As the Bulls prepare for senior night against Tulsa at Raymond James Stadium this Saturday, all eyes are on the quarterback position.

Junior Bryce Archie, who has started the last five games and led the team to a 3-2 record in that span, is questionable after sustaining an injury in last week’s 59-24 win over Charlotte. 

Head coach Alex Golesh on Tuesday said Archie is nearing full health and was able to play fully against Charlotte.

Golesh also noted that star quarterback Byrum Brown returned for practice again. 

Freshman Israel “Izzy” Carter could make his first career start, adding intrigue to an already pivotal matchup for the Bulls.  

South Florida looks to secure its second straight bowl game under Golesh, after last year’s 45-0 shutout against Syracuse in the Boca Raton Bowl.

While USF’s ground game has been reliable in some games this season, quarterback play will be critical to capitalizing on Tulsa’s struggling defense.  

Related: A look at USF’s quarterback play this season

A night to remember: Honoring USF’s seniors  

Beyond the quarterback storyline, Saturday marks an emotional farewell for USF’s senior class.

Senior left tackle RJ Perry, a cornerstone of the Bulls’ offensive line, reflected on his journey and the significance of senior night at Raymond James Stadium.

He also noted how quickly the past two years for him at South Florida have flown by for him.

“I really enjoyed my time in Tampa, had fun while I was here,” he said. It’s gonna be a good one come Saturday—last time coming out at Ray Jay. I’ma have fun while I matter though.”  

Golesh also praised the seniors for their resilience and leadership during a transformative season.

“Saturday will be really, really cool for those seniors,” he said. “For some of them, it’s been a really long journey, and I think for all of them, it’s a really meaningful experience.”

The seniors’ have dedicated themselves fully to the program Perry said, including fostering a sense of teamwork and unity within the program.

“The team mindset—it’s not no one person for one person,” he said. “Everybody’s for everybody.”  

Bulls running back Ta’Ron Keith celebrates his touchdown against Charlotte last week.

Anchored by the line  

The Bulls’ offensive line has been a driving force behind the team’s success, paving the way for a rushing attack that averages 187 yards per game. 

Perry credited the bond within the running back room as a key to their production.  

“They bond way closer than I bond with the o-line,” Perry joked. “The way they’re together, whoever’s number gets called, they’ll be ready to go and do the job.”  

The unit’s performance will be critical against a Tulsa defense that allows 149 rushing yards per game. 

If the offensive line continues its dominance, USF could exploit a Golden Hurricane defense ranked 124th nationally in total yards allowed.  

Related: USF football runs wild in Charlotte, keeps bowl hopes alive

Keys to victory  

To secure a win, USF will need to dictate the pace and capitalize on Tulsa’s defensive struggles. 

On the defensive side, the Bulls will face a fast-paced Tulsa offense, which linebacker Jhalyn Shuler compared to their own system.  

“It’s really similar to our offense in a way,” Shuler said. “They usually go at a pretty fast pace.”  

Tulsa enters the game with a 3-7 record, including a 1-5 mark in AAC play. But the Bulls are not overlooking their opponent. 

Perry noted the challenge presented by Tulsa’s defensive line.

“They’ve got a decent d-line—something we haven’t seen in a while,” he said.  

The last time these teams met in 2022, Tulsa edged USF 48-42 despite a breakout performance from Byrum Brown. 

The series is tied 3-3, adding another layer of anticipation to Saturday’s matchup.  

With the game being crucial for both the seniors and the program’s future, Golesh acknowledged the bittersweet nature to honor the seniors while setting the stage for the team’s future.