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

Paris Louvre Heist: Suspects Apprehended in Daring Crown Jewels Theft

PARIS (AP) — Authorities have apprehended individuals linked to the daring heist…

Coroner Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting at North Augusta Sprint Gas Station

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – An officer-involved shooting occurred at a gas station…

World War II Veteran Finally Honored with Burial 81 Years After Disappearance in the Pacific

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — After more than 80 years, the remains…

Fatal Collision with Utility Pole Claims Driver’s Life on Friday

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. — In a tragic accident on Friday night, a…

Danville Police Department Releases Safety Guidelines for Halloween Festivities

As Halloween approaches, law enforcement agencies throughout Central Illinois are emphasizing safety…

New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Gains Momentum with Endorsements from Bernie Sanders and AOC

NEW YORK – In a spirited gathering on Sunday, Zohran Mamdani, a…

Argentina’s Midterm Elections: A Crucial Test for President Milei’s Leadership and US Relations

BUENOS AIRES – On the northern shores of Argentina’s Riachuelo River, luxury…

Feed the Hungry Spreads Holiday Cheer with Early Festive Feasts to Combat Hunger

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Bringing early holiday cheer to Savannah’s southside, Feed the…