TAMPA, Fla., (Sept. 18, 2023) – South Florida (2-2; 0-1 American) got career-best performances from wide receiver Naiem Simmons and quarterback Byrum Brown and its defense posted 11 tackles for a loss to win its American Athletic Conference opener 42-29 over Rice (2-2; 0-0) Saturday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium.

The Bulls defense also held Rice to 1-yard rushing, the lowest total for a USF opponent since 2017.

Brown and Simmons connected on five plays of 42 yards or better. Brown was named the AAC offensive player of the week for his 517-yards of total offense. It is the first Offensive Player of the Week honor since 2018 for USF. Simmons earned an AAC Weekly Honor Roll recognition.

We look at the top performers according to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and snap counts from the game.

*****

FINAL 2023 TEAM RECRUITING RANKINGS: Comprehensive (overall) ranking | High school/JUCO ranking | Transfer portal ranking

CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

TRANSFER PORTAL: Latest news | Transfer portal player ranking | Transfer portal team ranking | Transfer Tracker | Message board

*****