Van Buren accounts for all four USF touchdowns as Joshua Porter’s 38-yard fourth-down catch completes a dramatic comeback at West Point.

WEST POINT, N.Y. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida coach Brian Hartline put the game in his offense’s hands Saturday — and the gamble paid off.

USF erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit and stunned Army 28-24 at Michie Stadium, capped by Michael Van Buren Jr.’s 38-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Porter on fourth-and-6 with 19 seconds remaining.

The dramatic road victory moved the Bulls to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in American Conference play, giving Hartline his first conference victory and first road win as USF’s head coach.

Van Buren Powers Fourth-Quarter Comeback

Trailing 24-14 with less than five minutes remaining, USF needed two touchdowns — and Van Buren delivered.

The quarterback led a 75-yard scoring drive and broke free for a 24-yard touchdown run, cutting Army’s lead to 24-21 with 3:13 remaining.

USF attempted an onside kick, but Army recovered. The Bulls’ defense responded by forcing the Black Knights to punt, giving Van Buren and the offense one final opportunity.

Starting at its own 19-yard line with 1:46 remaining, South Florida drove into Army territory and reached the Black Knights’ 38.

Then came Hartline’s defining decision.

FILE – USF head football coach Brian Hartline watches the action during the Bulls’ 2026 Spring Game at Corbett Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The game marked the conclusion of Hartline’s first spring leading South Florida. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

Hartline Rolls the Dice on Fourth Down

Facing fourth-and-6 from the Army 38, USF was within the outer limits of kicker Nico Gramatica’s range for a potential 55-yard game-tying field goal.

Hartline initially kept the offense on the field and used USF’s final timeout with 25 seconds remaining.

After the timeout, the Bulls still did not send out the field-goal unit.

Hartline went for the win.

Van Buren took the snap and found Porter streaking down the right sideline for a 38-yard touchdown, putting USF ahead 28-24 with 19 seconds remaining.

Army got one final possession, but the Black Knights’ attempt to keep the play alive ended with a fumble recovered by USF’s Herlin Perry Jr., sealing the comeback.

Van Buren Accounts for All Four USF Touchdowns

Van Buren finished 19-of-30 passing for 239 yards and two touchdowns while adding a team-high 45 rushing yards and two more scores on five carries.

He accounted for all four USF touchdowns and produced 284 yards of total offense without committing a turnover.

Porter emerged as the late-game target USF needed, including the decisive fourth-down touchdown reception.

Bulls Show a Different Way to Win

USF opened Hartline’s first season with a 19-9 victory over FIU, a game in which kicker Nico Gramatica connected on four field goals.

One week later, the Bulls showed they could win differently.

Army controlled possession for much of Saturday’s game and outrushed USF 219-130, but South Florida scored 14 unanswered points over the final 4:59 to turn a 24-14 deficit into a four-point victory.

The Bulls are now 2-0 for the second consecutive season, but this start carries added significance under a new coaching staff. Hartline already has his first road victory, his first American Conference win and an early signature moment as USF’s head coach.

When faced with the choice of attempting a long field goal to tie the game or trusting his offense to win it, Hartline chose the latter.

Van Buren and Porter rewarded that decision with the biggest play of USF’s young season.

Up Next

USF returns home to face Delaware State on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.

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– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) beat the Cleveland Browns (0-1) 34-10 at EverBank Stadium today. The Jags scored early and often in this dominant victory over Cleveland, extending their winning streak to nine games, which is now the second-longest regular season winning streak in franchise history.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson entered this game 7-0 against the Jaguars. This was also his first game since October 20, 2024, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Watson’s first drive of the game was ended by a Foye Oluokun interception. The Jaguars first drive ended with a 30 yard touchdown pass by QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Parker Washington, with K Cam Little adding the extra point, to put the Jags ahead 7-0. The Jags added another score on their next drive, as Lawrence had his 100th career touchdown pass, a 4 yard completion to WR Josh Cameron, for Cameron’s first career TD reception. Little added the XP, to put the Jags up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Jaguars next possession in the second quarter ended with a 47 yard field goal by Little, extending the Jaguars lead 17-0. On the Browns’ next possession, the Jags forced a fumble by WR KC Concepcion Jr., which was recovered by DE Josh Hines-Allen. Five plays later, Lawrence later completed a 14 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange, followed by another Little extra point, as the Jags moved ahead 24-0, which remained the score at halftime.

The Jaguars’ first possession of the third quarter ended with another score, as Lawrence found WR Jakobi Meyers in the end zone, completing a 32 yard pass, followed by another XP by Little. The Jags now led 31-0. The Browns finally put points on the board on their next drive, with a 26 yard field goal by K Andre Szmyt, reducing the deficit to 31-3. Little added a 40 yard field goal, putting the Jags ahead 34-3 at the end of the quarter.

Nick Mullens entered the game at Quarterback for the Jags about midway through the fourth quarter. Trevor Lawrence left the game with a QB rating of 150.6, his highest ever. The Browns did manage a 46 yard touchdown pass by Watston to WR Denzel Boston just after the two-minute warning, followed by Szmyt’s XP, making the final score 34-10.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 245 passing yards and 4 TDs. Bhayshul Tuten led the Jaguars’ rushing with 66 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 83 yards and 1 TD.

Trevor Lawrence also became only the fourth player in NFL history to record at least 100 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns before turning 27 years old. The first three were Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Cam Newton.

Today’s game also marked the return of WR/CB Travis Hunter, who missed 10 games last season with a torn LCL.

The Jaguars’ stadium renovations also continue all season long, with the team playing in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium for the 2027 season. For an update on this construction project, visit https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdPBZU-BqKC/?stkn=a2lrcXViMmx0aWJ5.

The Jaguars head west to Denver to play the Broncos on Sunday, September 20th at 4:05 p.m. EST. They return to EverBank to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 27th at 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

General public ticket sales begin Sept. 17 for Central Florida’s signature PGA TOUR event at Bay Hill

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Golf fans can begin making plans for the 2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, with tickets and upgraded fan experiences now available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders ahead of next week’s general public sale.

The Mastercard presale began Sept. 10, a date that would have marked golf legend Arnold Palmer’s 97th birthday. The tournament returns March 18-21, 2027, to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.

Tickets for the general public go on sale Thursday, Sept. 17.

Ticket Prices Start at $40

General admission tickets start at $40 for Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds. Thursday tickets begin at $85, while admission Friday through Sunday starts at $99.

Prices are before fees and are subject to change.

Mastercard cardholders can save 10% on ticket purchases, excluding taxes, when paying with a Mastercard.

“We strive to create unique experiences at all price points,” Tournament Director Drew Donovan said. “From our special events to our premium experiences, there is something for everyone.”

Donovan said spectators can choose from experiences ranging from Bay Hill Clubhouse access at The Orange Grove to front-row viewing at the Michelob Ultra Fan Deck and the premium Lakehouse experience.

Premium Fan Experiences Return to Bay Hill

The Orange Grove returns in 2027 with enhanced amenities, including access to the Bay Hill Clubhouse. The all-inclusive experience features tournament grounds admission, daily clubhouse access, entry to Arnie’s at the Orange Grove, food and beverages, private greenside seating at No. 9 and parking with the four-day Tournament Experience package.

The Michelob Ultra Fan Deck, located between the 15th green and 16th tee, also returns following a full rebrand. The venue features upgraded concessions, a large live video wall and front-row views of players competing at No. 16. Fan Deck tickets, including grounds admission, start at $150.

The Lakehouse returns after selling out in each of its first two years, including an even faster sellout in 2026.

Tournament organizers also plan to bring back Wine & Dine on 9, Birdies & BBQ and Throwback Thursday presented by Corkcicle. All three events sold out last year. Dates, prices and additional details are expected to be announced later.

Akshay Bhatia Set to Defend Title

Defending champion Akshay Bhatia is expected to return to Bay Hill following a career-best year and will compete for a share of the tournament’s elevated $20 million purse.

The 2027 field is expected to once again feature many of the world’s leading golfers competing for one of the PGA TOUR’s most prestigious titles. Additional player commitments will be announced closer to tournament week.

Continuing Arnold Palmer’s Legacy

The Arnold Palmer Invitational has become one of Central Florida’s signature sporting events while preserving Palmer’s influence on professional golf and the Orlando community.

Proceeds benefit the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and its work supporting children’s health, character development and nature-focused wellness initiatives.

The tournament will be played March 18-21, 2027, at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.