Central Florida News
USF Pulls Away From Delaware State in 59-17 Win
D.J. Crowther scores three rushing touchdowns as South Florida turns a four-point first-half game into a convincing home victory.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida improved to 3-0 Saturday night with a 59-17 victory over Delaware State at Raymond James Stadium, but the final score did not tell the story of the first half.
Delaware State stayed within striking distance and cut USF’s lead to 21-17 late in the second quarter before the Bulls scored 38 unanswered points to put the game away.
Delaware State made USF work early. The Bulls created separation when the game moved into the second half.
Delaware State Keeps It Close Early
USF struck first, but Delaware State quarterback Ui Ale answered with a 90-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Stewart to tie the game at 7.
The Hornets continued to respond and pulled within four when Ale connected with Jaylin Terzado for a touchdown with 1:18 remaining before halftime.
South Florida answered before the break, with Luke Kromenhoek scoring from one yard out as time expired to send USF into halftime leading 28-17.
Luke Kromenhoek (17) celebrates with teammates after scoring on a one-yard touchdown run as time expired in the first half against Delaware State. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
What looked like a potential four-point halftime game quickly became an 11-point cushion for South Florida.
Crowther Sparks Second-Half Separation
D.J. Crowther led USF’s ground attack, finishing with 101 yards on eight carries and three touchdowns.
His 39-yard touchdown early in the third quarter helped open the game up as the Bulls held Delaware State scoreless throughout the second half.
USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) carries the ball into end zone for a bulls touch down. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.
Michael Van Buren Jr. completed 23 of 32 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown, while Joshua Porter led USF with eight catches for 106 yards.
The Bulls finished with 611 total yards, including 290 on the ground.
Michael Van Buren Jr. (3) surveys the field from the pocket as offensive linemen Ethan Green (79) and Caleb Cook (78) work in protection against Delaware State. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.
After surviving Delaware State’s early push, USF leaned on its depth and rushing attack to take control.
Bulls Move to 3-0
The win gives South Florida its first 3-0 start since 2018 under first-year head coach Brian Hartline.
Delaware State fell to 2-2 despite Ale throwing for 249 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
For USF, the win followed a dramatic comeback victory over Army one week earlier — this time with far less late-game drama.
Up Next
USF travels to Bowling Green on Sept. 26, while Delaware State returns home to face Towson.
– 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
Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.
The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.
Scheduled highlights include:
- Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
- Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
- Food from Zaza.
- Community resources from 311 and other participants.
Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.
NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839
New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.
UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.
Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.
FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.
UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.
Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.
Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.
INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.
The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.
– 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
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