Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes threw for three touchdowns and added two more on the ground, racking up an insane five total TDs, but it was almost not enough as the Tigers blew a 21-point lead before finally beating South Florida 52-41 on Thursday night. Seriously, what a wild ride.
Stokes’ Unreal Night Almost Undone By a Meltdown
Let’s be clear: Marcus Stokes was an absolute force. The guy was 15-of-31 passing for 313 yards, had no interceptions, and added 73 yards rushing on eight carries. Five total touchdowns? That’s the kind of performance you dream about. Running back Jaylin Carter wasn’t exactly quiet either, tearing it up for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. Memphis is now sitting pretty at 8-2 overall, 5-1 in the American Conference, and get this: they’re the only team in the entire Bowl Subdivision with 50-plus points in multiple road games this season, including a dominant 59-8 win at Charlotte back on October 3.
But man, the Tigers just could not make it easy. They built up a huge 21-point lead, and then…poof. Gone. You’ve gotta wonder what was going through their heads as South Florida started clawing their way back into it. Giving up that kind of cushion? That’s how you get grey hairs on the sidelines.
USF’s Comeback Fell Short After a Wild Finish
South Florida, led by Luke Kromenhoek in his fourth career start, brought some serious heat. Kromenhoek himself had a huge night, throwing for 271 yards and three touchdowns, plus rushing for 146 yards and a score on 30 carries. Jason Collins Jr. chipped in with a 13-yard touchdown reception and a monster 75-yard rushing TD. The Bulls even took their first lead of the game at 41-38 with just 8:04 left to play, thanks to a 38-yard field goal from Nico Gramatica, who also nailed a 47-yarder in the second quarter.
But right when it looked like Memphis was on the ropes, Stokes answered. Two plays from scrimmage after USF took the lead, Stokes hit Jemyri Davis for a stunning 76-yard touchdown. Talk about clutch! South Florida still had chances, marching deep into Memphis territory, but Bryson Rodgers dropped a pass in the end zone on fourth-and-2 with 3:38 left. Ouch. Then, after a Memphis three-and-out and a massive 51-yard punt from Harrison Tuck, USF got the ball back at their own 47. But it wasn’t meant to be. Jason Collins Jr. got stuffed for a 5-yard loss, and then J’Mond Tapp went full beast mode with back-to-back sacks, leading to an incomplete pass on fourth-and-27 with 57 seconds left. Game over. Jaylin Carter even tacked on another 26-yard rushing TD to seal the 52-41 win.
What a crazy game. Memphis survived, but they’ve got to clean up those blown leads if they want to keep that 8-2 record looking strong. Up next, Memphis visits Navy on November 21. South Florida will try to bounce back when they play at Florida Atlantic, also on November 21.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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