By Karis Fedor
The University of South Florida Bulls opened their 30th season with a 19-9 win over Florida International University (FIU) in the final home opener at Raymond James Stadium in front of 41,847, which was the largest home-opener attendance since 2021. The Bulls will play next season in their new on-campus stadium.
Brian Hartline made his head-coaching debut and led a Bulls team that included 62 new players and 19 new starters, in what is becoming a trend in the portal era and the movement of coaches and players.
USF kicker Nico Gramatica carried the Bulls’ scoring with four field goals, tying a career best and marking an 11-game successive field goal streak. His 53-yarder in the second quarter was the sixth 50-plus field goal of his career.
Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., who previously played at Mississippi State and LSU, became the 12th Bulls quarterback to win their debut. Van Buren was 11-of-18 with 100 yards passing and seven yards running, leading an offense that committed no turnovers. D.J. Crowther ran for 42 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown.
The Bulls’ defense held FIU to 80 rushing yards and forced eight of the Panthers’ 11 drives to end with a turnover, punt or turnover on downs. The Bulls’ defense was led by Tayvion Beasley, who had an interception that set up a touchdown and a career-best four tackles.
Gramatica put USF on the board first with field goals late in the first and second quarters to give the Bulls a 6-0 halftime lead. FIU cut the Bulls’ lead in half with a field goal late in the third quarter. The Bulls took a 13-3 lead with 5:25 left in the game on a Crowther 1-yard run. Gramatica added two more field goals before
FIU ended the game with a James Resar 21-yard touchdown pass reception from JJ Kohl, giving the Bulls a 19-9 victory.
As part of the 30th Anniversary celebrations, USF featured former Bulls player and current Sumner head coach, George Selvie, a two-time All-American (2007-08), on the cover of its game program.
The Bulls take on Army at West Point on Saturday at noon with game coverage provided by CBSSN.
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