphere was electric, with the student section showing up in force—nearly 6,000 students cheered the team on, marking the largest student turnout since the 2021 season opener. The energy in the stadium mirrored the Bulls’ performance on the field as they secured their biggest season-opening win since 2015.
This victory not only marked the Bulls' first season opener win in four years but also extended their streak of dominant performances. USF has now won three consecutive games by 34 points or more, a streak that stretches back to the final two games of the 2023 season. The Bulls have also scored 45 or more points in each of their last three outings, showcasing a potent offense that continues to thrive under the leadership of second-year head coach Alex Golesh.
Quarterback Byrum Brown wasted no time igniting the Bulls’ offense, scoring the first touchdown of the 2024 season with a spectacular 42-yard run. Brown, known for his dual-threat ability, bounced outside, outrunning Bethune-Cookman defenders to reach the end zone and complete an 82-yard drive. This electrifying play set the tone for a dominant offensive performance. Brown, who led USF in rushing touchdowns in 2023, continued to shine in the passing game, completing 13 of 20 passes for 152 yards before stepping aside late in the third quarter for backup quarterback Bryce Archie.
Brown wasn’t alone in the offensive charge. Newcomer Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen made an impressive debut, leading the team with five receptions for 73 yards, including a crucial 44-yard catch that set up a touchdown. The Bulls’ rushing attack also shone, with running back Kelley Joiner Jr. leading the way. Joiner rushed for 78 yards and scored two touchdowns, while fellow running backs Ta’Ron Keith and Nay'Quan Wright each contributed rushing touchdowns. The Bulls’ ground game overwhelmed Bethune-Cookman, totaling 231 rushing yards on the night.
Kicker John Cannon added to the Bulls’ strong showing with a career-long 53-yard field goal just before halftime, giving USF a 31-3 lead heading into the locker room. Cannon’s 53-yard kick was the third-longest field goal in program history and his longest to date. He remained perfect on the night, also hitting a 40-yard field goal and going 4-for-4 on extra point attempts.
While the offense made headlines, the Bulls’ defense delivered an equally impressive performance. USF held Bethune-Cookman to just 170 total yards and only 48 rushing yards, stifling any chance the Wildcats had of building momentum. The defense allowed only three points on a 49-yard field goal and kept Bethune-Cookman out of the red zone for most of the game. It was the fewest points allowed by the Bulls in a season opener since 2015, tying for the third-lowest in program history.
Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler was a standout on defense, recording his first interception as a Bull. Shuler’s pick came on Bethune-Cookman’s second possession and set up a quick two-yard touchdown run by Joiner, extending the Bulls’ lead to 14-0 early in the game. USF’s defense was relentless, holding Bethune-Cookman without a pass completion through their first six drives and forcing a quarterback change before halftime.
After forcing Bethune-Cookman to punt from inside their own five-yard line, the Bulls capitalized with another short drive, ending in a one-yard touchdown plunge from Nay'Quan Wright to make it 28-0. The Wildcats managed to get on the board with 22 seconds left in the first half on a 49-yard field goal, but the Bulls responded quickly with a 53-yard field goal from Cannon to head into halftime up 31-3.
The Bulls didn’t let up after the break. Cannon nailed a 40-yard field goal to extend the lead to 34-3 early in the third quarter. Moments later, Brown connected with Yaseen on a 44-yard completion, setting up a four-yard touchdown run by Joiner to make it 41-3. With the game firmly in hand, coach Golesh brought in backup quarterback Bryce Archie, who quickly made an impact. On his first play, Archie delivered a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Brown-Stephens, capping the Bulls’ dominant night with a 48-3 final score.
Next week, the Bulls face a much tougher challenge as they head to Tuscaloosa to take on No. 5 Alabama. USF came close to an upset against the Crimson Tide last season, trailing by just one score late in the game before falling 17-3. The Bulls will be eager to test themselves against one of the nation’s top teams, with the game set to kick off at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
The Bulls' resounding 48-3 win over Bethune-Cookman has set a confident tone for the season, with both the offense and defense firing on all cylinders. As they prepare for a showdown with Alabama, fans can be optimistic about the progress under Coach Golesh and the exciting potential of this USF squad.
