The Florida Gators opened their 2024 season on August 31st. The Miami Hurricanes dominated the Gators. The results of this contest were an absolute disaster. Head coach Billy Napier entered this season firmly on the hot seat, needing a win to alleviate the pressure. However, after suffering a 41-17 defeat, morale in Gainesville is now at an all-time low. Despite Miami being the higher-ranked opponent, many viewed this as quite a winnable game.
With arguably the hardest schedule in the nation, this was certainly an alarming sign for the Gators. The Florida defense showed no improvement. Miami quarterback Cam Ward could not be stopped. Offensively, quarterback Graham Mertz threw for less than 100 yards before leaving with a concussion. Fans are growing increasingly impatient after both sides of the football failed to show signs of life. As of now, many feel that Napier is on track to finish the season unemployed.
Offensive Issues
The Miami Hurricanes dominated the Florida Gators from start to finish. Fans were disappointed to see such a talented unit sputter, as the Gators failed to create chunk plays on offense. Mertz struggled immensely, missing open throws while constantly under pressure. He finished his day throwing for 91 yards and an interception, before leaving with a concussion in the second half.
Miami held stud receiver Tre Wilson in check. He finished with seven receptions for 50 yards. He racked up most of his production during garbage time. Additionally, he was solely utilized in the short game. Transfer receivers Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike combined for 54 yards receiving. This was a disappointing debut for the two receivers. The offense was never on the same page. However, the weak spot of the offense was surely the offensive line. The unit was outmuscled all game long. For lack of a better term, the line was atrocious.
Failing to protect Mertz or create running lanes for Montrell Johnson, the line did not come to play. Departures in the transfer portal forced the Gators to shuffle the offensive line. Miami dominated the Gator offensive line inside out. This group was continuously beaten off the jump. Everyone on the offensive line allowed Mertz to take hit after hit, however, the outside was specifically weak. This unit could not block a soul all night. Eventually, this led to Mertz’s injury.
The lone bright spot for the Gators was the emergence of quarterback DJ Lagway. The five-star freshman came into the game and was able to lead a touchdown drive on his second series. While he did throw an interception, Lagway showed that he’s extremely impressive but still raw. He was able to make some tight throws but lacked in his decision-making in some option plays.
Flaming Hot Seat
Many college fans and analysts believed that Napier had a chance to be the first head coach fired. Needless to say, after this performance, Napier did nothing to silence these critics. This was arguably the most important game of his tenure, and the Gators came out flat. After stalling out on their first offensive drive, the Gators allowed the Hurricanes to march down the field and score a touchdown. Napier pledged that a special group was bought into the program over the offseason. After this performance, it could be quite easy to doubt these prior statements. Napier has extensively preached that his plan was long-term and stressed the need for patience. Now in year three of the experiment, the Gators have shown little sign of progressing in the right direction. A talented recruiter, unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to carry his success onto the field.
Play Calling
Possibly the most frustrating part of the entire afternoon was the play calling on offense. With Napier dialing up the plays, he once again left plenty to be desired. Infamously conservative in his calls, Napier dialed up plenty of headscratchers. Down 10-3 in the second quarter, the Gators faced a pivotal third down and five. Rather than script up a passing play, Napier decided to run the ball. This play resulted in no gain. Much to the annoyance of many fans, Napier also decided to call up a run play on a second down and 17, which did not result in a positive gain. Time and time again, fans have been frustrated by Napier’s propensity to lean on the run, even when the passing game is working. Napier has begun to lose the fan base, as they have been pleading to hire an Offensive Coordinator.
Can’t Stop a Cold
With the offensive struggling mightily, the Gators needed their much-maligned defense to step up and lead the way. Instead, the Gators’ defense was completely dominated, allowing Ward to look like a Heisman contender. Ward threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns, never looking uncomfortable due to the lack of pass rush. The Gators looked dismal on all three levels. The performance was a stark difference from what was promised this season. No pass rush was generated, the linebackers couldn’t contain Ward, and the defensive backs couldn’t cover anyone. Coming out for the second half, the Hurricanes imposed their will on this subpar unit. Bringing in all sorts of transfers and veteran leaders, many thought this defense would be different. However, this unit allowed the Hurricanes to score 41 points, embarrassing this team. Improvements must come quickly if Austin Armstrong wants to continue as the Defensive Coordinator.
Final Thoughts
For many Gator fans, this was the last straw with Napier. Everyone knew that his process would take time, as he needed to make sure he had the players he wanted. Now in year three, with his own handpicked players, the Gators looked worse than ever. Notorious for their home environment, the Swamp was quiet in the second half, and nearly empty by the end. Safe to say, this was a complete embarrassment for Napier and this program. Reaching new lows, Napier has lost the faith and support of most fans. The fanbase is known for patience, however, this is likely the final nail in the coffin. Napier and the rest of this team need to take a long look in the mirror after this result. Only one week into the season, Napier can’t let this define him, or he will be on his way out.
