Napier Era Officially Begins

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

Game week is finally here, the wait is over. Saturday at 7 the Gators will be running out to the chants of 90,000 fans hoping for their team to be victorious. Florida is not used to losing season openers in Gainesville, as they own the longest-active- home-opener win streak in the FBS with 32-straight wins.

Florida fans have been through an emotional roller coaster the past decade with coaches coming in and out of the program since the departure of Urban Meyer. Although, there is a new buzz around town since Billy Napier arrived on campus. He has done nothing but shown that he is the man for the job since his arrival in Gainesville.

Don’t Underestimate the Bear

On the other hand, the Gators must come out ready in this one. While Florida may have a better roster than the Utes, this is one of the best-coached teams in the nation and is returning most of their starters who were Rose Bowl runners-up just a season ago.

Yes, The Swamp and atmosphere will play a huge factor in the game, but it is no reason to take this Utah squad lightly. Kyle Whittingham has raised this Utah program to be in the conversation for College Football Playoffs going into his 18th season, good enough for the longest-tenured coach in the Pac-12.

This is the first time since 1969that the Gators have been an underdog in their season opener, a pretty telling stat. Nonetheless, the Gators came out victorious with a win against No. 7 Houston at the time.

3 Keys to Success

Right when that ball is snapped, Florida needs to establish their dominance in the trenches. In a Billy Napier offense running the ball is an eminent part of his scheme, without an established run game it is hard to maintain a rhythm. If the Gators can open up holes early for Nay’Quan Wright or Montrell Johnson to bust open the defense for some chunks of yards early it opens up the whole field for the rest of the game.

Consequently, Anthony Richardson needs to be Anthony Richardson. Last year when we saw Anthony Richardson, it was a younger less-experienced version. I expect to see an AR with a full playbook at his expense along with the trust of Coach Napier to extend the play when he feels is necessary. In certain games this season Richardson’s legs may not need to be utilized as much to avoid overuse, nonetheless, Richardson needs to keep the Utes on their toes and show he can run with the best of them this weekend. Utah was constantly exposed last year when facing these dual-threat quarterbacks and gave them a problem.

Last but not least, the Gators must win the turnover battle. In a night atmosphere at The Swamp, all it takes is for one tipped pass to fall into a defensive back’s possession for the place to be an absolute insane asylum. On the other hand, Richardson and the rest of the Gators must focus on maintaining possession along with limiting the mistakes.

Billy Napier’s Debut

Billy Napier is looking to become the first Florida head coach to beat a ranked team in his first game as head coach.

There has not been this much hype around this Gators program since the early 2000s, Billy Napier along with the rest of his staff will be able to display their project under the lights Saturday.

Going from the Louisiana Rajun’ Cajuns to one of the richest and most passionate programs in the country will be a change for Napier, but nothing he can’t handle.

Let the Napier Era begin.