Memphis Outlasts South Florida 52-41 in Thriller
Marcus Stokes threw three touchdown passes and ran for two as Memphis rallied past South Florida despite blowing a 21-point lead.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Football
Memphis defeated South Florida 52-41 on Thursday night, overcoming a 21-point lead it had squandered during the game. Marcus Stokes threw three touchdown passes and rushed for two scores to lead the Tigers.
Why it matters
The win moves Memphis to 8-2 overall and 5-1 in the American Conference, keeping it firmly in the conference race. South Florida falls to 6-4 overall and 2-4 in the league, its losing record deepening its conference struggles.
Jaylin Carter rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, while Stokes added 73 rushing yards on eight carries. Stokes was intercepted zero times, completing 15 of 31 passes for 313 yards.
The players
Marcus Stokes
Memphis quarterback who threw three touchdown passes and rushed for two scores in the win.
Jaylin Carter
Memphis running back who rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Luke Kromenhoek
South Florida quarterback who passed for 271 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.
Nico Gramatica
South Florida kicker who connected on a 38-yard field goal that briefly gave his team the lead.
The details
Nico Gramatica's 38-yard field goal with 8:04 remaining gave South Florida a 41-38 lead, but Stokes answered with a 76-yard touchdown pass to Jemyri Davis two plays later. Memphis's earlier 59-8 road win at Charlotte on October 3 signaled the team's offensive capability this season.
Timeline
October 3: Memphis won 59-8 at Charlotte.
November 12, 2026: Memphis defeated South Florida 52-41 on Thursday night.
November 21: Memphis visits Navy.
November 21: South Florida plays at Florida Atlantic.
Season Trajectory
Memphis's 52-41 win keeps its American Conference title hopes alive, following its 59-8 rout at Charlotte earlier this season. The result leaves the Tigers at 5-1 in conference play, positioned well ahead of South Florida's 2-4 mark.
The Tigers' five-game conference winning streak builds their case for a top-two finish in the American standings. Fantasy managers should note Carter's 21 carries, which made him the clear workhorse in Memphis's backfield.
The takeaway
Memphis's ability to overcome a 21-point deficit shows late-game resilience heading into its conference finale stretch. Teams facing similar leads should note that South Florida's comeback took under two minutes of game time to complete.
What happens next
Memphis visits Navy on November 21, and South Florida plays at Florida Atlantic the same day.
Further reading
Explore more Memphis football coverage for the latest on the Tigers' conference push.
