Sunday, 3 a.m.
Before you criticize, keep this in mind. A few months ago, they were strangers in shoulder pads.
The quarterback didn't know the receivers, who didn't know the offfensive linemen, who didn't know the defensive backs, and so on. They were a roomful of mercenaries, brought in the form a team.
So, yeah, the opening of the Brian Hartline era could have been crisper Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls spent a lot of time looking disjoined before they closed out a 19-9 win over Florida International.
The Bulls struggled to move the ball all nihgt. FIU finished the game with 173 more yards and five more first downs. USF led only 6-3 after three periods.
The Bulls scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, however, to pull away.
Nico Gramatica kicked four field goals for the Bulls.
J.J. Kohl therw for 301 yards for FIU. The Bulls ran for only 100 yards and threw for 100.
USF is on the road Saturdays against Army for a noon game.
Florida 66, FAU 21; Florida coach Jon Sumrall had an impressive debut Saturday, rolling over the Owls.
Quarterback Aaron Philo threw for 275 yards and three toughens. Jaden Baugh ran for 160 yards. Vernell Brown caught six passes for 117 yards.
The Gators led only 24-14 midway through the second period. They outscored FAU 42-7 afterward/