Delaware State keeps it close early but South Florida prevails

In a close early contest, South Florida ultimately secured a 59-17 victory over Delaware State in a football game held on September 19 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Delaware State, an FCS school, trailed by just 21-17 at the end of the first half before the University of South Florida (USF), a member of the FBS American Conference, began to dominate with 38 unanswered points.

Ui Ale from Delaware State completed 16 of his 22 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns, and also contributed with 49 rushing yards. Jayden Sauray and Noah Brannock also had opportunities as quarterbacks. The Hornets outgained USF 288-281 in total yards during the first half. However, USF started the game off strongly by covering just 72 yards on four plays, including a DSU penalty, and managed to take a 7-0 lead.

Delaware State had a chance to narrow the gap after the first series, but Patrick Fisher-Butler missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. They were forced to punt and tied the game after one play. Ale then threw an 90-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Stewart from his own 10-yard line. USF responded immediately, gaining 75 yards on just four plays to extend their lead to 14-7.

Ale committed a fumble on a strip sack, which was recovered by USF at the Delaware State 41-yard line, leading to another Bulls touchdown and making it 21-7. Ale's 50-yard gain on the next series for Delaware State resulted in a 23-yard field goal attempt by Fisher-Butler that trimmed the gap to 21-10. Wayne Favors III later recovered a fumble for Delaware State at the USF 48-yard line. This led to Ale's 20-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Terzado, bringing the score to 21-17 with 1:18 left in the half.

However, USF answered with a touchdown on the final play of the first half, giving them a 28-17 halftime lead. Delaware State outgained USF 288-281 in total yards in the first half. The Hornets were then held to just 39 yards on the first possession of the second half. USF then unleashed a scoring spree to take the lead.