Postgame Analysis-Florida Gators (2-3,1-1), v. Texas Longhorns (3-2, 0-1)

Napier and company put together a complimentary performance that see the defense and offense answer the call for the first time this season.

By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst, Host of The Lowdown with Loren Meadows

Breakout star Dallas Wilson (Chris Spears photo)

Unfortunately, the week leading up to the Florida game was filled with demands from the day job that found this novice writer and football enthusiast pulled in so many directions that my pregame thoughts failed to find the light of day in written form. Had I had the chance to put it on paper my thoughts would have gone along the way that there was no way Napier who is seen as either stubborn, arrogant, or both would make any changes to an offense that in my opinion was stunting the growth of his young quarterback. I also would have noted that while Florida’s defense was taking getting a lot of credit as a unit the numbers suggested that they had not played as well as many believed and there were numbers to support the fact including just three sacks in the first four games. In essence I expected more of the same from an underachieving offense and a coach on his way out the door, that may be the case but not right now.

What We Thought: Florida was as low as the program had been all season with a historically low offensive output and a defense that had both hands on the door just barely keeping the monsters out. Texas had outgained Ohio State at home while losing the turnover battle and Arch Manning was just waiting to have his breakout moment as the next great one in the first family of quarterbacks. There would be more of the same from the Gators. Way too many tight ends, closed formations that muddy the waters for Lagway, and an offense that is as predictable as what you see from Chapelfield Middle School where my nephew Andrew is a reserve corner. This would be a quarterback duel as expected but only one player would have a crew chief that understands what his driver needs, and it would not be the orange and blue number 2 sponsored by Gatorade. Manning in just his 7th start would take bull by the horns (pun intended) and with Sarkisian calling the plays expose a good but not great defense and begin his ascension as one of the SEC’s best.

What We Got: I have never had a problem admitting I was wrong, and on this day, I missed the mark. I spent the week telling everyone to bet on Texas to cover and when the line went to 5.5, I doubled down on it. That prediction did not age well at all and I myself shamefully am a few bucks lighter. Under Napier, this team continues to show that when all seems lost, they rally around their coach and organization and show up in dramatic fashion. Napier, Lagway, and the Gators came out with one of their best gameplans that saw one tight end and three receivers the majority of the time and formations that allowed for better sight lines for Lagway who may have played his best game of the season. The sophomore quarterback was 21 of 28 for 298 yards and two touchdowns and his performance was aided by the return of what looks to be his new favorite target. Dallas Wilson spent the first four games watching from the sideline waiting for the opportunity to return from injury. Wilson returned on Saturday and lived up to expectations and more hauling in 6 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns, the best debut by any freshman receiver in school history. Wilson who credits his late mother Lisa for his confidence was clearly excited about his performance but more importantly the impact it had on his team. 

Defensively the Gators defense did enough to make life uncomfortable for the nation’s most famous quarterback. Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts was sending everybody at Arch Manning forcing him to change launch points, throw off his rhythm and forcing him into two key interceptions and sacking him six times. Cornerback Devin Moore in particular had a day with 4 tackles, a sack, and an interception where he clearly baited Manning to take a bite. Florida’s six sacks of Manning were more impressive because they came against an offense that had only given up three all season and only surrendered one to Ohio State to open the season. 

The Skinny: Celebrate the win today and get back to work this evening as a trip to Aggie Land looms less than a week from now. Many have stated that that the only way Napier remains employed by the State of Florida is to win six of the next seven games and maybe the bowl game as well. For now, the Gators press on, and it looks like the addition of Wilson and a confident defense may be a major part of the Gators becoming what many thought they would be. The absence of regression will be the key. Under Napier many great performances have been followed by listlessness and headscratchers particularly on the road. Furthermore, while the Gators have done well against some of the SEC’s best pocket passers, quarterbacks who actively participate in the running game continue to give the Gators major issues. It will be interesting to see the fallout from a win, the first against Texas in school history will be in regard to Napier, but for now he bought himself some time to figure out. Never been so happy to be wrong, for now.

Final Score: Florida 29 Texas 21 (Prediction Texas 31 Florida 7)