A Strong Start to the Hartline Era
South Florida launched its 30th season of football and the beginning of the Brian Hartline era with a 19–9 victory over FIU on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium. The atmosphere was electric as 41,847 fans, including nearly 10,000 students, packed the stadium to welcome Hartline and a roster featuring 62 new Bulls and 19 new starters. The win made Hartline the fifth USF head coach to win his debut and extended the Bulls’ home winning streak to eight games.
Quarterback Michael Van Buren became the 12th USF quarterback to win his debut, opening the game with five straight completions and finishing 11-of-18 for 100 yards. More importantly, he guided an offense with nine new starters through a turnover-free performance, setting a disciplined tone for the season.
Gramatica’s Record Night
Nico Gramatica delivered one of the most impactful performances of the night, tying his career high with 13 points and matching his best mark with four made field goals. His 53-yard strike in the second quarter marked his sixth career field goal from 50-plus yards, extending his program record. He also pushed his streak of consecutive made field goals to 11, the fourth-longest in USF history.
Gramatica opened the scoring with a 37-yard kick late in the first quarter, then added field goals from 53, 30, and 29 yards as the Bulls steadily built their lead.
Defense Sets the Tone
USF’s defense controlled the game throughout, allowing just 80 rushing yards and forcing FIU into eight drives that ended in a turnover, punt, or turnover on downs. Amarion Fortenberry’s fourth-down stop early in the second quarter set up Gramatica’s long field goal, while Tayvion Beasley’s third-quarter interception sparked the Bulls’ lone touchdown drive. D.J. Crowther capped that possession with a 1-yard score, finishing with 42 rushing yards.
Looking Ahead
South Florida now turns its attention to West Point, where the Bulls will face Army in the earliest conference opener in program history. Kickoff is set for noon on CBS Sports Network, with radio coverage on Q105 FM and Bulls Unlimited.
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