To be honest, if DJ Lagway had thrown a decent crossing route pass, it could have been a totally different outcome. There is a difference in being confident and being reckless.

The heat is on Napier and his staff to right the ship as the fourth-year head coach of the Gators sits at 21-23 in his tenure.

And seeing that things are Not So Happy In Happy Valley these days after the sudden axing  of James Franklin by Penn State, there is an apparent  trend toward that sort of thing.

Cormani McClain may be the real key this weekend. He gave up some yardage last week, but he also drew the toughest assignment. 

Now, a more difficult challenge lies ahead for the Gators having to go into a tough environment at night versus a top five team.

Overall, it was the best performance against an FBS opponent for the offense as the group gained 457 yards, 22 first downs and went 7 for 14 on third down. 

I have mad respect for the bold, courageous quarterback with the gimp leg who refused to come out and, with the help of a spectacular first-time wide receiver, blowing through the vaunted Longhorn defense for over 400 yards like it was tissue paper. 

Media and fans have questioned whether this Longhorn team deserves its top 10 ranking, but Napier is aware this an uber-talented team that could break out at any moment.

Remember, it does not take into consideration that teams often can get better, or worse after an open date. Does it even natter Billy Napier observed Wednesday that quarterback DJ Lagway "had his best practice" ever?

Stricklin and Napier are on that same mythical clock, now unbroken, which  hangs in the Gators’ locker room, and ticks stale reminders of a bygone glory. 

DJ Lagway said, “It’s a good time to rally the troops.” That was in response to a question about the bye week.

The outside noise has reached a level that surpasses where it was during the midst of the 2024 season before ending on a four-game winning streak.