USF could see star quarterback Byrum Brown make his anticipated return in the Hawaii Bowl against San Jose State Tuesday. 

“If Byrum’s ready to roll, Byrum rolls,” head coach Alex Golesh said at a press conference on Dec. 12.

Brown exited during the Bulls’ 45-10 loss to Tulane on Sept. 28 with a lower leg injury and hasn’t returned to play since.

As the Hawaii Bowl approaches, Byrum Brown’s availability is still unclear.

“If he’s not [ready], Bryce will go, and Byrum will be right there behind him,” Golesh said.

Related: Opinion: USF QB Byrum Brown’s future remains uncertain

Junior quarterback Bryce Archie has stepped up in Brown’s absence and could continue to lead if Brown doesn’t play.

Archie leads the team with 1,679 pass yards and nine touchdowns. He also has nine interceptions through the seven games he has started in.

Golesh said the decision of who plays in the bowl game ultimately depends on Brown’s health at his weekly press conference

“I would never let somebody lose their job because of an injury,” he said.

Golesh noted that despite his injury, Brown has prepared as if he were starting every week. 

“Credit to him that as he’s taken reps… as he’s taken mental reps… as he’s been in the film room, he’s prepared like the guy every single week,”he said. 

Before the injury, Brown had not missed a start, playing all 13 games in 2023 and the first five this season.

“He probably physically feels a little bit better than Bryce in terms of hasn’t taken hits in whatever it is, seven [or] eight weeks,” he said.

While there’s still caution, Brown’s potential return is something both Golesh and the team are looking forward to.

“I think they fully believed and trusted in Bryce and I think they certainly are more than excited for Byrum to get back healthy,” Golesh said.

Players to watch out for

USF’s Sean Atkins is ready for a big performance in his final game with the Bulls.

He called the game against San Jose State “good competition,” and said the Spartans have a strong receiver on the other side that adds to an internal challenge to the matchup.

Atkins, who is a senior receiver, has been one of the team’s most consistent threats all season.

He leads the team with 69 receptions and 695 receiving yards.

Atkins recently reflected on his journey, which started as a walk-on, and how grateful he is for the opportunity to play in such a high-stakes bowl game.

“I just love playing football and competing at the highest level,” Atkins said. 

Related: USF set to face off against San Jose State in Hawaii Bowl

On the other side of the ball, San Jose State’s senior receiver Justin Lockhart will be the player to watch. 

With senior receiver Nick Nash opting out of the bowl game, Lockhart steps up as the primary threat for the Spartans.

Nash opted out after not winning the Biletnikoff Award while being the triple-crown wide receiver — who is the leading receiver in receptions, yards and touchdowns

Lockhart’s stats this season total to 52 receptions and 973 receiving yards. He also added five touchdowns to his stat sheet.

San Jose State’s junior quarterback, Walker Eget, will also be a key player.

Eget has been solid all season after taking over the starting job in week six, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

His ability to distribute the ball will be essential for the Spartans, particularly with the absence of Nash.

For USF, graduate running back Kelley Joiner is poised to make a significant impact.

Joiner, the team’s leading rusher, will play a key role in the ground game and contribute to maintaining an offensive balance.

He has rushed for 766 yards on 110 carries and scored 11 touchdowns, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.

His skill in breaking through defenses and creating explosive plays will be important for the Bulls as they look to finish the season strong.

A chance for redemption

The Hawaii Bowl offers the Bulls a chance to end their season on a high note after a disappointing finish to the regular season.

“Everybody in that locker room is so disappointed in how it ended,” Golesh said, emphasizing how a bowl win could energize the team heading into the offseason.

USF is set to kick off at 8 p.m. EST Tuesday at T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Bulls Unlimited Channel.