TAMPA, Fla. — With its offense struggling early, USF found its biggest play on defense.
C.J. Hicks returned a fumble 96 yards for a touchdown Saturday, turning a potential Kent State scoring drive into the breakthrough the Bulls needed in a 29–2 victory at Raymond James Stadium. USF improved to 5–2 and completed its first unbeaten nonconference schedule since 2018.
Kent State led 2–0 and had reached the USF 1-yard line when quarterback Dru DeShields lost the ball on a sneak attempt. Hicks collected the fumble and raced the other way, matching the program record set by Kayvon Webster against Notre Dame in 2011.
The Bulls entered halftime ahead 10–2 despite being outgained 197–101. Their defense repeatedly protected the end zone, denying Kent State on two possessions inside the USF 5-yard line.
Offense Finds Breathing Room After Halftime
Luke Kromenhoek added a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Michael Van Buren Jr. later connected with Cameron Seldon for a 36-yard score as USF extended its advantage.
Van Buren finished 22-of-27 for 193 yards and a touchdown. Seldon caught four passes for a career-high 60 yards, while Michael Williams II contributed 1.5 sacks.
USF’s defense surrendered no offensive points and limited Kent State to 228 total yards. The performance gave the Bulls a convincing finish, although their slow offensive start remains an area to address.
Following a bye week, USF returns to Raymond James Stadium to face UAB on Oct. 31.