After suffering a catastrophic defeat in week one, the Gators bounced back in a win over FCS Samford. With the outcome of the game never in doubt, the Gators cruised to a 45-7 victory. With Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz out with a concussion, true freshman DJ Lagway got the start, and he sent a message. Throwing for 456 yards and three touchdowns, the freshman showed no signs of first-game jitters. Looking like a true veteran, the 5-star signal caller brought some hope back to this downtrodden fanbase. Despite playing against a lower-tier opponent, the Gators were able to get the offense going, which was a good sign. This week, the Gators will have a real test on their hands, with the Texas A&M Aggies visiting the Swamp. Now playing against real SEC competition, the Gators must send a message to the rest of the league.
Gators Texas A&M Preview
Starting Strong
During their week one clash against the Miami Hurricanes, the Gators got off to a slow start. Stalling out on their first drive of the game, the Gators then allowed the Hurricanes to drive down the field. Never truly finding their rhythm on either side of the ball, the game was never in doubt by halftime. Now finally notching a win, Florida is trying to right the ship. Despite being against a lesser opponent, fans were happy to finally see a win, as they’d lost six straight. However, the Gators still did not start as well as many fans had hoped, only being up 14-0 at halftime. With a true SEC test upcoming, the Gators must start fast. It’s no stretch of the imagination to say that this game could define their season. The Gators must send a message that despite the loss, they are dangerous.
QB Controversy
Despite freshman phenom Lagway tearing it up this past weekend, head coach Billy Napier is sticking with Graham Mertz. Adamant about his plan to play both quarterbacks, Napier wants to use Lagway in a change-of-pace role. This would be similar to how players like Anthony Richardson and Emory Jones were used in the past. Despite Mertz coming in as the starter, many fans feel that Lagway brings this offense to new levels. Playing against lower competition, he set the record for most passing yards by a Gator freshman. Even though this was against an FCS team, the offense looked fluid throughout, with Lagway looking like a veteran. Now, this is in no way a knock-on Mertz, as he deserves his flowers for all he has done for the Gators. Many simply feel that Lagway is more dynamic, which will be pivotal behind this subpar offensive line.
More Imagination
Once again, we are forced to have a conversation about Napier’s infamous playcalling. Showing signs of improvement, there were still plenty of conservative calls that left fans wanting more. Namely, running a wildcat on fourth and one, when you have a 240-pound athlete at quarterback. Now taking on an SEC opponent, Napier must get creative with his offense this week. With the Aggies having a stout defense, the bland run plays and screen passes will have no effect. Promising to play both Mertz and Lagway, Napier has the ability to devise some creativeness with a two-quarterback system. The offense must keep the Aggies’ defense on their toes, as the bland running plays will lead to predictability. The deep shots were working against Samford, as the offense was finally opened up. If this offense wants to consistently move the ball, Napier must scheme some creative deep routes.
Time for Defense
Despite the Aggies not putting up a huge offensive performance so far, they are still loaded with playmakers. Struggling to move the ball against Notre Dame, speaks more to the talent of the Irish defense. Aggie quarterback Conner Weigman had an off game, only throwing for 100 yards and two interceptions. The offense did, however, bounce back in a big way, beating FCS McNeese 52-10. Needless to say, the Aggie offense vs the Florida defense will be the defining factor of this game. This Gators’ defense has been much maligned the last few seasons. Hoping to send a message against the Hurricanes this Gators unit fell flat on their face. With a now veteran lineup, someone will have to step up for defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong. The pass rush must be much improved if the Gators want any chance of keeping the Aggies’ offense in check.
Final Thoughts
There is a little bit of a personal level to this matchup. Former Gators Scooby Williams and Jaydon Hill transferred to A&M this offseason. Taking place in the Swamp, this environment will be loud and uncomfortable for the Aggies. With both teams suffering a loss in week one, this clash will be season-defining. Both offenses looked bland, before turning it up a notch against FCS opponents in week two. It’s tough to predict this matchup, as both teams have had a similar start to the season. Based on the first two weeks, I would give a slight edge defensively to the Aggies. However, the Gators should come into this game with a more confident offense. Running the two-quarterback system will put pressure on A&M, forcing them to prepare for anything. As of right now, I expect a low-scoring matchup, with the Gators squeaking past.
Prediction: Florida 21 Texas A&M 17
