This season started about as poorly as possible for Billy Napier and the Florida Gators. Getting embarrassed by in-state rival Miami, all the offseason hype went out the window. Struggling in all facets of the game, many fans have turned on Napier, insisting that he be fired. However, this week provides a perfect bounce back opportunity for the Gators, especially their offense. Coming into the Miami game, fans around the country felt as if this was an offense ready to make a statement. Flash forward to the end of the game, the offense looked as if it had taken a step back from last season. Quarterback Graham Mertz turned in his worst performance as a Gator, before leaving with a concussion. With the game already out of reach, the Gators were forced to thrust true freshman DJ Lagway into the game. The former 5-star may have stirred a QB controversy.
Gators Must Bounce Back: Samford Preview
Chance for Lagway
Showing flashes against the Hurricanes, fans are intrigued by the potential of the Gatorade Player of the Year. Leading the offense to a touchdown on his second drive, he looked much more comfortable than Mertz. Using his legs to pick up a first down, he gave the offense the jumpstart that they needed. Showing good rapport with receiver Tre Wilson, Lagway targeted him multiple times. With Mertz now in concussion protocol, Lagway has been taking first-team reps in practice. If Mertz is unable to go on Saturday, this could be a huge opportunity to prove himself. One of the highest-rated recruits in the country, many expected him to take a backseat to Mertz this season. With many viewing Samford as a tune-up game, this could be the chance for Lagway to take the reins. If he has a big game, he may never relinquish the starting job.
Conservative no more
Under Napier, Florida has been notoriously conservative in their play calling. Often choosing to call a run play on third and long, fans want more creativity. Even with speed on the outside at receiver, Florida still leaned on the screen passes. Partly due to the inability of the offensive line to block, these plays don’t exactly inspire the fanbase. The Gators went out and brought in two highly-rated receivers from the transfer portal. Yet, Mertz and the offense struggled to get the ball into their hands. Transfers Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger combined for 54 yards receiving, which is never a recipe for success. With arguably the most talented offense Napier has had, the play-calling must reflect that. Luckily, a matchup against Samford allows the Gators the perfect bounce back opportunity. He must get more creative and call some deep shots, or else the offense will remain stagnant.
Physicality in the Trenches
It is not outlandish to say that the Florida offensive line regressed tremendously over the offseason. Already a poor unit last season, this group looked downright abysmal on Saturday afternoon. Failing to create run lanes for Montrell Johnson Jr., the pass blocking was not any better. Allowing Mertz to take hit after hit, the line was unable to keep the Miami pass rush in check. Whether changes need to be made, or they need to simply be more inspired remains to be seen. Defensively, the lack of pass rush by the Gators was quite concerning. Thought to be one of the strengths of the defense, Miami quarterback Cam Ward had all day in the pocket. The same problem from seasons past has arisen, and that is the lack of physicality. Now playing Samford, the Gators, again have the chance to bounce back and set the tone from a physical standpoint.
No More Busts
The Gators’ secondary has not lived up to their standard the past few seasons. Whether it be in coverage or in tackling, results have been subpar. The slight good news is that the Gators’ open-field tackling was much improved. However, there was an alarming amount of coverage busts that led to Miami touchdowns. Often finding the soft spot in the secondary, Miami receivers routinely found open grass. To many fans, it often felt as if the safeties were much too deep, leaving open room across the middle. Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong has not been up to standard, as players often appear confused. Thankfully, this weekend’s game comes at an opportune time. With the ability to play multiple players, Armstrong will have the chance to key in on his starting lineup. This secondary sent the wrong message in week one, now they have a chance to show the fans that they have improved.
Final Prediction
To reiterate one more time, this week is an opportune time for the Gators to bounce back. Playing FCS Samford should allow the Gators to impose their will for 60 minutes of game time. For Samford, they started their season off on the wrong foot, losing to FCS newcomer West Georgia. Allowing West Georgia to put up 456 yards of offense, this Gator defense is clearly not a powerhouse. Offensively, Samford quarterback Quincy Crittendon did throw for over 300 yards. Adding 95 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, he proved that he is a dynamic playmaker at the quarterback position. Despite being an FCS opponent, the Gators are in no position to underestimate any team that they play. Fans unfortunately remember the last time these two played, an offensive shootout that led to Dan Mullen’s removal. Napier must have his team prepared to go out and make a statement.
Florida 41 Samford 17
