The Gators headed into their matchup against the Samford Bulldogs in dire need of a victory. Getting embarrassed last week by in-state rival Miami, the season was heading in the wrong direction. Despite this being an FCS opponent, head coach Billy Napier desperately needed a win and a dominant one at that. Taking place in the Swamp, all eyes would be on the Gators, and their new starting quarterback. With starter Graham Mertz suffering a concussion against the Hurricanes, true freshman DJ Lagway was thrust into the starting lineup. With his first start being against Samford, this allowed Napier to utilize him in all sorts of ways. Doing his best to open up the offense, Lagway brought a dual-threat aspect. Lagway has swayed many fans into believing the Gators have a decision to make at the quarterback position. The Gators 45-7 victory showed signs of life.
Lagway Shines in Debut
Coming to Gainesville with high expectations, the consensus was that Lagway would sit for a year behind Mertz. However, due to injury, he was forced to start in the Gators’ second game of the season. Showing no signs of nerves, all Lagway did was break the school record for passing yards by a freshman. Throwing for a whopping 456 yards, he played like a veteran, showing why he was a 5-star recruit. Completing his first seven passes of the game, he showed good chemistry with the entire receiving core. Last weekend against the Hurricanes, many fans were frustrated that receivers Tre Wilson and Elijhah Badger weren’t involved enough. However, this weekend proved different as both receivers topped 100 receiving yards, showing off their athletic abilities. With Lagway, this offense felt much more alive and dangerous, something the Gators desperately need due to their schedule.
Playcalling Complaints
Despite putting up 45 points and 632 yards of total offense, Napier still felt much too bland with his play calling. Much improved from last weekend, fans were indeed grateful that Napier let Lagway loose. However, as has become the trend with Napier, there were some real headscratchers. Specifically, running a wildcat on 4th and one, when you have a 240-pound quarterback was odd. At this point in the season, these aren’t necessarily game-losing play calls. But fans know that the schedule only gets more difficult from here. If the Gators want to compete for anything meaningful, the playcalling must become more imaginative. No matter the Gators decision at quarterback, they can only do so much if the play-calling does not put them in a position to succeed. Napier must get the best out of his weapons, and that starts with his play calling.
Young Playmakers
Due to the outcome of the game, the Gators were able to give young players extended reps. Specifically in the receiver room, the Gators showed that this position group is quite deep. With two of Lagway’s touchdowns going to freshmen, this room has talent from top to bottom. Opponents like Samford always allow top universities the chance to give younger players college experience. This was no different, as the Gators were able to provide reps for their third and fourth strings. Even though the outcome was already decided, these in-game reps will prove highly valuable in the future. Even the other freshman quarterback received some action, as Aidan Warner ran in a touchdown. With such a daunting schedule, the Gators need to make sure that their depth has experience in case of injuries. With Texas A&M coming to town next week, the Gators now can cycle in-depth pieces.
Improvements Necessary
Despite the gaudy score, the Gators didn’t completely win over the home crowd. Although the defense did a good job of holding quarterback Quincy Crittendon in check, he was able to make plays. Rushing for a touchdown, the defense was often bailed out due to mistakes by Samford. Not necessarily imposing their will, physicality can still be much improved. Everyone knew that this game would never be close, as the talent gap was far too large. That will not be the case the rest of the season. The Gators can celebrate this victory, but they must do so cautiously. There were plenty of plays that would have never worked against higher competition. Being embarrassed last weekend, this upcoming week against Texas A&M allows the Gators to send a message. The Gators have the decision to not allow week one to define their season.
Final Thoughts
This weekend, the Gators took care of business, which is what was expected. Not exactly blowing them out of the water, fans are still skeptical about Napier and his team. However, fans are extremely excited about the potential of freshman quarterback DJ Lagway. Napier and the Gators now have a decision to make. Do they go with the experienced starter, or with the high-upside freshman? As discussed already by Napier, he has dictated that both will be playing against Texas A&M. A pivotal matchup next weekend, the Gators will hope that the Swamp has more of an effect than week one. With copious ranked opponents coming up, this game feels like a must-win for the Gators. They have the chance to get their season back on the right track. The Gators must send a message to the rest of the league, that despite the loss, they are dangerous.
