For the first time since 2018, the South Florida Bulls have started a season 3-0. Last night’s 59-17 win over the Delaware State Hornets marked that milestone, but the final score didn’t tell the whole story. South Florida led just 21-17 late in the first half before pulling away for a 42-point win.
The Bulls’ offense was humming Saturday, gaining 611 yards on the day. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. was efficient, completing 23-of-32 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown.
On the ground, South Florida averaged 9.4 yards per carry on 31 rush attempts. Running back D.J. Crowther had a career day as he rushed for 101 yards on eight carries while finding the end zone three times. Hartline was complimentary of Crowther’s play and work ethic as he repeatedly highlighted his consistency.
Despite the 42-point victory, South Florida struggled to pull away in the first half. With just over a minute left in the first half, South Florida led just 21-17 before a 72-yard drive that lasted 1:12 ended in a Luke Kromenhoek touchdown run to send the Bulls into the locker room leading 28-17.
The second half was all Bulls as they outscored the Hornets 31-0 to put the game out of reach. After forcing a turnover on downs on Delaware State’s first possession of the half, South Florida needed just four plays to score on a 39-yard touchdown run from Crowther.
Defensively, the Bulls surrendered 353 yards on the day and struggled to get off the field in the first half. Delaware State was able to exploit the South Florida defense on its scoring drives. Quarterback Ui Ale connected with receiver Nathan Stewart for a 90-yard touchdown before later finding Jaylin Terzado in the end zone toward the end of the half.
Van Buren Jr. continued his steady play, protecting the football while choosing his opportunities to take shots downfield. He crossed the 300-yard mark for the first time this season and only the third time in his career.
Hartline was not pleased with the team’s performance in the first half. “I think we didn’t do a very good job getting started. I didn’t think we were clean or elite in any fashion,” Hartline said. He later highlighted that throwing away a half is not something the Bulls will be able to afford as they enter the bulk of their conference schedule.
South Florida will travel to Bowling Green next week to take on the Falcons at 5 p.m. ET. The game can be streamed on ESPN+.
