South Florida Stuns No. 13 Florida in Last-Second Upset, Fueling Napier Hot Seat Talk

South Florida pulled off a stunning college football upset on Saturday. They defeated the 13th-ranked Florida Gators 18-16 in Gainesville. Kicker Nico Gramatica sealed the win with a 20-yard field goal as time expired.

The victory marks the Bulls’ second consecutive win over a ranked opponent. It also intensifies pressure on Florida head coach Billy Napier after a costly loss at home.

Penalties and Poor Clock Management Doom Florida Gators

Florida’s performance was marred by mistakes. The team committed 11 penalties for 103 yards. Two major infractions on the final drive critically aided South Florida’s game-winning possession.

According to Associated Press coverage, defensive lineman Brandon Bett was ejected for spitting at an opponent. This occurred just one play after a pass interference call extended the Bulls’ drive. Napier’s clock management in the final minutes has also been widely questioned.

The Gators’ offense struggled to find the end zone. They settled for three field goals early in the game. This failure to convert opportunities into touchdowns proved decisive.

Significant Repercussions for Both Programs

The loss places Billy Napier’s job security firmly in the spotlight. His record at Florida now stands at an even 20-20. This defeat to an unranked team at home will increase scrutiny from fans and analysts.

For South Florida, this is a program-defining win under coach Alex Golesh. They become only the third unranked team since 2000 to start 2-0 with two wins over ranked opponents. The Bulls are now poised to break into the AP Top 25 rankings.

The upset causes a significant shake-up in the college football landscape. Florida will likely see a major drop in the polls. South Florida’s momentum builds heading into another tough game next week.

This stunning upset demonstrates the unpredictable nature of college football. South Florida’s dramatic victory over Florida will be remembered as a landmark moment for their program.

Info at your fingertips

What was the final score of the South Florida vs. Florida game?

The final score was 18-16. South Florida won on a last-second field goal by kicker Nico Gramatica.

Why is Florida coach Billy Napier under pressure?

Napier’s record at Florida is now 20-20. The upset home loss to an unranked team has frustrated fans and increased expectations for a change.

How many ranked teams has South Florida beaten?

South Florida has now beaten two ranked teams in two weeks. They defeated then-No. 25 Boise State the previous week.

What is next for both teams?

South Florida plays at No. 5 Miami next Saturday. Florida faces a tough road game against No. 3 LSU.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press