Going into their second bye of the season, Florida finds themselves with a 4-3 record. However, after starting the season 1-2, the Gators have been trending upwards. With their only loss being on the road to a top-10 Tennessee team, the past few weeks showed improvement. Despite the positive signs, head coach Billy Napier still finds himself on the chopping block. Many fans were hoping for a better start than 4-3, especially with the brutal back half of the schedule. Early losses to Miami and Texas A&M put the season in peril. However, the Gators have bounced back nicely, looking like a different team after their first bye week. For the sake of their season, it is imperative that they take advantage of this week off. With Georgia and Texas back-to-back, the Gators will have to bet at their best to have a chance.
Young Offense
Due to injuries at the skill position, the Gators were forced to throw multiple true freshmen into starting roles. New quarterback DJ Lagway has been a playmaker for the Gators, showing why he was labeled as a 5-star. Showing flashes of brilliance, he has also made some head-scratching plays. Still a freshman, the Gators are prepared for some growing pains, as he was thrust into the lineup earlier than anticipated. Luckily, injured quarterback Graham Mertz is staying around the team, serving as a mentor to Lagway. Also dealing with injuries is senior running back Montrell Johnson Jr., who has been a leader for three seasons. Turning to freshman Jadan Baugh, he showed that the future is bright, rushing for five touchdowns in his first start. This offense, while dynamic, will certainly be challenged down the stretch. The main concern now revolves around giving Lagway SEC experience for next season.
New Defense
Ever since the bye week, this has been a new Gators defense, trending up each weekend. Flipping a switch, this unit has been much more physical at all three levels. Providing more pass rush, they had struggled early on in this aspect. The secondary has been the bright spot, often being sticky in coverage, forcing opposing quarterbacks into uncomfortable spots. Playing young players in key spots, the future of this defense should be in good hands. The unfortunate news for this defense revolves around number one cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. Exiting the Kentucky win with a shoulder injury, there has been no update on his expected return time. If he is forced to miss time, Devin Moore will need to step up as a leader. Now facing their toughest challenge against Georgia, this extra week of preparation is pivotal. With a stout performance, this defense can send a real message.
Same Old Special Teams?
Last season the special team’s unit was dismal, often costing the team in crucial moments. With the rest of this Gators team trending upwards, the special teams haven’t carried their weight. Despite going 2/2 last weekend, Trey Smack has still struggled in clutch time. The last two weekends, the concerns of this group reared its ugly head once again. Against the Vols, there were substitution issues, causing a ten-second runoff leading to no field goal attempt. Against the Wildcats, the Gators allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown. The bright spot for this entire unit, however, has been the punt return group. When given the time to attempt a return, Chimere Dike has been dynamic, often finding lanes down the sideline. This group will be pivotal down the stretch, as the Gators cannot afford any unforced errors. With the tough schedule remaining, this group must not hold Florida back.
Coaching Issues
Despite the feel-good win over Kentucky, Napier has still been a disappointment this season. Coaching up a talented roster, oftentimes it feels as if the coaching staff is letting the players down. Exhibited during the loss to Tennessee, the Gators were dominant in the first half, yet only led 3-0 at the half. Poor play calls and clock management allowed the Volunteers to hang around in the game before they eventually won. Failing to register a winning season during his first two years, the pressure was on for Napier. Showing improvements down the stretch, the jury is still out on the head coach. Calling a better game plan once he was able to focus on one quarterback, creativity was the key. Fans know that the rest of the schedule is a gauntlet, and wins may be hard to come by. However, another losing season may lead to his dismissal.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that the Gators are trending upwards, but it may be too little too late. The beginning of the schedule was supposed to be the easier section. Now having to face four ranked teams in their final five games, each weekend will be a battle. More confident now than a couple of weeks ago, fans are still weary of the games left. Taking advantage of the last bye week, this one could be argued as even more important. Playing four ranked teams after this time off, the Gators must rest up and plan accordingly. Starting to find a rhythm on both sides of the ball, complacency will be their biggest enemy. As it stands, they will still have to pull off an upset to reach a bowl game. Would a 6-6 record even be enough to save Napier’s job, or will he need to force multiple upsets?
