Heading into their bye week, the Gators have not started the season as strongly as many had hoped. They enter their first bye with a 2-2 record, with a grueling schedule down the stretch. Showing signs of life, they did come out victorious over Mississippi State last weekend. However, many expect the Bulldogs to be the worst team in the SEC, which makes the win much less impressive. It is imperative that the Gators utilize this week to their full advantage. Looking out of sync for large parts of the season, this bye allows the Gators time to prepare. Taking on UCF out of the bye, this won’t be as easy of an opponent as many expected. Undefeated this season, the Knights own a comeback win over a solid TCU squad. Built to run the football, the Gators defensive line will have to be up to the challenge.
Who Will Step Up?
For Florida, this bye week is all about relaxing the players and letting them take control. People around the program know that Graham Mertz is one of the leaders of this team, as he is the quarterback. However, the Gators will need someone else to step up, as the next few weeks will be grueling. Bringing in plenty of veteran transfers, many of them have not exactly panned out so far. With safety Asa Turner and defensive lineman Joey Slackman suffering injuries, the list of possible leaders grows thinner. If the Gators want to be successful this season, someone will have to step up and inspire this locker room. The offense has their guy, it will be up to the defense now to help carry their weight. Struggling mightily to start the season, they need someone to light a fire in the locker room.
Play Calling Struggles
Although much improved against Mississippi State, head coach Billy Napier’s play calling has still been a talking point. Oftentimes seen as bland or uncreative, defenses have had no trouble predicting the plays. Wanting to lean on his run game, the results have been subpar, mostly due to an ineffective offensive line. Now with his seat scorching hot, it could be do or die for Napier these next couple of weeks. Over the bye week, he must scheme some calls that will keep the defense guessing and on their toes. Last week, despite the loss of top receiver Tre Wilson, the offense looked the best it’s looked all year. Spacing the field and getting the ball to some of the younger receivers served this offense well. It is exactly that type of play calling and execution that could rescue Napier from the hottest of seats.
Same Old Defense?
Throughout the first four weeks, Napier and his offense struggled to find their rhythm, but they have shown flashes. The defense, however, has rarely even shown competence. Disregarding their game against an FCS opponent, the Gators defense has been decimated by opponents. Both physically and mentally, the defense as a whole looks unprepared every weekend. Not due to lack of talent, many are pointing fingers at coordinators Austin Armstrong and Ron Roberts. The Gators have been able to recruit well, and there is ample talent lined up across the defense. However, they often look lost with broken coverages or poor gap integrity. With the run defense being the weak link, many are surprised due to their experienced defensive line. Players will have to step up, or they will soon be coached by someone else. The UCF game will provide insight into if the defense can up their physicality.
Seat Warming Up
Perhaps the least kept secret in the country is the fact that Napier is coaching for his job right now. Many within the fanbase believed that he needed to start 3-1 or better to not be fired by midseason. Unfortunately for the Gators, they have already suffered two losses heading into their bye week. With the players showing a lack of discipline and aggression, Napier has failed to show progress. When he took the job, fans knew that patience would be key, as the roster was quite depleted. Taking over the program, he started strong, as there is no doubt that he is a great recruiter. However, his first two seasons ended with losing records, stressing the importance of this third year. Now heading towards another poor record, Napier has failed to take the program anywhere significant. This next weekend against UCF may very well decide his fate.
Final Thoughts
This bye week comes at an important time for the Gators, as they get a breather before the gauntlet begins. Failing to live up to expectations, they now have a week to gather their thoughts and get fully healthy. Last weekend, the offense showed signs of life, with some much-improved play calling from Napier. However, the defense looked poor against a subpar offense, allowing the Bulldogs to run all day. Still coming out with a victory, the Gators need to use that as a momentum boost. The upcoming UCF game will unfortunately be one of the easiest left on their schedule. Everyone knew before the season that due to their schedule; the Gators would not be able to compete nationally. Yet, the Gators have still disappointed many with their 2-2 start. This bye week will be pivotal, as it will set the tone for the rest of the season.
