Thrilling Showdown: South Florida Tops No. 13 Florida Gators 18-16 – Game Recap & Highlights

USF Pulls Off Stunning Upset Over Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In a thrilling finish, South Florida’s Nico Gramatica kicked a 20-yard field goal as time expired, leading the Bulls to a shock victory over 13th-ranked Florida, 18-16. The game unfolded in front of a sold-out crowd at Spurrier/Florida Field, leaving many Gators fans disappointed.

This victory marked a remarkable achievement for USF, which only joined Division I and FBS 25 years ago. They now boast wins over Florida, Florida State, and Miami in a relatively short history.

Senior quarterback Byrum Brown was instrumental, completing 23 of 36 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 66 yards. His 66-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter gave the Bulls their first lead.

Florida managed to briefly reclaim the lead thanks to a 40-yard punt return by freshman Vernell Brown III, followed by a short TD pass from DJ Lagway to Eugene Wilson III. However, USF remained resilient, starting their final drive deep in their territory.

Key moments in that drive included a critical defensive pass interference penalty against Gators’ Dijon Johnson and a major unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that resulted in the ejection of defensive lineman Brendan Bett. These costly mistakes opened the door for USF to advance the ball to Florida’s 32-yard line. Gramatica sealed the win with his third field goal.

Despite losing, Florida outperformed USF in total yards, but struggled with penalties. They were penalized 11 times for 103 yards, quite a contrast to their penalty-free season opener against Long Island.

USF’s defense managed to keep Lagway uncomfortable throughout the game, leading to a subpar performance for the sophomore quarterback. He finished with 222 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

The result is a sign of shifting tides in college football. USF has gained national attention and may now be a contender for a College Football Playoff berth. Furthermore, this game illustrates how unpredictable college football can be. Teams that might seem underdogs can win against more established programs, emphasizing the importance of discipline and execution.

Looking ahead, Florida faces a challenging schedule, starting with a night game at No. 3 LSU. The Gators will need to regroup quickly, as they aim to turn this setback into a learning opportunity.

This game highlights the excitement of college football, where upsets are always a possibility. In today’s game, the margins are thin, and every play counts.

For a deeper dive into the growing competitive landscape of college football, you can refer to reports from the NCAA and various sports news outlets.

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