There is no way around it, the Florida Gators must make changes. The Gators lost at home to the Texas A&M Aggies 33-20. While not a bad score on paper, the Aggies jumped out to a 20-0 lead at the half. Dominating the Gators on both sides of the ball, the Aggies performed well despite being without their starting quarterback. Starting freshman Marcel Reed, the Aggies showed no signs of sluggishness on offense. Converting multiple third and longs throughout the game, Florida had no answer for a depleted Aggies offense. Running all over the Gators, running back Le’veon Moss added 110 yards on the ground. A dismal performance on all levels, the Gators defense was painfully poor in their execution. Showing a lack of awareness, coverage busts were plentiful, especially on third downs. Safe to say, the Gators will be making changes to their coaching staff quite soon.
Writing on the Wall
Failing to register a winning season while at Florida, it appears that head coach Billy Napier is at the end. Never finding his rhythm, this was supposed to be his year to silence the critics. Finally having a team of his own hand-picked athletes, fans were slightly optimistic. However, the argument could be made that this team is now even worse. A great recruiter, Napier has simply struggled with his on-field coaching and his decision-making. With his bland play calling and conservative style, the results have not come through. Both on offense and defense, the players look undisciplined and lost. Unfortunately for the Gators, this game against the Aggies was one of the easiest left on the schedule. Owning the hardest schedule in the nation, things are not looking good in Gainesville. Napier will need a miracle to save his job as head coach of the Florida Gators.
Quarterback Mismanagement
Fans knew that quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway would be splitting reps for this game. However, the entire situation was poorly handled, with neither having the chance to get into a rhythm. Rather than playing the hot hand, Napier decided to alternate them every single drive, no matter the result. This decision was not exactly met with pleasure from the fan base. With many wanting Lagway to start, Napier was already losing many loyal members of the Gator fan base. Now, Mertz was able to lead a touchdown drive early in the second half, and yet Napier still did not alter his plan. He put Lagway in the next drive, which in turn resulted in a three and out. Although Graham Mertz is an experienced veteran, the Gators are only playing for pride now. Thus, Lagway should start, as he is the future of this program.
No Heart
All off-season, the Gators and Napier preached that this group was locked in, and tired of losing. After two losses early in the season, this Gators team has shown no signs of positive change. Getting dominated twice at home; it is fair to wonder how bought into the program these players are. With a head coach seemingly on his way out, this program is a mess from top to bottom. Bringing in a multitude of veteran transfers, the Gators hoped that they would mesh well with the talented underclassmen. However, there has been no signs of leadership on either side of the ball. Appearing to accept their fate, the Gators did not show much fight against the Aggies. Getting punched in the mouth early, the Gators showed that they are not physical enough to compete in the SEC.
Where’s the Defense?
From the very first drive, it was apparent that the defense still has yet to show real signs of improvement. Allowing a backup quarterback to convert multiple third and longs does not bode well for Austin Armstrong. This offseason, the Gators decided to bring in Ron Roberts to be the co-defensive coordinator. Struggling in years past, there was hope that the defense could turn it around this season. Yet, after three games, it appears this is the same old lackluster group. Looking out of sync and quite frankly lost, both coordinators are trending towards losing their jobs. Promising a more physical unit, the Gators front seven was carved up by the Aggies run game. Even when the offense showed signs of life, the defense allowed a deep touchdown to seal the loss. There is certainly talent on this defense, the coaching simply seems to be doing them a disservice.
Final Thoughts
The fan base has lost all faith in the Gators head coach, and the rest of his staff. Even the most loyal Napier fans have given up defending him. The writing was on the wall when Florida was blown out in week one in the Swamp. A good recruiter, the on-field results have not been up to par. Now in year three of the Napier experiment, the Gators are making no progress in the right direction. The fact of the matter is that for the Gators’ best interest, it is time to move on. This season is now trending in the wrong direction, and the Gators must make changes right now. Napier must be out the door before playing Mississippi State. Fans have no ill will towards Napier, as he is a good man, he is simply just not the right fit for the program.
