TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – South Florida Bulls University overcame the University of Florida Gators this weekend by pulling off one of the biggest wins in program history.
For years, USF has been carrying out the underdog labels. However, on Saturday night the Bulls became one of only nine teams to beat Florida inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, known as the “Swamp.”
A student travelling from Tampa to Gainesville said the atmosphere would be unforgettable.
“You grew up and it’s like a cathedral of college football… Everyone was counting us… it was legendary,” said Dylan Lewis, a sophomore in sports marketing major.
“That’s insane, I don’t even know how to explain it,” added sophomore Owen Swatko, who traveled to the game with Lewis.
Returning to campus, the celebration continues. Sophomore Tabitha Barr-Strother said he couldn’t wait to boast about her family, a longtime Gators fan.
“I called everyone and yeah, we beat everything,” Burr Stazer laughed.
For many people, victory feels like the beginning of something big. Swatco said the culture around USF football is changing and excitement will grow when the school’s new campus stadium is built.
Veteran USF broadcaster and writer Joey Johnston said the victory is far apart.
“Incredible. To go to the Swamp and win as a USF bull… people dream of a day like this,” Johnston said. “What makes this different from all the big wins USF had is this was the Florida Gators in the swamp, and you can’t underestimate it.”
The Bulls are currently ranked 18th in the latest AP Top 25 polls. For programs fighting for respect, students said the victory was proof that USF belongs to the national stage.
