thetelegraph
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Marcus Stokes threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more, and Memphis withstood a furious South Florida rally to claim a 52-41 victory on Thursday night after squandering a 21-point advantage.
Jaylin Carter powered the ground game with 109 yards and two scores on 21 carries for the Tigers (8-2, 5-1 American Conference), who previously won 59-8 at Charlotte on Oct. 3. Memphis stands as the only team in the Bowl Subdivision to post 50 or more points in multiple road games this season.
Stokes completed 15 of 31 passes for 313 yards without an interception and added 73 yards rushing on eight attempts. His counterpart, Luke Kromenhoek, making his fourth career start, threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 146 yards and a score on 30 carries for South Florida (6-4, 2-4).
Jason Collins Jr. contributed a 13-yard touchdown reception and a 75-yard rushing touchdown for the Bulls. Nico Gramatica, who connected on a 47-yard field goal in the second quarter, drilled a 38-yarder with 8:04 remaining to give South Florida its first lead at 41-38.
Two plays later, Stokes found Jemyri Davis for a 76-yard touchdown. The Bulls then drove deep into Memphis territory, but Kromenhoek's fourth-and-2 pass was dropped in the end zone by Bryson Rodgers with 3:38 left.
After the Tigers went three-and-out, Harrison Tuck's 51-yard punt from the back of the end zone gave USF possession at its 47. Collins was stopped for a 5-yard loss, and JMond Tapp recorded back-to-back sacks before an incomplete pass on fourth-and-27 with 57 seconds remaining. Carter sealed the scoring with a 26-yard rushing touchdown.
Key Analysis
Memphis showcased resilience after nearly letting a three-touchdown cushion slip away. Stokes' dual-threat ability proved decisive, while the defense delivered when it mattered most, registering consecutive sacks to snuff out South Florida's final threat. The Bulls' comeback effort was fueled by Kromenhoek's career day, but a dropped pass in the end zone and late protection breakdowns left them just short.
Up next: Memphis visits Navy on Nov. 21, while South Florida plays at Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21.
Originally reported by thetelegraph.