After last week’s victory over LSU, the Florida Gators might be turning a corner with Ole Miss on the schedule next. Now sitting at 5-5, they find themselves one win away from bowl eligibility. Despite the subpar record, the Gators played a very difficult schedule. Dealing with plenty of injuries, many fans are actually pleased with this season. Starting slowly at 1-2, the team remained bought into coach Billy Napier. Losing some close games, the faith of the team never faltered. Now in his third season, fans are finally excited about Napier’s program. Not only was the LSU victory a statement win, but it was also pivotal for recruiting. Gaining three commits since then, the Gators seem to be turning a corner as a program. Now comes yet another top-25 team to the Swamp, the Ole Miss Rebels, fresh off a win against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Trust the Freshmen
The difference in energy that freshman quarterback DJ Lagway brings to the offense is apparent. He is still getting used to SEC football, but fans are eager to see his progression down the line. He showed off his big arm, completing 13 of his 26 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown. Getting into a lull at times, he still was not 100 percent, as his hamstring wasn’t completely healed. Now taking on Ole Miss, he can notch another pivotal victory. Coming into the game as 10.5-point underdogs, it’s clear how highly the oddsmakers value Ole Miss. With Florida’s defense improving, this game will come down to the freshmen on offense. At running back, freshman Jadan Baugh has proven to be a difference maker. Rushing for 65 yards and a score against LSU, he broke off a 55-yard touchdown to seal the game.
Statement Win
Not enough can be said about the improvements seen by this Florida defense. Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong has flipped the switch late in the season. Despite all the injuries, this team is still playing hard, making opposing quarterbacks’ lives difficult. After the bye week, this Gators team truly turned a corner. The defense is now arguably the strength of this team. The unit showed up in a big way against LSU. It sacked Garrett Nussmeier seven times and lived in the backfield. Not everything was perfect, however, the defense showed plenty of vulnerability on third downs. Allowing LSU to convert over 50 percent of their third downs will be something that the coaches are sure to address. They must be more disciplined on late downs against this high-flying Ole Miss offense. Fielding one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, the Rebels will not be shying away from this defense.
Napier Tenure
Over the last few years, Gator fans have not been given much, with three straight losing seasons. After the infamous 2020 season, everything seems to have gone downhill. When Napier was brought on to replace Dan Mullen, there was hope signified in his catchphrase “Scared Money Don’t Make Money”. After a season-opening victory against a top Utah team, his first season fell apart. Finishing that year 6-7, fans were hoping for a winning season the next year, even with some key players departing. Unfortunately, the Gators went 5-7, not even qualifying for a bowl game. Fans were alarmed and angry this season after the 1-2 start. Now sitting at 5-5, there is real belief that the Gators could finally finish with a winning record. The statement win over the LSU Tigers has given Napier the biggest win of his tenure, signaling a bright future.
Lean on Defense
Coming to play the last few games, the Florida defense will be challenged early and often. While the LSU offense has many playmakers, Florida will face one of the top offenses in the nation this weekend. Led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Rebels are high-scoring. Coming off one of the biggest wins in school history, they will be eager to avoid an upset. For Florida, the defense will have to show up early and often. In addition to having a dominant offense, the Rebels’ defense can provide issues for Lagway. Still, early in his SEC career, Lagway will be challenged by one of the best teams in the country. To alleviate some pressure, the defense must stand tall and be stout in the red zone. The defense has been strong as of late, but this is possibly the toughest challenge yet.
Final Thoughts
For the Gators, they will be eager to prove that they are turning the corner against Ole Miss. After losing heartbreakers to Tennessee and Georgia, they finally got their statement win over the LSU Tigers. The Gators are finally hitting their stride after playing a well-rounded game of football. However, things don’t get any easier, as a top-ranked Ole Miss team is next. Taking place in the Swamp, this game kicks off at noon ET, which is fortunate for the Rebels. If this was a night game, the Gators would have a clear and distinct advantage. Ole Miss has playoff aspirations, entering this matchup with a record of 8-2. The Rebels will likely find themselves in the 12-team playoff field if they win the next two games.
Prediction: Florida 20 Ole Miss 28
