South Florida Bulls Open Brian Hartline Era With 19-9 Win Over FIU

USF took a 6-0 lead into halftime on two Nico Gramatica field goals, including a 53-yarder in the second quarter. FIU cut the deficit to 6-3 with a field goal early in the third quarter before the Bulls scored 13 points in the fourth.

The Bulls finished the game with three takeaways and did not turn the ball over. FIU quarterback JJ Kohl threw two interceptions, while FIU also lost a fumble.

"Turnovers, penalties, you don't want to beat yourself in week one," Hartline said after the game. "That's the biggest thing. A lot of times I've been a part of a lot of boring week ones, to say the least. Find a way to win and grow from there."

Gramatica Provides the Points

Gramatica opened the scoring with a 37-yard field goal late in the first quarter. He added a 53-yard field goal with 10:26 remaining in the second quarter to give USF a 6-0 lead at halftime.

FIU answered with a 29-yard field goal early in the third quarter, cutting the Bulls' lead to 6-3.

USF's offense then put together its first touchdown drive of the season late in the fourth quarter. Tayvion Beasley intercepted Kohl at the FIU 40-yard line and returned the ball five yards to the FIU 35.

The Bulls drove 35 yards in nine plays, with D.J. Crowther scoring on a 1-yard run with 13:07 remaining. The touchdown gave USF a 13-3 lead.

Crowther finished with 42 rushing yards on 14 carries.

"DJ's as consistent as they come," Hartline said. "Really reliable. When he's in there, we feel good about it."

Gramatica added a 30-yard field goal with 7:03 remaining and a 29-yarder with 1:44 left, giving him four field goals on the night.

FIU scored a touchdown on the final play of the game when James Resar caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Kohl, making the final score 19-9.

USF Defense Creates Three Turnovers

USF's defense recorded three takeaways during the game.

Beasley recorded his interception in the third quarter, while Tavin Ward picked off Kohl later in the game. Amarion Fortenberry recovered a Kohl fumble following a 2-yard run.

The three turnovers helped USF create additional scoring opportunities despite being outgained 381-208.

"The defense did a great job bending, not breaking," Hartline said.

Hartline also pointed to USF's ability to create field-position advantages throughout the game.

"We've identified the penalties, controlling the football, getting two first downs, playing the field position game, kicking the ball down there in pooch and using pooch as a weapon," Hartline said. "That's just good football."

Van Buren Makes First Start

Michael Van Buren Jr. made his first start of the season and completed 11 of 18 passes for 100 yards without an interception.

He also rushed seven times for seven yards.

Hartline said Van Buren's handling of the offense was an important part of his performance.

"Ball was never in jeopardy," Hartline said. "Ball was out of our hands. I don't think we took really any, any sacks, maybe per se, maybe one. If any. So really proud of the way he operated the offense."

Van Buren said his preparation gave him confidence heading into his first start.

"I'm really big on just preparing," Van Buren said. "And so I was confident in my preparation."

Bulls Control the Football

USF finished with 208 yards of total offense, including 108 rushing yards and 100 passing yards.

Jason Collins Jr. led the Bulls with 59 rushing yards on 17 carries. Crowther added 42 yards and a touchdown.

Hartline said the Bulls wanted to establish the run and emphasized the importance of execution along the offensive line.

"We talked about that was really important that the consistency of execution was a little better there than making the routine plays routine," Hartline said.

The Bulls also avoided turnovers and committed four penalties for 30 yards.

Hartline said USF still has areas to improve after the opener.

"We've got to find ways to finish more drives in the end zone," Hartline said. "That's something we'll continue to work on."

USF will now turn its attention to Week 2 after opening the season 1-0.

"Usually your biggest growth is from week one to week two," Hartline said. "So that'll be a huge goal of ours."