C.J. Hicks has 96-yard fumble return to spark South Florida past Kent State 29-2

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Michael Van Buren Jr., threw a touchdown pass, backup Luke Kromenhoek came in to run for a score and South Florida frustrated Kent State early and pulled away for a 29-2 win on Saturday night.

In the first half the Golden Flashes drove 77 yards to the USF 3 before getting stuffed on a fourth-and-2. The next play was a safety and after the ensuing free kick the Golden Flashes made it to the USF 1. Dru DeShields tried a sneak on third-and-goal but lost the ball and C.J. Hicks came around the edge and scooped it up, going 96 yards, tying a school record.

It was 10-2 at the half for the Bulls (5-2) even though the Golden Flashes (2-5) had more than an 11-minute advantage in time of possession.

The offensive touchdowns came in the second half as the Bulls took control.

Kromenhoek scored on a 1-yard plunge to cap a 15-play, 73-yard drive and Cameron Seldon's 36-yard touchdown reception ended a five-play, 65-yard drive.

Kent State had 31 yards of offense in the second half and gave up the ball on downs three more times.

Up next

Kent State: home against Akron next Saturday.

South Florida: home against UAB next Saturday.

——-

Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here. Visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here.