Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Edge Houston Texans 20-19, Remain Undefeated at 2-0
Published
3 months agoon
By
Willie DavidTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved to 2-0 with a hard-fought 20-19 win over the Houston Texans on Monday night. Despite being short-handed on the offensive line and dealing with injuries to key players, Head Coach Todd Bowles’ team found ways to make crucial plays late and secure another close victory.
Bowles: Eyes on 3-0, Not Just Satisfied With 2-0
Head Coach Todd Bowles made it clear he isn’t content with another 2-0 start. “The fact is, we haven’t been 3-0. So that’s a problem we’ve got to solve,” Bowles said. “It’s a long season. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” He emphasized that while the Bucs are proud of their start, the challenge ahead is turning strong early momentum into long-term consistency.
Injury Challenges and Offensive Line Resilience
The Bucs were without both starting tackles, forcing young linemen Graham Barton, Charlie Heck, and others into action. Bowles praised their effort against Houston’s talented defensive front. Injuries remain a concern: guard Cody Mauch is questionable with a knee issue, while stars Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin Jr. remain week-to-week. Bowles stressed that neither player will be rushed back before they’re fully healthy.
Mayfield’s Leadership and Offensive Growth
Quarterback Baker Mayfield continues to bring grit and composure. His scrambling ability proved decisive on several third- and fourth-down plays. “That’s a nightmare for defenses,” Bowles said of Mayfield’s mobility. Mayfield admitted the offense has “a ton of room to grow” but credited his teammates’ mental toughness in clutch situations. “We’re always in the fight,” he said. Rookie WR Emeka Egbuka and RBs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving provided crucial sparks throughout the game.
Defense Bends but Finds Ways to Finish
The Buccaneers’ defense gave up early big plays but tightened late. Rookie safety Tykee Smith recorded his first career sack, while Antoine Winfield Jr. highlighted the importance of takeaways. “We have to take the ball away — we still haven’t gotten one yet,” Winfield said. Despite explosive plays allowed, the defense held firm when it mattered most, limiting Houston’s late chances.
What’s Ahead for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs now turn their focus to the New York Jets in their 50th season home opener, where over 100 former players will be in attendance. Bowles brushed off the nostalgia, saying, “That’s great, but that’s not going to help us get to 3-0.” With depth being tested, particularly along the offensive line and defensive front, the next game will test Tampa Bay’s resilience as they aim to extend their undefeated streak.
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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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Central Florida News
Old Dominion Downs USF 24-10 to Win 2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium
Published
13 hours agoon
December 18, 2025By
FNN SPORTSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Old Dominion capped a historic season with a 24-10 victory over South Florida on Tuesday night, capturing the 2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium behind a dominant defensive effort and two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Quinn Henicle.
The Monarchs (10-3) forced five turnovers, including four interceptions, and limited the Bulls (9-4) to 333 total yards. The win marked Old Dominion’s second 10-win season since moving to the FBS level in 2014 and capped a six-game winning streak to close the year.
Henicle Leads on the Ground, Earns MVP Honors
Making his first start after longtime starter Colton Joseph entered the transfer portal, freshman Quinn Henicle rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. His final score — a 51-yard run with just over two minutes remaining — sealed the Monarchs’ victory and earned him game MVP honors.
“It means everything,” Henicle said. “I didn’t play my best game, but my teammates helped me out. We got the win, and that’s all that matters.”
Henicle completed 11 of 25 passes for 127 yards, overcoming early struggles through timely runs and strong support from the defense.
Defense Forces Turnovers, Sets Records
Old Dominion’s defense proved decisive, led by safety Jerome Carter, who intercepted two passes to set a school single-season record with six interceptions. Carter’s second pick, which came during a fake punt attempt late in the fourth quarter, set up Henicle’s game-clinching touchdown.
The Monarchs also set StaffDNA Cure Bowl records for interceptions by a team (four) and solo tackles in a game, as linebacker Jeremy Mack Jr. recorded 10 solo stops.
“This team prepared like champions all year,” said Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne. “Bowls are important. This isn’t the NFL — this is college football.”
USF Comes Up Short Amid Key Absences
South Florida played without starting quarterback Byrum Brown and head coach Alex Golesh, who departed after the regular season. Backup quarterback Gaston Moore threw for 236 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted four times and exited early in the fourth quarter with an apparent head injury.
Despite leading 10-7 at halftime, the Bulls were held scoreless in the second half, missed two field goals, muffed a punt, and struggled to establish the run, finishing with just 52 rushing yards.
Old Dominion running back Devin Roche added 100 yards on 19 carries, helping the Monarchs control the clock and close out the win.
Central Florida News
Osceola Magic Fall to Memphis Hustle 125-122 on Holiday Jersey Giveaway Night
Published
2 days agoon
December 17, 2025By
Willie DavidKISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic mounted a determined comeback after falling behind early but ultimately came up just short in a 125-122 loss to the Memphis Hustle on Holiday Jersey Giveaway Night.
The Magic struggled defensively in the opening quarter as Memphis established an early advantage, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and efficient shooting. Osceola responded with improved ball movement and increased defensive intensity, gradually closing the gap as the game progressed.
In front of an energetic home crowd, the Magic surged late in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to one possession in the final moments. Despite several clutch baskets and key stops down the stretch, Osceola was unable to complete the comeback as Memphis held on for the narrow victory.
The matchup showcased the Magic’s resilience and depth, highlighting their ability to respond under pressure and compete until the final buzzer. Fans in attendance were treated to an exciting contest and a festive atmosphere as part of the team’s holiday celebration.
South Florida News
Florida Gators Top George Washington 80–70 to Win AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic
Published
4 days agoon
December 14, 2025By
Matt WolffSUNRISE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Playing what felt like a home game, the reigning national champion Florida Gators returned to South Florida and captured the 31st Annual AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic with an 80–70 victory over George Washington on Sunday night at Amerant Bank Arena.
Voice of Sports Reporter Florida National News Matt Wolff
Tommy Haugh and Xavian Lee set the tone early, opening the game with back-to-back 3-pointers and scoring Florida’s first 14 points. The Gators built an early eight-point lead before George Washington answered behind Tyrone Marshall Jr., who sparked a brief rally that gave the Colonials their first lead midway through the first half.
Florida regained control after halftime. Lee and Haugh combined for the first five points of the second half as part of an 11–0 run that stretched the lead to 41–27. Florida’s depth proved decisive, with reserve guard Isiah Brown providing key points and Micah Handlogten adding energy inside as the Gators pushed their advantage to as many as 20.
George Washington trimmed the deficit to single digits late, but Florida answered with emphatic dunks by Haugh and Boogie Fland and sealed the win at the free-throw line.
Lee earned tournament MVP honors, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Haugh added 19 points and seven rebounds. Marshall led George Washington with 14 points and six rebounds, while Trey Autry and Rafael Castro scored 12 points apiece.
Florida improved to 6–4 and returns to Gainesville to host St. Francis. George Washington fell to 8–4 and will host St. Mary’s (MD) on Dec. 22.
UMass Hands Florida State Fourth Straight Loss
In the opening game of the doubleheader, Florida State’s struggles continued as UMass defeated the Seminoles 100–85, handing FSU its fourth consecutive loss and surrendering 100 or more points for the second time in four games.
UMass jumped out early behind Marcus Banks Jr., who hit four first-half 3-pointers. Florida State rallied late in the half and carried a four-point lead into halftime, but the Minutemen seized control after the break.
Leonardo Bettiol recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds, igniting a decisive second-half run. A flagrant foul assessed to Florida State’s Lajae Jones led to a pivotal five-point possession that swung momentum firmly to UMass.
Hankins-Sanford Leads Second-Half Surge
Daniel Hankins-Sanford was named tournament MVP after scoring a career-high 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, including 18 points in the second half. K’Jei Parker added a career-best 24 points as UMass rallied from a halftime deficit and pulled away late.
For Florida State (5–5), Robert McCray V finished with 21 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Kobe Magee added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Florida State travels to Dayton on Tuesday. UMass opens MAAC play at home against Kent State on Dec. 20.
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