USF has faced a period of instability at quarterback this season, marred by injury and inconsistent play. 

The uneven play from the Bulls’ signal callers have led to an offense that ranks last in passing efficiency in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), with an efficiency score of 113.5.

Contributing to the lackluster pass game is the absence of junior quarterback Byrum Brown and the struggles of backup junior quarterback Bryce Archie.

Here’s an in-depth look at how South Florida’s quarterback room has fared this season. 

Byrum Brown’s rocky start and injury setback

Brown started the Bulls’ first five games, and his production was not up to par compared to the previous season. 

The North Carolina native was on track for career lows in both completion percentage and yards per attempt this season. 

USF went 2-3 in the games Brown played, losing by an average of 32 points in its defeats. Two of the three losses were against No. 4 Alabama and No. 8 Miami.

Brown has now missed four consecutive games due to injury. His last appearance was on Sept. 28 in the Bulls’ 45-10 loss against Tulane. 

Brown has been practicing, and “coaches and medical staff continue to monitor his progress daily,” a USF athletics spokesperson said.

Brown entered the 2024 campaign viewed as one of the best players at his position. He claimed 12 program records coming into the year, and was selected to the preseason Davey O’Brien Award watch list, an honor given to the nation’s best quarterback.

Bryce Archie’s struggles as starter

With Brown out, Archie stepped into the quarterback’s role. 

Archie has gone 2-2 in his four starts, but has faced his own individual challenges at the helm of the Bulls’ offense. 

Since starting his first game against Memphis on Oct. 12, he has statistically been one of the worst players at his position. Archie has posted a 22.8 quarterback rating this season according to ESPN. The mark is the second worst in all of college football, ranking 126 out of 127 quarterbacks.

Archie’s struggles were on display against Navy on Saturday, turning the ball over three times in the 28-7 loss against the Midshipmen. He owned up to his rough outing in the post game-interview and acknowledged he has to improve.

“There’s a lot we can learn from this game,” Archie said. “I have to be more detailed as a quarterback”.

Related: USF Vs. Navy takeaways: Missed chances doom Bulls

USF football head coach Alex Golesh said Archie takes criticism well after a poor game.

“Bryce didn’t play well enough for us to win, by any means, and he’ll be the first to admit it,” Golesh said. “But once you sit down, you go through it, he understands it.”

Calls for Israel Carter

Sophomore quarterback Israel Carter arrived at USF in 2023. The California native was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, recording 34 total touchdowns in his senior campaign.

With Archie’s difficulties against Navy, fans wondered if Carter would get a shot at playing. 

Golesh said, while Carter has been improving, he thought Archie was the team’s best option after the game against the Midshipmen.

“I think [Carter] is preparing to be ready,” Golesh said. “I just felt like Bryce gave us the best chance to win the last three weeks.”

Related: USF’s Golesh sticking with quarterback Archie for Charlotte matchup

Carter has seen limited action in his tenure at South Florida. He has attempted just three passes in his collegiate career, including one completion against FAU on Nov. 1. 

Carter explored his playing options before, briefly entering the transfer portal earlier this year before withdrawing his name four days later. 

Looking ahead

With just three games left in the season, the Bulls need to secure two wins to be bowl eligible. 

Up next for the Bulls is AAC opponent Charlotte, who are in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

Golesh said the match against the 49ers will be one of the most important USF has played.

“We’re going to get to a point here at South Florida where we’re playing extremely meaningful games in November,” Golesh said. “Right now for us, Charlotte is as meaningful as any game that we’ve played.”

USF vs Charlotte will kick-off at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 16. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited.