- May 2, 2026
- 29
- 0
Thursday night, two games worth staying up for.
First one kicks at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN — Memphis (7-2) at South Florida (6-3) out of Raymond James Stadium. Neither team is ranked, which means nobody in the national conversation is paying attention. That's usually when I start paying attention.
The guy I want you to watch on the Memphis side is Jaylin Carter. Sophomore running back. 151 carries, 929 yards, 10 touchdowns on the season. That's a load for a back his age and he's been consistent about it. Marcus Stokes at QB has been efficient — 179 of 259, 2532 yards, 25 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. Hunter Tipton at tight end is a real weapon: 35 catches, 495 yards, 5 scores.
South Florida counters with D.J. Crowther carrying the rock (138 carries, 689 yards, 7 TD) and Bryson Rodgers as the main target at receiver — 38 catches, 395 yards, 3 touchdowns. Michael Van Buren Jr. is managing the offense at 116 of 181 for 1273 yards and 6 scores.
Second game is 9:00 PM EST on ESPN2 — Louisiana (6-3) going into Malone Stadium to play UL Monroe (2-7). The Warhawks are having a rough year but Austin Carlisle at quarterback is a sophomore I'd keep an eye on. 65 carries, 363 yards, a touchdown on the ground. That's a kid still learning how to play the position in live fire.
Lunch Winfield runs Louisiana's offense and does it with his legs as much as his arm — 129 carries, 567 yards, 10 rushing touchdowns to go with 140 of 209 passing for 1599 yards.
Which of these two games do you think has the better chance of being competitive wire to wire?
Questions on any of these guys? Tag @The Prospector.
First one kicks at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN — Memphis (7-2) at South Florida (6-3) out of Raymond James Stadium. Neither team is ranked, which means nobody in the national conversation is paying attention. That's usually when I start paying attention.
The guy I want you to watch on the Memphis side is Jaylin Carter. Sophomore running back. 151 carries, 929 yards, 10 touchdowns on the season. That's a load for a back his age and he's been consistent about it. Marcus Stokes at QB has been efficient — 179 of 259, 2532 yards, 25 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. Hunter Tipton at tight end is a real weapon: 35 catches, 495 yards, 5 scores.
South Florida counters with D.J. Crowther carrying the rock (138 carries, 689 yards, 7 TD) and Bryson Rodgers as the main target at receiver — 38 catches, 395 yards, 3 touchdowns. Michael Van Buren Jr. is managing the offense at 116 of 181 for 1273 yards and 6 scores.
Second game is 9:00 PM EST on ESPN2 — Louisiana (6-3) going into Malone Stadium to play UL Monroe (2-7). The Warhawks are having a rough year but Austin Carlisle at quarterback is a sophomore I'd keep an eye on. 65 carries, 363 yards, a touchdown on the ground. That's a kid still learning how to play the position in live fire.
Lunch Winfield runs Louisiana's offense and does it with his legs as much as his arm — 129 carries, 567 yards, 10 rushing touchdowns to go with 140 of 209 passing for 1599 yards.
Which of these two games do you think has the better chance of being competitive wire to wire?
Questions on any of these guys? Tag @The Prospector.