Delaware State vs South Florida Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 19 2026

The Delaware State Hornets travel to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, to face the South Florida Bulls on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET with coverage on ESPN+. Delaware State enters at 2-1 after beating Bowie State 21-6, while South Florida is 2-0 after producing a dramatic 28-24 comeback victory at Army. The Bulls opened their season by beating FIU 19-9 and now return home after proving they can win a difficult conference game on the road. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Be sure to check out our free college football picks for more NCAAF predictions throughout the season.

Delaware State Has Put Together a Competitive Start

Delaware State has already played three games and enters Tampa with a winning record. The Hornets opened with a 41-34 victory over Stony Brook, lost 22-15 at William & Mary and then responded Saturday by beating Bowie State 21-6. That gives Delaware State consecutive games in which its defense allowed 22 points or fewer after surrendering 34 in the opener.

Saturday's victory was particularly useful because Delaware State prevented Bowie State from generating much offense on the scoreboard. The Hornets led 7-0 at halftime, added two touchdowns in the third quarter and protected the advantage throughout the fourth. That kind of defensive approach will be necessary against South Florida because the Hornets cannot afford to turn this into a high-possession game against an FBS opponent.

The problem is the enormous increase in competition. South Florida has already beaten two FBS opponents and just won at Army, while Delaware State is stepping into its most difficult environment of the season. The Hornets need to avoid turnovers, shorten the game and prevent USF from creating quick scoring drives. Staying competitive during the opening quarter is essential if Delaware State hopes to remain inside a potentially massive spread.

South Florida Returns Home With Significant Momentum

South Florida's 2-0 start has been impressive because the Bulls have won in two completely different ways. They opened by holding FIU to nine points in a 19-9 victory, then traveled to West Point and rallied from a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to beat Army 28-24. USF scored 14 unanswered points over the closing minutes to steal a game it appeared likely to lose.

The Army victory provides considerably more meaningful evidence than anything South Florida could accomplish against an FCS opponent. USF demonstrated composure on the road and found enough offense when it absolutely needed it. The Bulls now return to Raymond James Stadium with an opportunity to move to 3-0 before their schedule becomes more demanding.

The betting question is how large the eventual spread becomes. South Florida should control this matchup and has an enormous roster advantage, but Delaware State has already played three games and enters with a winning record. Once the market moves beyond five touchdowns, the value starts shifting toward the underdog because USF has little reason to aggressively chase margin deep into the fourth quarter.

Delaware State vs South Florida Picks and Prediction

Pick: South Florida -31.5 or Better

Take South Florida if the spread is -31.5 or better. The Bulls have beaten two FBS opponents and now step substantially down in competition against Delaware State. USF should control field position, create more scoring opportunities and gradually exploit its advantage in depth. I would become much more cautious once the number climbs beyond five touchdowns, but anything around four touchdowns keeps South Florida playable.

Pick: Under 52.5

Take the Under if the total is set at 52.5 or higher. South Florida has allowed only 33 combined points through two games, while Delaware State's best path involves shortening the game and limiting possessions. The Bulls don't need a 50-point offensive performance to dominate. A projected South Florida 38, Delaware State 10 produces a comfortable favorite cover while remaining below the target total.

Final Picks: South Florida -31.5 or Better and Under 52.5