Florida Gators vs. Samford: Full Post-Game Analysis and Key Takeaways

DJ Lagway throws for a freshman record 456 yards and three touchdowns in first collegiate start.

By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com, Football Analyst

After a disappointing loss to in-state rival Miami a week ago, there was very little for the Gators to be excited about going into Week 2 against Samford. The Gators looked unprepared, unenthused and physically outmatched against Miami and the days that followed did nothing to build a case for Coach Billy Napier and his football program.

What did excite fans was that freshman phenom DJ Lagway, the 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year, would be making his first start for the Gators against Samford. Starting quarterback Graham Mertz spent the days after the Miami game in concussion-protocol so Lagway was the assumed starter taking most of the first-team reps in preparation for Samford. Despite some of the backlash from comments made by his head coach, Lagway’s play gave Florida fans something to be excited about as the Gators looked for their first win since a road win at South Carolina on October 14, 2023. Despite Samford’s less than stellar resume’ The Swamp had a buzz due to premier of the Lagway Experience.

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway (GatorBait photo)

What We Thought: The last time the Samford Bulldogs visited The Swamp they scored 52 points and amassed 530 total yards. They did so by using a number of different formations and taking advantage of a Florida defense struggling to communicate. Sound familiar? Samford quarterback Quincy Crittenden would present a similar challenge as Miami’s Cam Ward and if the Florida defense didn’t find a way to pass notes between one another it could be another tough day against a lesser opponent. On offense, freshman DJ Lagway would start for the Gators in place of the injured Mertz. Sources had spoken highly of Lagway’s improvement from spring practice to fall camp, but spoke about interceptions and errant throws that caused many to question how the offense would perform in his first collegiate start. The offense would score enough to win but how would it look?

What We Got: This is college football and regardless of the opponent anyone who can throw for 465 yards and three touchdowns in a debut is worthy of the highest praise. DJ Lagway was as good as advertised completing 18 passes to eight different receivers to throw for a freshman record leading the Gators to a 45-7 win over Samford. Lagway showed great pocket presence, arm strength and overall poise as he was able to get the Gators into the right formations and go through what Lagway termed as his “rules” on several plays where the resulting completion was clearly not his first read. Most impressive may have been his willingness for self-preservation, sliding on several scrambles or going out of bounds when many young players continue to press leads to turnovers or injury. Defensively, the Gators played with more energy and looked to be a more in sync as a unit. Samford’s Quincy Crittenden was slippery early, evading the grasp of a couple of near sacks. The Gators would settle in and right the ship surrendering only one drive of 30 yards or more on one possession after half time. The Florida secondary, aided by four sacks, held Crittenden to just 144 yards on 22 completions. A vast improvement from the Miami game where they surrendered over 300 through the air. 

The Swamp after a win (GatorBait photo)

The Skinny: Now for the truth. The Gators were the better team on Saturday. Samford however is not a great football team. In consecutive weeks they have given up over 1000 yards of total offense and over 80 points. What the Gators can hang their hat on is that they have found their quarterback of the future and the fuse that may ignite a return to prominence. DJ Lagway carries himself like a polished veteran. Always poised, never boastful, honoring God first, and his teammates equally. Lagway excited the crowd with deep throws along with throws that moved the sticks and kept the offense moving. Unfortunately it was Samford and not a Power 4 opponent.

Fortunately, in this day and age, beggars cannot be choosers. After the game, Napier gave very little notice that Lagway’s performance would lead to any type of quarterback controversy and Graham Mertz has done little to warrant his removal based on his play or that of Lagway. There will be the call by others that will feel differently.

Which leads to the question, with Texas A&M coming to town Saturday afternoon, how will the Gators navigate another week of possible distractions centered around who will be at the controls of the Florida offense? In the Miami game, the Florida coaching staff did very little to help Mertz and the offense suffered for it.

Against Samford the staff seemed to have learned from its mistakes and found a way to help Lagway be successful. Will the third time be a charm for Mertz? Will the boo birds return if the game plan returns to its pedestrian, head-scratching ways? The Gators are still week-to-week and a win against Samford does very little to indicate long-term success. Lagway gave us a look into the future — and for the Gators, that future didn’t look too bad. 

Final Score: Florida 45 Samford 7

(Prediction-Florida 30 Samford 14)