College Football

UCF vs. Pitt: The Defeat Heard Around the World

Published

7 years ago

September 21, 2019

UCF helmet photo: Derek Warden, as seen on Black & Gold Banneret.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – UCF had a rollercoaster season in 2018. With losing star quarterback Mckenzie Milton to a scary injury and losing in the Fiesta Bowl to LSU, the Knights yearn to bounce back and redeem themselves this year.

With losing backup quarterback Darell Mack Jr. to a season-ending injury, UCF Knights began their season with a quarterback competition between Notre Dame graduate transfer Brandon Wimbush, redshirt freshman Quadry Jones, and incoming freshman Dillion Gabriel. The competition ended with Coach Josh Heupel naming Dillion Gabriel to start.

In the past three games, UCF blew out Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, and Stanford; and they were getting national recognition. Different analysts, including Joey Galloway, Jonathan Vilma, and others, have claimed that they don’t see the Knights making it to the College Football Playoff this year. So with a chip on their shoulders, UCF headed into this game against Pittsburgh Panthers with both momentum and a “mamba mentality.”

The Pittsburgh Panthers destroyed UCF on both sides of the ball in the first half. Running back A.J. Davis scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown on the goal line which gave his team the lead with a 7-0 score. UCF’s quarterback Dillion Gabriel struggled to move the offense and threw an interception to Pitt linebacker Phill Campbell, which gave the Panthers an extra boost. Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett then threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Maurice French leading the score of 14-0.

UCF seemed determined to not give up, and running back Adrian Killins gave the team some life by rushing for a touchdown, shrinking Pitt’s lead by seven points.

In the second half, UCF came out strong and more focused as running back Otis Anderson made an incredible play by scoring on a huge punt return. Dillion Gabriel emerged resurgent, throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Gabe Davis, giving UCF the lead with a 31-21 score.

The Panthers, who weren’t going to let the Knights win in their home stadium, came back with a passing touchdown of their own with backup quarterback Nick Patti, cutting the lead by three points.

The fourth quarter became a “David and Goliath” battle between the teams. With Dillion Gabriel being nervous and Pitt kicker Alex Kissman missing a chance to tie the score, this game was up for grabs.

Gabriel came up huge by throwing a “dime” pass to receiver Tre Nixon for a huge first down. On 4th and 2, UCF decided to run the ball, but was quickly met by Pitt’s D-line.

Late in the fourth, Pitt’s offense failed to capitalize on a good possession that would’ve put them ahead of UCF.

On UCF’s turn, Gabriel threw a pass again to Tre Nixon on a 3rd and short, which converted into a huge first down. After reviewing the play, the refs came up with the solution that the receiver has been stopped short of the first down. By way of a field goal, UCF increased the lead with a score of 34-28.

The Panthers retaliated with a play now called the “Pitt Special” that not only gave them the lead, but also caused them to win the game.

UCF’s defeat caused a major shockwave throughout college football.

What can UCF do to bounce back? UCF has to be more focused and more aggressive on the offensive side. Gabriel needs to be more comfortable in the pocket, trust his receivers, and make smart decisions.

On the other hand, the defense needs to maintain its aggression. Both the corners and safeties must make some plays and create an immediate impact.

Like the old saying goes, “never underestimate.”

__________________________________________________________

Jonathan Anderson is a Florida National News sports contributor. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

(more…)

Central Florida News

Temple Hands USF First Loss, 17-13

Published

2 weeks ago

October 4, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Cameron Seldon races toward the sideline as Temple defenders force him out of bounds. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

Bulls move to 4-1 as Hartline turns attention toward corrections and the week ahead

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida’s unbeaten start ended Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium as Temple defeated the Bulls 17-13. USF struck first behind a Nico Gramatica field goal but went into halftime trailing 10-3 before finding momentum after the break.

USF responded in the third quarter as D.J. Crowther’s one-yard touchdown tied the game at 10.

USF and Temple battle at the line of scrimmage. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

The Bulls’ defense added a key stop when No. 1 C.J. Hicks recovered a Temple fumble in the end zone. Gramatica later connected from 49 yards to give USF a 13-10 fourth-quarter lead. Temple answered with the defining possession of the night, driving 96 yards before quarterback No. 13 Ajani Sheppard scored on a 34-yard run to put the Owls ahead for good.

Temple’s 96-yard fourth-quarter drive became the turning point in the 17-13 finish.

Joshua Porter sprints for catch with Adrian Laing closing in for Temple. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

USF was unable to answer late, dropping to 4-1. Following the game, head coach Brian Hartline focused on returning to the film, correcting the mistakes that surfaced and making sure the Bulls use the loss to improve heading into the next week.

FINAL: Temple 17, USF 13

Up Next: USF travels to San Antonio to face UTSA on Thursday night.

– 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

Central Florida News

USF Saves Its Best Work for the Fourth in 14-6 Win Over Bowling Green

Published

3 weeks ago

September 29, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (FNN SPORTS) — The first three quarters belonged to a low-scoring game. The fourth belonged to South Florida.

Bowling Green entered the final quarter ahead 6-0, but USF’s defense had kept the margin small enough for one possession to change the direction of the game. Three quiet quarters did not decide this one. The final quarter did.

That opportunity came after a fourth-down stop near midfield.

USF Head Coach Brian Hartline reviewing play. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.

D.J. Crowther helped move the Bulls downfield, and Luke Kromenhoek finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run to put USF ahead 7-6.

Crowther was back at the center of the next scoring drive, ending a 72-yard possession with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the afternoon with 143 rushing yards on 23 carries.

Bowling Green’s final drive reached USF territory, but Asani Redwood recorded a late sack before the Falcons came up two yards short on fourth-and-16.

USF walked away with the 14-6 win and its first 4-0 start since 2018.