GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a surprising finish, Nico Gramatica kicked a 20-yard field goal as time ran out, leading South Florida to a thrilling 18-16 victory over No. 13 Florida. This win marks the Bulls’ second victory against ranked teams to kick off their season.
South Florida, fresh off a win against then-No. 25 Boise State, has now become just the fourth unranked team in history to beat ranked opponents in its first two games, joining past teams like the 2012 Oregon State Beavers.
Gramatica almost missed his moment—he had previously missed a long 58-yard field goal. However, the game turned when Florida’s defensive lineman Brandon Bett spit at a South Florida player, earning himself an ejection and granting the Bulls 15 yards and a fresh set of downs with just over two minutes to go. This ignited an 87-yard drive that concluded with Gramatica’s game-winner.
For Florida, this was another tough outing under coach Billy Napier. His Gators now sit at 1-1 for the fourth straight year, raising more questions about their strategy and execution.
The Gators had shown promise during the game, especially when freshman Vernell Brown III returned a punt for 40 yards, setting up a touchdown pass from DJ Lagway. Yet, a defensive misstep and a safety due to a bad snap left Florida trailing 15-9 as the fourth quarter wore on, a troubling trend for fans who hoped for improvement.
This outcome reflects ongoing challenges within the Gators’ program. According to a recent survey by ESPN, sports analysts noted that Florida’s performance has declined over the past few years, questioning the team’s direction under Napier. Engaging fans on social media, many took to Twitter to express their frustration, calling for changes in leadership and strategy.
As the season progresses, South Florida continues to prove it can compete, while Florida faces pressing challenges to turn their fortunes around. The stakes are high, and both teams will be watched closely in the coming weeks.
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