South Florida hosts Charlotte in AAC opener at Raymond James Stadium

TAMPA, Fla. — The South Florida Bulls (3-1) will host the Charlotte 49ers (1-3) on Friday night at Raymond James Stadium in an American Athletic Conference opener that pits a fast-starting USF squad against a Charlotte team coping with injuries and turnover problems. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern and the game will be televised on ESPN2.

South Florida arrives after a 63-14 win over South Carolina State and a nonconference slate that included road victories over Boise State and Florida and a loss at Miami. The Bulls have averaged strong offensive production this season and are led by quarterback Byrum Brown, who has thrown for 983 yards and six touchdowns while completing about 63 percent of his passes; he has also contributed roughly 120 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Wide receivers Chas Nimrod and Keshaun Singleton have emerged as primary targets and the running game is producing roughly 134 yards per game. Defensively, USF has allowed about 21.5 points per game and forced several turnovers, with linebackers Mac Harris and Jhalyn Shuler cited as key playmakers.

Charlotte has struggled on offense and with ball security. The 49ers average roughly 18 points per...