Brendan Bett ejection: Florida DL tossed after spitting on USF's Cole Skinner

David Suggs

•
Brendan Bett ejection: Florida DL tossed after spitting on USF's Cole Skinner image

No. 13 Florida has gotten increasingly used to troughs during Billy Napier's time as head coach. The Gators have looked a world away from the national championship-caliber teams they trotted out during Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier's terms in the headset.

Still, it's hard to imagine there has been as bad a day for Napier and Co. as Sept. 6. Florida fell to in-state rivals USF, 18-15. The Gators came into the contest favored by 18 points, per Action Network.

The match was marked by Florida's inability to score and a bevy of turnovers. It was also defined by a season-altering mistake from defensive lineman Brendan Bett, who invoked Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter with an ejection involving bodily fluids.

With that, here's what you need to know about Bett being thrown out for spitting on an opponent.

MORE: Ranking the best candidates at Oklahoma State should Mike Gundy get fired

Brendan Bett ejection, explained

Bett was ejected in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game after a confrontation with Bulls offensive lineman Cole Skinner. Down 16-15 with 2:07 left and the ball at USF's 24-yard line, running back Isaac Alvin was stuffed at the line of scrimmage.

As Alvin got up off the turf, Bett and Skinner exchanged words. Bett then spit in Skinner's face just as the referee moved in to break up the skirmish.

Bett was immediately ejected for his actions. Florida was hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that moved the Bulls to their own 39-yard line. On the next play, USF quarterback Byrum Brown connected with Isaac for a 29-yard gain that pushed the Bulls deep into Gators territory. They sealed the win with a 20-yard Nico Gramatica field goal as time expired.

MORE: If Alabama fires Kalen DeBoer, would they try again with Dan Lanning?

Saturday's defeat came at an inopportune time for Napier. The Gators taskmaster has been rumored to be on the hot seat for more than two years, with Florida failing to win more than eight games in a single season under his tutelage. The Gators' latest loss — in a buy game, no less — could prove the nail in the coffin for the fourth-year coach.

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.