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The No. 13 Florida Gators (1-1) lost to in-state opponent USF (2-0) 18-16 at home on Saturday. It’s Florida’s first-ever loss to USF. The Gators still lead the all-time series 3-1. The Gators have never started a season 2-0 under head coach Billy Napier.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Down one with 2:04 left in the fourth quarter, USF freshman running back Alvon Isaac made a 29-yard reception to set up a first & 10 from the UF 32. South Florida would bring the ball down to the 2-yard line, capping the drive off with a 27-yard field goal as time expires to win 18-16. Isaac, a Gainesville, Fla. native, finished the game with 136 all-purpose yards.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: USF’s duo of sixth-year linebackers Mac Harris and Jhalyn Shuler showed out against Florida. The veterans combined for 17 tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. Through the Bulls’ two wins, both over ranked opponents, Shuler has 21 tackles.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Florida was the only FBS team not to commit a penalty in week one. Against the Bulls, the Gators committed 11 penalties for 103 yards. Two touchdowns got called back in the second quarter because of holding and offensive pass interference calls. Florida quarterback DJ Lagway was 23/33 for 222 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception. He ran six times for nine yards. It was both his second-most pass attempts and rushing attempts in his career. USF has forced four turnovers through two games.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Sophomore Florida running back Jadan Baugh had success against USF’s defense. Baugh ran 18 times for 93 yards. It was Baugh’s fifth game with over 80 rushing yards. He has played 15 career games. On the contrary, Ja’Kobi Jackson rushed six times for just 22 yards. 3.7 yards per carry.
WHAT A PLAY: Early in the fourth quarter, USF was forced to punt from their own 29 yard line. Florida returner Vernell Brown III let the ball roll until the Bulls touched it at the UF 25. The officials called South Florida for an illegal motion, and Napier opted for a punt redo. Brown III caught the second punt and bolted 40 yards downfield. He was pushed out at the USF 35 yard line. The return provided the Gators with excellent field position, leading to a 4-yard touchdown pass from Lagway to receiver Tre Wilson, giving Florida a 16-15 lead with 12:29 left.
UP NEXT: Florida opens SEC play on the road against No. 3 LSU on Saturday, Sept. 13. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ABC. The Gators lead the all-time series 34-31-1. In 2024, Florida beat LSU 27-16.
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