Memphis shuts down sputtering USF 23-10

TAMPA, Fla. -- Jake Elliott kicked a pair of first-half field goals, one of them a 56-yarder that hit the crossbar and bounced through to help Memphis beat sputtering South Florida 23-10 for the Tigers' first American Athletic Conference victory on Saturday night. The Tigers (3-6, 1-4) broke open a close game, driving 59 yards in plays following a punt to score on a 5-yard run by Brandon Hayes to make it 13-3 with 4:09 remaining. Dion Witty 's interception and 22-yard return set up Elliott's third field goal of the night, and Bobby McCain ran back a pick 37 yards for a touchdown to turn it into a rout. USF (2-7, 2-3) avoided going without an offensive touchdown for the fifth time when Mike White threw a 31-yard TD pass to Andre Davis with 46 seconds left.