SHOCKER IN GAINESVILLE: SOUTH FLORIDA TOPPLES NO. 13 FLORIDA
Updated: Oct 31
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Swamp witnessed one of its most improbable nights. On Saturday, South Florida proved it must now be taken seriously, pulling off a second straight upset: after routing Boise State in the opener, the Bulls went into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and stunned No. 13 Florida, 18–16, on a walk-off field goal by Nico Gramatica.
Listed as an 18.5-point underdog, USF defied all odds, seizing a road victory that already feels like a turning point in the program’s modern history.
“This isn’t the old South Florida anymore,” head coach Alex Golesh declared. “These guys believed in a vision, and now they’re proving it’s real.”
FLORIDA COLLAPSES IN THE FINAL MINUTES
Up by one point with less than three minutes remaining, Florida appeared ready to close it out. Instead, discipline unraveled everything.
On the decisive drive, cornerback Dijon Johnson was flagged for pass interference, then defensive lineman Brendan Bett was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct after spitting on an opponent. The penalty handed USF 15 crucial yards and opened the door for the game-winning march.
Quarterback Byrum Brown quickly hit Alvon Isaac for a 29-yard burst after breaking multiple tackles, then connected with Joshua Porter to set up in the red zone. Gramatica, son of former NFL kicker Martin Gramatica, calmly drilled the 20-yarder that sealed the upset in stunned silence.
“We created it. We deserve it,” a bitter Billy Napier admitted. “If you play like that, criticism is inevitable. It’s our job to fix it.”
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE BULLS
With this win, South Florida became just the fourth unranked team since 1936 to start a season by beating two Top-25 opponents. The last time the Bulls won on the road against a ranked foe was at Notre Dame in 2011.
And the story may not be over: next week brings a trip to No. 5 Miami. A win there would place USF alongside programs like 1987 Miami and 1985 Michigan, the rare few to begin a season with three straight victories against ranked opponents.
PENALTIES SINK THE GATORS
Florida committed 11 penalties for 103 yards. Two of them erased touchdowns in the first half: a scoring run by Ja’Kobi Jackson and a touchdown pass from DJ Lagway to Tony Livingston. Instead of touchdowns, the Gators settled for just a field goal and a slim 6–3 lead.
Worse yet was the clock management. Leading 16–15 with under three minutes left, Napier opted for two pass plays instead of riding Jadan Baugh, who had been effective all game. The incompletions stopped the clock, leaving USF all the time it needed to set up the winning kick.
GAME-CHANGING PLAYS
Momentum shifted squarely in USF’s favor late in the third quarter. Brown launched a 66-yard bomb to Keshawn Singleton, giving the Bulls a 13–9 lead. On the very next series, a botched Florida snap into the end zone handed USF a safety and a 15–9 advantage.
Florida briefly regained the lead in the fourth quarter with Lagway’s touchdown pass to Eugene Wilson III, but the defense could not contain USF’s discipline and energy when it mattered most.
NAPIER UNDER FIRE
This loss dropped Billy Napier to 20–20 overall at Florida, with his team starting 1–1 for the fourth consecutive year. The upcoming slate is brutal: trips to LSU and Miami, a home date with Texas, and a visit to Texas A&M.
His $20.4 million buyout may not calm frustrated fans already calling for change.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
South Florida showcased balance. Brown threw for 263 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for another 66. Singleton delivered a massive long score, Isaac provided versatility, and linebacker Mac Harris anchored the defense with 10 tackles and a sack.
Florida’s Lagway looked unsettled, tossing one interception, and even the strong outings from Baugh and Wilson couldn’t hide the team’s lack of discipline.
CONCLUSION
South Florida continues to shock the college football world, showing that an underdog can topple giants with discipline and belief. Florida, on the other hand, leaves The Swamp with alarm bells ringing. The Bulls keep dreaming, while the Gators are left searching for answers.
What’s next: South Florida (2-0) travels to No. 5 Miami for a third straight test against a ranked opponent, while Florida (1-1) heads to LSU, a place where the Gators haven’t won since 2016.
KEY STATS:
South Florida Bulls
Byrum Brown (QB): 23/36, 263 YDS, 1 TD; 17 CAR, 66 YDS
Keshawn Singleton (WR): 2 REC, 75 YDS, 1 TD
Alvon Isaac (RB/WR): 4 REC, 49 YDS; 5 CAR, 36 YDS
Mudia Reuben (WR): 5 REC, 44 YDS
Mac Harris (LB): 10 tackles, 1 sack
Florida Gators
DJ Lagway (QB): 23/33, 222 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jadan Baugh (RB): 18 CAR, 93 YDS
Eugene Wilson III (WR): 7 REC, 60 YDS, 1 TD
Vernell Brown III (WR): 5 REC, 56 YDS; 1 punt return, 40 YDS
Jaden Robinson (LB): 9 tackles, 1 pass breakup
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