University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
South Florida
Tigers Fall to South Florida, 21-16
Nov 29, 2003 | Football
Nov 29, 2003
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)- J.R. Reed scored on a 96-yard kickoff return and a 45-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter Saturday as South Florida capitalized on Memphis turnovers to defeat the bowl-bound Tigers 21-16.
Reed's touchdowns erased a 7-0 Memphis halftime lead as the Tigers self-destructed with seven turnovers. In addition to the two touchdowns, Reed had three interceptions, a South Florida record for a single game.
The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Memphis (8-4, 5-3 Conference USA), which is still expected to receive its first bowl invitation since the 1971 Pasadena Bowl.
The Bulls (6-5, 4-4) got very little going offensively with only 192 yards, including a mere 25 rushing. But Reed's defense and returns fueled South Florida's second half rally. Reed's three interceptions also tied a C-USA record.
South Florida's only offensive touchdown came on the first play of the fourth quarter when DeJuan Green scored from 4 yards out. The drive was set up by Reed's interception return to the Tiger 14.
The touchdown gave the Bulls a 21-10 lead. A 9-yard TD pass from Danny Wimprine to Ryan Scott with 4:27 to play was as close as Memphis could get. Wimprine would end the day with two touchdown passes, but also four interceptions. The Tigers lost three fumbles.
Memphis played without leading rusher DeAngelo Williams, the nation's leader in all-purpose yards, who injured his left knee a week ago. The Tigers also were without leading receiver Maurice Avery, also out with a knee injury.
The mistakes that plagued Memphis throughout the day kept the Tigers from having a bigger advantage at halftime.
The Tigers crossed midfield on five series in the first two quarters, but managed only a 36-yard scoring pass from Wimprine to Darron White in the first quarter.
Otherwise, Memphis suffered from interceptions, a pair of fumbles, including one at the South Florida 12, and a missed 46-yard field goal.
Reed's 96-yard touchdown run to open the second half evened the game at 7-7. His fumble recovery would come with just over eight minutes left in the third.
