Byrum Brown delivered a stellar performance, throwing four touchdown passes and running for another, as South Florida clinched bowl eligibility by defeating Charlotte 48-14 in their regular-season finale on Saturday night.
Charlotte (3-9, 2-6 American Athletic Conference) started strong, taking an early 7-0 lead after Joachim Bangda's 2-yard touchdown run concluded a nine-play, 71-yard opening drive. South Florida (6-6, 4-3) responded swiftly, leveling the score with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Sean Atkins, capitalizing on a failed fourth-and-1 attempt by Charlotte deep in their own territory.
Midway through the second quarter, South Florida took the lead with a trick play as Atkins threw a 62-yard touchdown pass to Kelley Joiner. The Bulls extended their lead to 21-7 just before halftime with Brown’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Joiner.
The Bulls surged further ahead in the third quarter. Brown's 60-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Alexis increased the lead to three scores within just two plays of the second half. Although Charlotte quickly answered with a freshman Steven Johnson’s first touchdown pass, a 47-yarder to Jairus Mack, bringing the score to 28-14, it was as close as they would get.
John Cannon added two field goals, and Brown showcased his versatility with a 35-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the Bulls' lead to 41-14 by the end of the third quarter. Brown capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Naiem Simmons in the fourth quarter.
Brown completed 22 of 30 passes for 253 yards, throwing one interception. Michel Dukes also made significant contributions with 104 rushing yards on 15 carries, while Joiner finished with four catches for 71 yards.
For Charlotte, Trexler Ivey threw for 98 yards on 13-of-22 passing with two interceptions. Steven Johnson, making his first appearance, was 3-of-6 for 67 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Jairus Mack led the 49ers' receivers with four catches for 87 yards.
This victory not only secures bowl eligibility for South Florida but also highlights Brown's critical role in leading the Bulls to a successful season close.
