Florida suffered a shocking 18-16 loss to South Florida on Saturday evening in Gainesville.
The Gators failed to score a touchdown in the first half, but still took a 9-6 lead into the break. However, Florida fell behind in the second half 13-9 after South Florida completed a 66-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. A safety later in the third quarter made it 15-9 in favor of the Bulls.
Florida was able to re-take the lead 16-15 after DJ Lagway found Eugene Wilson for a go-ahead touchdown.
South Florida had multiple field goal attempts to take the lead in the game’s final minutes. Coach Alex Golesh elected to try a 58-yard field goal by Nico Gramatica with 2:52 remaining. The kick was short, but Gramatica got another opportunity — and he converted —in the final seconds to give the Bulls the 18-16 victory.
Here’s a look at the game-winner:
It’s a stunning result for the No. 13 Gators, who have College Football Playoff aspirations this season. Florida was favored by multiple scores in Vegas, but will now have to pick up the pieces from this loss. Head coach Billy Napier is sure to face questions about his job security after this result as well.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
