Gramatica's kick lifts South Florida to an 18-16 upset at No. 13 Florida and heats Napier's seat
Share and Follow

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Nico Gramatica hit a 20-yard field goal as time expired and South Florida stunned No. 13 Florida 18-16 on Saturday to give the Bulls consecutive wins against ranked opponents to start the season.

Gramatica missed a 58-yarder with 2:52 remaining but got a chance to redeem himself after Florida defensive lineman Brandon Bett spit at a South Florida player on the Bulls’ next possession. Bett was ejected with a little more than two minutes to play, and the Bulls (2-0) got 15 yards and an automatic first down to spark an 87-yard drive.

It was the latest setback for embattled Florida coach Billy Napier, whose team is 1-1 for the fourth consecutive year.

The Gators looked as though they would rally after freshman Vernell Brown III returned a punt 40 yards to set up DJ Lagway’s lone touchdown pass. But the Gators flopped down the stretch, an all-too-familiar feeling during Napier’s tenure.

Napier’s play-calling was scrutinized as much as Lagway’s rehabilitated throwing shoulder, and the Gators found themselves trailing 15-9 in the fourth quarter following a defensive breakdown and a safety caused by a poor snap.

Poll implications

The Bulls will break into the AP Top 25 College Football Poll after upsetting then-No. 25 Boise State last week. The Gators surely will drop.

The takeaway

South Florida became only the third unranked team since 2000 to start 2-0 by beating two ranked teams, joining 2012 Oregon State and 2008 East Carolina.

Florida: The Gators have bigger issues than Lagway’s rust. Their offensive line allowed too much pressure and failed to create enough holes against USF.

Up next

South Florida: Plays at No. 5 Miami next Saturday, the Bulls’ third consecutive game against a ranked team.

Florida: Plays at No. 3 LSU next Saturday. The Gators last won in Baton Rouge in 2016.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Universal Orlando to reopen Stardust Racers attraction after rider's death

Video above: Attorney Ben Crump calls for more government oversight after roller…

Court Delays Decision on Treatment Plan for Man Accused of Stalking Jennifer Aniston

LOS ANGELES – A judge remained undecided Friday on the treatment and…

AVCO Marine customers question length of criminal investigation

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Three years later, customers of the now-defunct AVCO…

Veteran Sentenced for Falsely Claiming Purple Heart and Committing Wire Fraud

NEWBURGH, N.Y. (WTEN/WXXA) — A New York military veteran who lied about…

Oxford Exchange Celebrates 13 Years as Tampa’s Iconic Gathering Place for Food, Culture and Community

Oxford Exchange 420 West Kennedy Boulevard Open Daily ABOUT OXFORD EXCHANGE Mad…

A Decatur man receives a 7-year sentence for a rape committed in 2023

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Just more than two years after he sexually…

Friday Night Football 2025: Week 8 Scores and Highlights

() – Welcome to Week 8 of Football Friday Night 2025! Check…

Authors Challenge Ban on ‘Tango Makes Three’ Book in Federal Court

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Attorneys for the book’s authors and a student Friday…