For the first time since 2018, the Gators have taken down the LSU Tigers. Many fans have joked that the Gators’ curse from the infamous 2020 loss has now been lifted. Of course, that was the game where Marco Wilson threw the cleat, breaking the hearts of fans. Now celebrating a victory, there is hope for the future in Gainesville. Sitting at 5-5, the Gators simply need to win one out of their last two games to return to a bowl game. The final two are Ole Miss and Florida State, the former should be much more challenging. For now, the Gators get the chance to celebrate a big win in the Billy Napier era. Often slandered as a coach, he finally gets his breakthrough victory in year three. With “the curse” being lifted, many Gator fans are feeling excited about the future for the first time in years.
Offense Humming
The difference that quarterback DJ Lagway brings to the offense is abundantly clear. Leading his team to a 27-16 victory over the Tigers, the freshman stayed calm and collected throughout momentum swings. He completed 13 of his 26 attempts for 226 yards and a touchdown, showing off his live arm. However, he only completed 50% of his passes. It’s clear that he still has room to grow. Lagway was helped by Elijhah Badger, the receiver hauled in six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. Although stalling at times, this unit came up big late in the game. Freshman running back Jadan Baugh had arguably the play of the day late in the game. He ripped off a 55-yard touchdown run with less than four minutes left. This offense is a young group and could be quite dangerous next season. Fans are hopeful for the future, as this win changed the narrative.
Sack Party
Coming into this matchup, the LSU Tigers had allowed six sacks in the entire season. The Gators’ pass rush had something to say about that mark. They sacked LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier seven times, coming up big late in the game. Struggling to put real pressure early on, they came up big when the game was on the line. Led by linebacker Shemar James, six different Gators had a sack. With injuries along the secondary, the pass rush was leaned upon heavily. Not only were they terrorizing Nussmeier, but they were also flying to the football. With 11 tackles for loss, this unit has truly turned a corner under defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong. The bye weeks have done wonders for this group, elevating their game immensely. With a relatively young group, this unit should be scary for years.
Third Down Issues
Although the defense was flying to the football, it struggled on third downs. Allowing the Tigers to convert over 50 percent of their third downs is unacceptable. Often happening when Nussmeier escaped the pocket, the Gators’ injuries reared their head. Playing valiantly, the secondary was still missing key players, as evidenced by the third down conversion rate. Coming up clutch in the end, the Gators stood tall in the red zone when the game was within reach. Playing a high-powered offense, the Gators never got overwhelmed by a big play. Buckling down in the second half, it was apparent how much this game meant to the Gators. In a season-altering win, the defense found a way to make plays when the team needed them most. Better than their record indicates this talented group is finding its stride.
Future of Napier
Earlier this month, Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin announced that Napier will be back for the 2025 season. Met with mixed results, the Gators were sitting at 4-4, coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. The very next game, the Gators were trounced by the Texas Longhorns, however, that game was a bit of an anomaly. Florida was missing both top quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, and cornerbacks. Fans knew the game would not be a key representative of this Gators team. Now putting up a top performance, it feels like the Gators’ curse is over. Napier has struggled to fully get over the hump, continuously losing close games to key rivals. The tide is shifting for the Gators, with the future looking extremely bright.
Final Thoughts
After the impressive victory for the Gators, they find themselves on the cusp of a bowl game appearance. Only needing to win one more game, they still have the 1-9 FSU Seminoles on the schedule. The importance of this win cannot be overstated for this program, which needed something positive. Now sitting with an even record, Florida has played valiantly through the gauntlet of a schedule. Taking both Tennessee and Georgia to the wire, this is a talented roster. Napier has this team locked in, and they never swayed despite the losses. Now earning a victory, the Gators have trusted the process and are now reaping the rewards. Taking on Ole Miss next, they have the chance to string back-to-back ranked victories. The curse feels over for the Gators, and they have now notched their statement win of Napier’s tenure.
