USF's Byrum Brown could play Saturday vs. Memphis, but it's still "day to day"

USF quarterback Byrum might be able to play after all in the Bulls’ upcoming game against Memphis.

Head coach Alex Golesh shared that optimistic news Tuesday in what is scheduled as his only media briefing before Saturday afternoon’s American Athletic Conference game at Raymond James Stadium.

“Yes, sir,” he said, when asked whether Brown could be ready to play.

Brown was injured in the third quarter of USF’s last game on September 28 at Tulane and did not return to play. He wore a walking boot afterward, but Tuesday was the first update on his availability to play.

“Byrum is working to get back. He was at practice today; I'd say day to day, and we'll see where he's at here at the end of the week,” Golesh said. “I think the extra day helps us, but he's been awesome. He's such a positive, positive dude in general.

“But we'll go day to day and see what he looks like, really, probably closer to Friday.”

The game was originally scheduled for Friday night but was pushed to Saturday at 3:30 p.m. because of Hurricane Milton, a monster storm that could inflict cataclysmic damage on the Tampa Bay area.

The storm is expected to strike somewhere along Florida’s Gulf Coast starting Wednesday afternoon and will likely continue affecting the area until Thursday morning. Officials from both schools and the AAC plan to see if it’s safe and appropriate to play on Saturday.

Brown entered the season with high expectations after his spectacular redshirt freshman year, but has struggled at times. Despite that, he is still the Bulls’ leading rusher with 269 net yards and three touchdowns. He has completed 59% of his passes for two touchdowns.

He has been hampered by the lack of a running game and he took a physical beating in games against Alabama, Miami, and Tulane. Golesh has repeatedly praised Brown’s ability to bounce back from games like those, calling him “a tough dude.”

If he’s unable to go Saturday, junior Bryce Archie likely would receive the start. The Bulls also could use sophomore Izzy Carter in spots.

The game is critical for both teams. Memphis is the preseason AAC favorite but, like USF, is 0-1 in conference play. The Tigers are 4-1 overall.

There currently is no contingency plan if the teams are unable to play this weekend.