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.

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.