Facing a physical Black Knights squad at Michie Stadium, the Bulls battled through a back-and-forth afternoon before rallying late for a 28-24 victory, giving Hartline a conference win in his first league game at the helm.
Here’s what went down…
Offense
The difference-maker: Michael Van Buren.
The South Florida quarterback accounted for all four of the Bulls’ touchdowns, throwing for two and running for the other two. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 239 yards and added 45 rushing yards on five carries without committing a turnover.
Van Buren immediately established himself on the opening possession. The Bulls marched 75 yards in just seven plays, with Van Buren completing all three of his throws for 55 yards. The drive ended with a touchdown pass from Van Buren to wide receiver Bryson Rodgers for a seven-yard score, giving USF an early 7-0 lead.
The opening drive also highlighted the Bulls’ passing potential. Van Buren hit tight end Wyatt Sullivan for 17 yards and wide receiver Cameron Seldon for 31, proving he can stretch the ball down the field.
Army’s offense controlled the game for long stretches, leaving the Bulls with limited opportunities with the ball.
Even with limited possessions, Van Buren made them count. South Florida’s first meaningful possession of the second half didn’t come until after Army opened the third quarter with a three-and-out.
Van Buren converted a 15-yard pass to wide receiver Arhmad Branch, then found Branch again for 17 more to move the offense into Army territory. From there, he broke loose for an 18-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game at 14 apiece.
The defining sequence came after the Black Knights grew their lead to 24-14 with five minutes remaining.
The Bulls, led by Van Buren, answered back with a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took under two minutes. South Florida’s gunslinger completed five straight passes on this drive, including four to Rodgers, before taking off on a 24-yard touchdown run. Just like that, USF had cut the lead to just three: 24-21.
The following drive won the game.
The Bulls forced Army to punt, and the offense took over at its own 19 following an unnecessary roughness penalty. Van Buren hit wide receiver Joshua Porter for seven yards and then for another 22. Before you knew it, the Bulls were at Army’s 38-yard-line.
Instead of settling for a potential field goal, Coach Hartline kept his offense on the field on fourth-and-6.
The risk paid off.
With 19 seconds left in the game, Van Buren found Porter for a 38-yard touchdown, putting the Bulls ahead 28-24 and stunning all of Michie Stadium.
Defense
Army’s intense rushing attack controlled most of the afternoon, with the Black Knights possessing the ball for almost 36 minutes and rushing for 219 yards. But South Florida’s defense came through when the game threatened to get out of hand.
With the Black Knights leading 24-21 late in the fourth quarter, linebacker Zavier Hamilton recorded a crucial sack on third down to force a three-and-out and give the Bulls another crack at scoring more points.
Once the Bulls took a 28-24 lead with 19 seconds remaining, the defense sealed the win when defensive end Michael Williams tipped a backward pass, leading to a fumble recovered by cornerback Herlin Perry Jr.
The Bulls’ defense bent at times, but made critical stops and finished with the game’s only turnover.
What’s Next?
Next up for the Bulls, they will take on the Delaware State Hornets on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, back at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Go Bulls!