It's always hard to tell about opening games with a new staff and mostly new roster. There are too many variables, and South Florida certainly did litte Saturday night in its opeing game to change that narrative.
But the Bulls did capture the most important storyline of the night.
The Brian Hartline began with a 19-9 win over a game FIU team at Raymond James Stadium, even though we shouldn't release too many balloons or shoot off fireworks over the result. The Bulls got the win against a team they were favored by two touchdowns to beat, but it was a struggle for most of the night and they have to get better.
A lot better.
There were some positives.
USF's Nico Gramatica made four field goals, including a 53-yarder, so that was good.
And the Bulls' defense made plays when they had to, but for much of the game USF's offense couldn't get going against the Panthers.
That's a little concerning heading into next Saturday's game at Army, considering that it will likely control the time of possession. The Black Knights of the Hudson rolled an outclassed Bryant team 59-3 in their opening game, but don't worry about the score. Bryant didn't belong on the same field with Army.
But do be concerned that Army ran for 569 yards in that game and averaged 10 yards per carry. They only threw 13 passes versus 57 runs. Typical Army stuff.
Can USF's defense stand up to that, likely considering that the Bulls' offense won't get as many chances with the ball?
We'll find out.
But despite the offensive struggles, give the Bulls' defense credit for being the difference in this game. Especially point to a big interception by defensive back Tayvion Beasley at midfield late in third quarter with the Bulls clinging to a 6-3 lead with the Panthers on the move.
USF turned the interception into points when Dartmouth transfer running back D.J. Crowther scored from a yard out with 13:07 to play. That stretched the Bulls' lead to 10 points, which was enough on this night.
Crowther takes multiple carries in the red zone and brings it all the way for a South Florida TD. The score is now USF 13, FIU, 3 with 13:07 left to play in the 4th.
— Mackenzie Neglia (@MackenzieNeglia) September 6, 2026
What do we draw from this game?
Start with the defense. The Bulls bent at times but didn't break. Beasley's big interception was the game-changer. They made plays that kept FIU out of the end zone. They forced a turnover with 11:14 left that left FIU down by 10 points with the clock ticking.
The offense?
Well, Hartline promised an attack that wouldn't resemble the frenetic approach favored the last three years by Alex Golesh, and he delivered. Although the Bulls were sluggish there for three quarters, their massive offensive line did seem to wear down the Panthers as the game went on.
Safety Tavin Ward's interception with 4:28 remaining put the game away. FIU's only touchdown came on the final play of the game when the result was already decided.
At the end of the day -- the start of USF's 30th season of football and the Bulls' final season at Raymond James Stadium -- mission accomplished.
But Hartline knows, we know, and everyone who watched the game knows, the Bulls have to get better.
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