Florida Defensive Lineman Ejected After Spitting on Opponent During USF Game-Winning Drive
Brendan Bett was removed with 2:07 remaining, drawing a 15-yard penalty that helped set up South Florida's late field goal in an 18-16 upset.
Florida defensive lineman Brendan Bett was ejected late in Saturday night's upset loss to South Florida after he spit on an opponent during the Bulls' game-winning drive.
The incident occurred with 2:07 remaining in the fourth quarter when Bett, a redshirt sophomore wearing No. 90, came face-to-face with South Florida offensive lineman Cole Skinner and spat into Skinner's facemask. Bett was immediately ejected and the Gators were assessed a 15-yard penalty. Seven plays later, South Florida's Nico Gramatica converted a 20-yard field goal that proved to be the decisive points in an 18-16 victory for the Bulls.
Bett transferred to Florida from Baylor. He played in 10 games for the Bears in 2023, was redshirted during the 2024 season and saw limited action off the bench in the Texas Bowl. He played 15 defensive snaps for Florida in last week's game against Long Island.
The ejection came at a pivotal moment as South Florida was driving to take the lead. After the 15-yard penalty assessed on Florida, the Bulls advanced into field-goal range and completed the drive with the 20-yard kick that put them ahead for the final margin.
South Florida, which had knocked off No. 25 Boise State the previous week, improved its standing with the win over the Gators. Florida, which had been favored, could not recover after losing Bett on the field and the automatic yardage that followed.
Coaches and officials did not immediately release statements about further discipline or appeals regarding the ejection. The Atlantic Coast Conference and school athletic departments customarily review incidents after games for any additional penalties or suspensions.
The altercation drew attention for its timing and for the nature of the offense; spitting on an opponent is prohibited by college football rules and typically results in immediate ejection. Bett's status with the team beyond Saturday night's game will depend on any internal or conference review that may follow.
The game marked another notable result early in the season for South Florida and a setback for Florida as both programs continue nonconference scheduling and roster evaluations. Further comment from either school was not available immediately after the game.