South Florida Shocks No. 13 Florida; Sabalenka Claims Second US Open Title
Nico Gramatica kicked a 20-yard field goal as time expired, leading the South Florida Bulls to a stunning 18-16 victory over the No. 13 Florida Gators in Gainesville, Florida. This win marked South Florida’s second consecutive triumph against ranked opponents to open the season, further intensifying scrutiny on Florida head coach Billy Napier, whose team now stands at 1-1 for the fourth straight year.
The decisive moment came after a series of events that turned the tide for the Bulls. Gramatica had initially missed a long 58-yard attempt with just under three minutes remaining. However, following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Florida defensive lineman Brendan Bett, who was ejected for spitting at a South Florida player, the Bulls gained 15 yards and an automatic first down. This set the stage for an impressive 87-yard drive that culminated in Gramatica’s game-winning kick.
Aryna Sabalenka Triumphs at the US Open
In New York, Aryna Sabalenka secured her second consecutive US Open title, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3). This victory made Sabalenka the first woman since Serena Williams to win the tournament back-to-back, showcasing her dominance on hard courts. The win marks her fourth Grand Slam title, as she successfully avoided the fate of becoming the first woman to lose three major finals in a single season since Justine Henin in 2006.
Sabalenka, a 27-year-old from Belarus, was previously the runner-up at both the Australian Open and French Open this year. She was eliminated in the earlier rounds of Wimbledon by Anisimova, adding to the significance of her latest triumph.
Major League Baseball Highlights
In MLB action, the Baltimore Orioles produced a remarkable comeback against the Los Angeles Dodgers, scoring four runs in the ninth inning to win 4-3. Jackson Holliday homered with two outs, breaking up a no-hitter by Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Holliday’s clutch hit not only denied Yamamoto his first no-hitter but also spurred the Orioles’ rally. The Dodgers had led 3-0 before Baltimore’s explosive final inning.
In another significant event, the passing of Davey Johnson was announced. The former All-Star second baseman and two-time World Series champion with the Baltimore Orioles died at the age of 82 after a long illness. Johnson also managed the New York Mets to a World Series title in 1986, leaving behind a legacy in Major League Baseball.
College Football Recap
The college football landscape was marked by several lopsided scores this past weekend. Notable halftime scores included Minnesota leading Northwestern State 59-0, Florida State ahead of East Texas A&M 49-0, and Texas Tech commanding a 48-0 lead over Kent State. According to Stats LLC, this was the first occurrence since September 10, 2016, where three major college teams held leads of 48 or more points at halftime on the same day.
In a closely contested matchup, the No. 8 Clemson Tigers overcame a 16-0 deficit to defeat Troy 27-16. Bryant Wesco Jr. caught two touchdown passes in the second half, while Adam Randall rushed for 112 yards and a score. The Tigers, who were 31-point favorites, showcased resilience by outscoring Troy 24-0 after halftime.
Meanwhile, the No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones edged out rival Iowa 16-13 with a late 54-yard field goal by Kyle Konrardy. This victory marks Iowa State’s second consecutive win against Iowa, with Konrardy echoing last year’s dramatic finish when he also kicked a last-minute field goal to secure a victory.
This past weekend in sports highlighted unexpected victories, record-setting performances, and the ongoing challenges faced by teams and athletes alike. From the football field to the tennis court, these events captured the excitement of competitive sports.
