GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A controversial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Florida wide receiver Kahleil Bett proved pivotal as South Florida upset the No.13 Gators 18-16 on Saturday. The penalty,assessed after Bett appeared to spit in the direction of a USF player,extended a Bulls drive that ultimately led to the game-winning field goal.
The incident occurred with Florida leading 16-12. The penalty moved USF (2-0) up to its own 39-yard line. On the ensuing play, quarterback Byrum Brown connected with Alvon Isaac for a 29-yard gain to the Florida 32. The Bulls then methodically advanced the ball, setting up Nico Gramatica for a 20-yard field goal as time expired.
“A lot of players in that room as well that have that same belief, that it’s unacceptable. When a guy does something like that, he’s compromising the team. He’s putting himself before the team,” an unnamed player said, reflecting the team’s sentiment regarding Bett’s actions.
The victory marks South Florida’s first over Florida in four attempts and their first road win against a ranked opponent since a 2011 victory at Notre Dame. It is also the first time the bulls have defeated two ranked opponents in the same month since September 2007, when they rose to No. 2 in the nation.
USF is currently the only team in college football with two wins against ranked opponents, having previously defeated then-no. 25 Boise State 34-7. Their challenging early schedule continues next week with a game against No. 5 Miami.
Florida coach Billy Napier acknowledged the penalty’s impact and took responsibility for the team’s miscues. “There’s no excuse here – I’m not up here to make excuses,” Napier stated. When asked if he was the right man to led the program, he responded indirectly, stating he believes the Gators won’t splinter. He also conceded, “I think the players make mistakes, that’s part of the game, but ultimately it’s my responsibility. So I think it is coaching.”
Napier now holds a 20-20 record during his tenure with the Gators. Quarterback DJ Lagway completed 22 of 33 passes for 222 yards with one touchdown and one interception. However, Florida was outgained 391-355 and struggled on third down, converting only 4 of 12 attempts.USF quarterback Byrum brown finished with 23 completions on 36 attempts for 263 yards and a touchdown, adding 66 rushing yards on 17 carries.
