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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Nico Gramatica nailed a 20-yard field goal just as the clock hit zero, giving South Florida a surprising victory over No. 13 Florida, 18-16, on Saturday. This marks the Bulls’ second consecutive win against a ranked team at the season’s start.
Gramatica initially missed a long 58-yard attempt with less than three minutes left but was given another opportunity after an incident involving Florida’s Brandon Bett. Bett was expelled from the game for spitting at a South Florida player during their next drive, earning the Bulls (2-0) 15 additional yards and an automatic first down that propelled an 87-yard march down the field.
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South Florida place kicker Nico Gramatica kicks a field goal against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) -
Florida wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) catches a touchdown pass in front of South Florida cornerback De’Shawn Rucker (22) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) -
South Florida wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) slips past Florida defensive back Sharif Denson (0) and scores a touchdown on a 66-yard pass play during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) -
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway (2) escapes a tackle by Florida linebacker Ty Jackson during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
It was the latest setback for embattled Florida coach Billy Napier, whose team is 1-1 for the fourth consecutive year.
The Gators seemed poised for a comeback following freshman Vernell Brown III’s impressive 40-yard punt return, which set up DJ Lagway’s only touchdown pass. However, the team faltered in the final moments, something that has become a familiar pattern during Coach Napier’s time.
There was much criticism of Napier’s strategy along with concerns about Lagway’s shoulder. The Gators were down 15-9 in the fourth quarter due to a defensive lapse and a safety from 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’s achievement places them among a rare group of unranked teams since 2000 to start 2-0 by defeating two ranked opponents, a feat previously accomplished by 2012 Oregon State and 2008 East Carolina.
Florida: Beyond Lagway’s performance issues, the Gators face significant challenges. Their offensive line struggled with pass protection and didn’t open enough paths against the USF defense.
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.
