USF BEATS UAB – USF – USF ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PHOTO
A Return Home After a Rally for the Ages
GAME 3: Bulls vs Delaware State Title sponsor: Coca‑Cola Giveaway: Thundersticks (first 10,000 fans) Raymond James Stadium • Tampa, Fla. • Saturday, Sept. 19 • 7:00 PM TV: ESPN+ Radio: Q105FM/Bulls Unlimited
South Florida returns to Raymond James Stadium with momentum few expected. After trailing Army by 10 points in the final minutes, the Bulls delivered one of the program’s most dramatic finishes in years. Michael Van Buren Jr.’s fearless 38‑yard strike to Joshua Porter on fourth‑and‑6 sealed a 28‑24 comeback and an unforgettable American Conference opener.
Now comes a very different assignment. Delaware State arrives as a five‑touchdown underdog, coached by former Buccaneers receiver DeSean Jackson. The Hornets are 2‑1, but USF has won 12 straight games against FCS opponents and holds a 35‑1 record against the subdivision since joining the FBS in 2000. The Bulls have also won eight straight at Ray‑Jay, the second‑longest home streak in program history.
Hartline’s Message: Process Over Opponent
Brian Hartline isn’t interested in the spread, the streak, or the opponent’s classification. His message has been consistent: go 1‑0 each week. Delaware State simply happens to be next.
Hartline emphasized that beating Army mattered because it showed USF could win tight games, something the program has struggled with in recent years. But he also stressed that the Bulls cannot allow satisfaction to derail preparation. Players echoed that sentiment, pointing to details, discipline and routine as the foundation of their early success.
Linebacker Zavier Hamilton said the difference between winning and losing often comes down to small margins. Center Thomas Shrader described the weekly process as non‑negotiable: meetings, film, recovery, and practice must stay consistent regardless of opponent.
Building an Identity
Through two games, USF has zero turnovers and only seven penalties. Hartline said the Bulls are trending in the right direction but still far from establishing a true identity. That will take weeks, not moments.
Saturday night offers another chance to build that identity, sharpen the details, and keep momentum rolling as conference play looms.
South Florida’s next opportunity arrives under the lights at Ray‑Jay. The Bulls have earned attention. Now they must earn 1‑0 again.
