American Conference

The Bulls, who trailed 6-0 as the fourth quarter began, scored 14 unanswered points while their defense kept the lid on the Falcons' offense, which has struggled all season.

South Florida won its third straight to open the season. D.J. Crowther ran for three of the Bulls' rushing scores and the defense shut out the Hornets in second half.

Michael Van Buren ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more, including a 38-yarder to Joshua Porter on fourth down with 19 seconds left, to rally the Bulls from a 10-point deficit.

The Bulls face FIU to open their final season at Raymond James Stadium with Brian Hartline in charge, Michael Van Buren at quarterback and "no excuses" heading into their fourth decade.

The Fowler Avenue Collective encouraged supporters to redirect donations to the Bulls Club, the university’s official athletic booster group, a shift that aligns with a broader move toward school-managed compensation.

Chris Mack stood out so strongly among dozens of interested candidates that USF "proactively" pursued him. Within days, he has shown the required "relentless obsession" as he recruits "everyday guys."

During her introductory press conference, Curry noted the school's desire to compete "at the highest level” and promised to embrace the past and build on the success left by Jose Fernandez.

In opting for proof over promise, USF has hired College of Charleston's Chris Mack, who brings of a resume of 300-plus career wins and nine NCAA appearances at Louisville and Xavier.

Hodgson is joining a school in the Big East Conference, a basketball-first power league rich in tradition, resources and national exposure.

The Bulls will open on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. against Louisville in Buffalo – a homecoming for Coach Bryan Hodgson. They earned the bid by beating Wichita State in the American tournament final.

The Bulls need one more victory to earn an automatic bid in the NCAA tournament. A loss means waiting for a possible at-large bid from the selection committee.

South Florida thrashed the 49ers last weekend, but the stakes are higher now. The Bulls, the No. 1 seed, can earn a bid to the NCAAs with a win in Saturday's semifinal and in the title game Sunday.