Florida defensive tackle ejected for spitting on South Florida lineman; penalty sets up Bulls' late chance

Late in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game in Gainesville, Florida defensive tackle Brendan Bett was ejected for spitting at South Florida offensive lineman Cole Skinner, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that advanced the Bulls 15 yards and set up a 29-yard completion into field-goal range with 1:54 remaining.

The incident occurred after a South Florida rushing play. Bett, No. 90 for the Gators, rose from the turf to confront Skinner and was seen projecting saliva toward Skinner’s face. Skinner responded by pushing Bett, and officials threw flags for unsportsmanlike conduct on Bett and immediately ejected him from the game. On the next snap, South Florida completed a pass for 29 yards that put the Bulls in position to attempt a field goal with under two minutes left.

The sequence drew attention on social media, where some users compared the exchange to a high-profile altercation earlier in the week between former Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter and NFL quarterback Dak Prescott. Those comparisons did not come from team officials, and there was no immediate comment from Florida or South Florida coaches about the Bett incident.

Replays circulated online showed Bett leaning toward Skinner and making contact with saliva, followed by Skinner shoving Bett before referees intervened. The officials’ decision to flag and eject Bett followed the contact; NCAA and college football conduct guidelines treat spitting on an opponent as unsportsmanlike conduct, and ejection is a recognized enforcement action in such cases.

Bett had featured earlier in the season for Florida, including participation in the team’s opener. Video stills from the game were widely shared after the incident, and the penalty directly influenced the closing sequence by giving South Florida advantageous field position. The Bulls exploited that positioning on the immediate play that followed.

There was no immediate report of additional disciplinary measures beyond the in-game ejection. The game-day rosters and official box score reflected Bett’s removal late in the fourth quarter; team statements, if issued, had not been released by the end of the immediate postgame period.

The incident revived conversation about player conduct and discipline in college football, particularly late-game confrontations that can alter outcomes. Officials enforced a penalty that shifted momentum in the closing minutes; the play that followed brought South Florida into a position to attempt a late scoring opportunity.