(Photo by Chris Spears) Theoretically speaking, Billy Napier and the Florida Gators (1-3, 0-1 SEC) could go on a winning binge in the final eight games that would calm the Gator Nation and ensure that Napier is gainfully employed by the University of Florida in 2026. It might take a water into wine miracle for that to happen, but it is possible.   Possible, yes. Probable? Hardly.   Reality speaking says Florida’s remaining eight games are the toughest gauntlet in the nation and nothing the Gators have done so far would indicate they’re remotely capable of stringing some wins together. Florida’s defense has played very well, giving up both yards and points grudgingly. If there is a chance that the Gators can start winning, all we've seen so far tells us the defense is going to have to carry the load.   The Florida offense? Different story altogether. Calling it anemic might be giving it more credit than it deserves. Hence the problem when trying to envision the Gators going on a winning tear in the last eight games.   In their next two games – a home game next Saturday with No. 10 Texas (3-1) followed by a road trip to No. 9 Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0 SEC) – the Gators will be going head-to-head with formidable defenses. Texas is the No. 5 defense in the country, allowing only 211 yards and 7.8 points (No. 4 nationally) per game. Texas A&M just held Auburn to 177 total yards and 0-13 on third down.   For Florida to break out of its offensive funk against these two defensive units, Billy Napier is going to have to inject a measure of mystery into the schemes and play calls. Through the first four games and quite frankly, since Napier became Florida’s head coach, the offense has looked like something from the mind of Captain Obvious. The schemes are too simplistic and the play calls way too predictable.   Despite calls from every possible angle for Napier to turn the play calling over to someone else on the staff, he steadfastly refuses. Florida’s football team is like a sinking ship and as the captain Napier will have his hands gripping the wheel when the boat goes belly up.   Talent is not an issue. As Nick Saban has pointed out, the Gators have as much or more talent than any team on the schedule, but in addition to predictable play calls, there is that matter of offensive execution. Both the play calls and the lack of execution are the responsibility of the head coach.   Based on the Gators’ performance in the first four games of the season and what we’ve seen so far from the eight teams remaining on the schedule, it doesn’t take much imagination to foresee a 1-11 or 2-10 season ahead.   Could things change? Could the Gators turn it around and start winning? Anything is possible. Nobody, for example, ever thought there would be enough of a flood to float away the big boat Noah loaded up with animals. SEC FOOTBALL No. 13 Ole Miss (5-0, 3-0 SEC) 24, No. 4 LSU (4-1, 1-1 SEC) 19: Ole Miss overcame 14 penalties to move to 3-0 in SEC play behind Trinidad Chambliss, who threw for 314 yards and a touchdown while running for 71 more. Kewan Lacy also pounded the LSU defense for 88 yards on the ground with one TD. Had it not been for the penalties, Ole Miss would have run away with the game. The Rebels totaled 480 offensive yards while the defense held LSU to 254. The most stunning statistic of all – Ole Miss squeezed off 84 offensive plays while LSU managed only 56.   No. 17 Alabama (3-1, 1-0 SEC) 24, No. 5 Georgia (3-1, 0-1 SEC) 21: Taking over on their own 12 with 3:19 remaining and nursing a 3-point lead, Alabama was able to run out the clock to hand Georgia its first loss at Sanford Stadium in 34 games. Alabama jumped to a 14-0 lead and scored all 24 of its points in the first half. In the second half, Alabama came up with a critical stop on fourth-and-1 at the 8-yard line when Deontae Lawson and LT Overton stuffed Cash Jones for a 3-yard loss. Ty Simpson threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns for Bama, which converted 12 of 19 on third down. Chauncey Owens, who ran for 119 yards and a TD, paced a Georgia offense that pounded Alabama for 227 rushing yards.   No. 9 Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0 SEC) 16, Auburn (3-2, 0-2 SEC) 10: This game was decided on third down. The Aggie defense held Auburn to 0-13 on third down and just 177 total yards. Le’Veon Moss ran for 139 yards to lead a balanced Aggie offense that had 207 passing yards and 207 on the ground. The Aggie defense had five sacks that cost Auburn -32 yards in losses. Auburn was able to generate only 52 rushing yards. Jackson Arnold threw for 125 yards but it took 33 attempts.   No. 15 Tennessee (4-1, 1-1 SEC) 41, Mississippi State (4-1, 0-1 SEC) 34, OT: The Vols got a fourth down stop at the end of overtime to pull out a win over previously unbeaten Mississippi State. On the Vols first play of overtime, DeSean Bishop scored on a 25-yard run to put Tennessee ahead. On fourth-and-goal from the four, Blake Shapen’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Arion Carter to preserve the win. Joey Aguilar threw for 335 yards and a TD but his biggest play was a 6-yard run for a TD with 1:55 left in the game to tie the score at 27-27. The Vols were torched by Fluff Bothwell, who ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns. For Tennessee, Mike Matthews caught six passes for 118 yards and Chris Brazzell II caught six for 105 yards and one TD.   No. 18 Vanderbilt (5-0, 1-0 SEC) 55, Utah State (3-2) 35: Diego Pavia accounted for six touchdowns as the Commodores improved to 5-0. Pavia completed 26-34 of his passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns plus ran for 79 yards and another TD. With 13 TDPs and two running TDs for an unbeaten team in the nation’s toughest conference, perhaps it’s time for Diego Pavia to move into Heisman Trophy contention. This was the second straight game the Commodores have scored more than 50 points. The last time that happened for a Vandy team was in 1919. No. 20 Missouri (5-0, 1-0 SEC) 42, UMass (0-4) 6: Mizzou improved to 5-0 as Ahmad Hardy ran for 130 yards and three touchdowns and Beau Pribula completed 26-29 passes for 241 yards. At one point, Pribula completed 21 consecutive passes. The Missouri defense held UMass to 124 total yards. Missouri generated 521 yards, 253 through the air and 268 on the ground. Missouri held the ball for 38:43, converting 10 first downs in 15 tries. Kevin Coleman Jr. caught 12 passes for 108 yards. Through five games, Hardy has run for 730 yards and nine touchdowns.   No. 22 Notre Dame (2-2) 56, Arkansas (2-3, 0-1 SEC) 13: Arkansas coach Sam Pittman is on very shaky ground after the Razorbacks gave up 641 yards and eight offensive touchdowns to Notre Dame. In losing their last three games, the Razorbacks have given up 129 points and 1,605 yards. The calls for offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to take over will grow louder by the hour.   South Carolina (3-2, 1-2 SEC) 35, Kentucky (2-2, 0-2 SEC) 13: South Carolina’s defense held Kentucky to 232 yards, one TD and two field goals while forcing four turnovers (2 interceptions, 2 fumbles). South Carolina sacked Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley six times for -39 yards. The South Carolina offense generated only 341 yards but Jatius Greer ran a fumble back for a TD and Gerald Kilgore had a pick six so a lot of offense wasn’t needed.   NEXT WEEK No. 10 Texas (3-1) at FLORIDA (1-3, 0-1 SEC) Kentucky (2-2, 0-2 SEC) at No. 5 Georgia (3-1, 0-1 SEC) Kent State (1-3) at No. 7 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 SEC) Mississippi State (4-1, 0-1 SEC) at No. 9 Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0 SEC) No. 18 Vanderbilt (5-0, 1-0 SEC) at No. 17 Alabama (3-1, 1-0 SEC)

(Photo by Chris Spears) A month ago we were drinking the Kool-Aid, believing this would be the year that was for Billy Napier and the Florida Gators. Instead, the Gators are 1-3, the offense is in the tank and Billy Napier’s tush is blowtorch hot. The Gators have eight games remaining and two open dates.   Fortunately, this is one of the open dates, which means there is no way Florida loses a football game this week. A year ago, Billy Napier used an open date to spark a 4-game winning streak at the end of the year. With a schedule that includes six ranked teams, the odds are heavily against Napier transforming the Gators into a winner.   So, why isn’t this the breakout year that everyone on planet earth predicted? It isn’t for a lack of talent as Nick Saban noted on The Pat McAfee Show last week.   “Well, I think Florida has the best roster they’ve had in a long time,” Saban said.   The Gators have talent everywhere. Injuries have created some depth issues, but the replacements are talented although inexperienced. Still, the Florida defense is good enough to make games close, winnable if the offense will cooperate.   Saban points to quarterback DJ Lagway as the centerpiece of Florida’s problems. Lagway had to rehab a shoulder in the spring and then suffered a calf injury that kept him from live reps with the offense until a few days prior to the season opener with Long Island University.   “I think the quarterback has struggled and I think he’s struggled because he hasn’t been able to practice,” Saban said. He hasn’t been able to get enough reps. You know, some guys can play without practice and some guys need reps to get it right. I don’t know this guy, but he hasn’t played well because he hasn’t been able to practice much.”   Saban hasn’t given up on the Gators just yet. Napier, a former Saban assistant, has rebuilt the roster to the point the Gators have enough talent but Lagway has to play better or else it’s going to be a long time until the season ends.   “… They have a good roster and I think if the quarterback plays better they can be a team that can just about beat anybody,” Saban said. “This defense is good and they’ve got a big offensive line and a decent back. I think they can be pretty good.”   The Gators don’t have to be pretty good this week.   SEC FOOTBALL No. 4 LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC) at No. 13 Ole Miss (4-0, 2-0 SEC): LSU’s defense is considered elite, but the Tigers four wins are against D1AA Southeastern Louisiana and the No. 89 (Clemson), 109 (Louisiana Tech) and 110 (Florida) offenses. Saturday, they go against a truly elite offensive team in Ole Miss, which is averaging 543.3 yards and 44.8 points per game. It really doesn’t matter if Lane Kiffin plays Austin Simmons or Trinidad Chambers at quarterback because they’re both studs who have maybe the best group of skill players in the country. LSU doesn’t run the ball and relies on QB Garrett Nussmeier to throw for success. If it’s a shootout, Ole Miss has a real advantage. LSU has to slow the pace, control the clock and keep the Ole Miss offense off the field to win.  The pick: Ole Miss   No. 17 Alabama (2-1) at No. 5 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC): Alabama looks much improved since taking a hosing game one against Florida State, but Louisiana-Monroe and a bad Wisconsin team aren’t like playing Georgia between the hedges. The Bulldogs don’t look like the dominant defensive team of years past, but Gunner Stockton is surprising everyone at quarterback. In most years, this one would shape up as a slugfest with the defenses coming up with one big play after another. This year, however, it’s looking more and more that it could wind up in a shootout with Ty Simpson of Alabama and Stockton heaving the ball all over the yard. Georgia, by the way, already has won a shootout this season. The pick: Georgia   Auburn (3-1, 0-1 SEC) at No. 9 Texas A&M (3-0): Last week Auburn fell victim to an incompetent SEC officiating crew. The SEC’s response? Well, gee, they goofed. Bad officials! Bad officials! Auburn was tagged with a loss to Oklahoma, a game they win if the zebras do their jobs. How will the Tigers respond this week at Texas A&M? If there is righteous anger, they will take out their frustrations on a Texas A&M team that has scored more than 40 points in each of its three games. If it has been a pity party this week at Auburn, the Tigers are going to go down in flames at Kyle Field. This is a game that Jackson Arnold will have to rely more on his arm than his legs because the Aggies are stout against the run. Auburn has to keep Marcel Reed in the pocket. If he escapes the rush on a regular basis, Auburn will be toast. The pick: Texas A&M   No. 15 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC) at Mississippi State (4-0): The Vols can light up the scoreboard but they’ve struggled a bit defensively. Mississippi State is an unexpected 4-0 largely because the threat of the run is opening things up for the passing game. If Fluff Bothwell can find some room to run the Bulldogs can keep the UT offense off the field. In a nutshell, this is how the Bulldogs can spring the upset. If the Vols can stuff the run – difficult due to the injury situation at defensive tackle – they could win this in a rout. Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II has 25 catches for 426 yards and six touchdowns. The Tennessee passing game will be challenged by a Mississippi State pass defense that ranks third in the country. Can the Bulldogs cover Chris Brazzell II? Shut him down and the passing game will struggle.   The pick: Tennessee   Utah State (3-1) at No. 18 Vanderbilt (4-0, 1-0 SEC): Something about Vanderbilt at 5-0 seems weird, yet that’s where the Commodores will be after this one. Vandy is very real. Imagine this. After the Commodores beat Utah State Saturday they will be within one game of bowl eligible. Keep an eye on QB Diego Pavia. If you’re looking for a Heisman Trophy darkhorse he just might be your man. He just refuses to let the Commodores lose. The pick: Vanderbilt   UMass (0-3) at No. 20 Missouri (4-0, 1-0 SEC): This will be the rout of the week. UMass has been outscored 89-17 in two games against Division I teams and this week the Minutemen are charged with stopping the No. 6 offense in the country (554.3 yards and 46 points per game). After the Tigers score, they turn the game over to the No. 8 defense in the country. Oh the things you do for a paycheck that keeps the lights on in the athletic department.   The pick: Missouri   No. 22 Notre Dame (1-2) at Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 SEC): If the Razorbacks spring the upset, they will buy time for HBC Sam Pittman. If they lose in a rout, it all but ensures Pittman will be paid not to coach next year. The hope for Arkansas is to win in a shootout. Bobby Petrino’s offense is good for 552 yards and 43.5 points per game. If they can score 30 or more, they have a real shot at an upset. Notre Dame will try to slow the game and win the possession battle by pounding it between the tackles. If Arkansas can stuff the run, the Irish are in trouble. The pick: Arkansas   Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC) at South Carolina (2-2, 0-2 SEC): For South Carolina to salvage its season, it has to start Saturday. A third loss in SEC play would derail all the progress the Gamecocks made a year ago when they won nine games. LaNorris Sellers’ Heisman Trophy campaign desperately needs a recharge. These are two of the worst offenses in the SEC so it’s highly unlikely the fans at Willy Brice will see a shootout. There is a really good chance this will rank among the most boring games in the country. The pick: South Carolina

(Photo by Chris Spears) There is good news and there is bad news when it comes to DJ Lagway and the Florida Gators.   The good news first. Billy Napier says Lagway, who was seen in a boot on Monday, is doing well and practicing.     “DJ’s fine,” Napier said on the Southeastern Conference Coaches Teleconference Wednesday morning. “ He got stepped on there during the [Miami] game. We put a boot on him. There’s no issue at all. He practiced yesterday. He’s 100 percent.”   Against Miami, Lagway completed 12-23 passes for 61 yards and netted -8 yards on the ground. Perhaps healthy enough to practice during the week off Lagway will figure a few things out that will get him closer to the level he played at last year.   Now for the bad news. Napier was asked if he will continue calling plays for Florida’s anemic and very predictable offense.   Napier’s response: “Correct.”   Florida’s offense ranks 15 th in the SEC in total yards (328.3 yards per game) and dead last in scoring (22 points per game). Nationally, the Gators are 110 th in the country in total yards and tied for 101 st in scoring. Those are the kind of numbers Gator fans grew to expect in the Jim McElwain years. The Gators ranked No. 116 nationally in 2016 and No. 110 in 2017.   The Gators are averaging 4.94 yards per offensive play, which is deceptive due to the season opener against D1AA Long Island University and even game two against South Florida. In going 0-2 in losses to LSU and Miami, the Gators have gained 507 yards, 3.96 yards per play.   Contrast that to last season when the Gators averaged 6.26 yards per play. The Gators averaged 6.05 per play in 2023 and 6.58 per play in 2022.   The Gators are off to a 1-3 start, their worst beginning since the 1986 season. They have scored one touchdown in each of the last three games. Against Miami, the Gators managed one first half first down, 141 total yards and just 61 through the air. The O-line gave four sacks against Miami and has allowed nine through four games. A year ago, the Gators allowed only 20 sacks in 13 games.   On the teleconference, Napier was asked how the offensive problems are being addressed during the bye week. His response:   “I think there’s a renewed emphasis on accountability. Obviously, we have to play better. Every position group is contributing to our issues, so I know obviously a lot is made of DJ and his situation, but I do think when we look at it from a big picture standpoint, we’ve got to play better around them. And then, just some of the points of emphasis are eliminating negative plays, and I do think that first-down efficiency has contributed to some of our problems as well. But in general, I think we have to address that part of our team and there’s gotta be some changes, and certainly that’s what we’re doing.” Changes would be wonderful because unless the Gators do something different than they’ve been doing, wins are going to be few and far between in the final eight games of the season. THREE GATORS NOMINATED FOR PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Wednesday were three former Gators: offensive tackle Lomas Brown, center Marquise Pouncey and running back Fred Taylor. Lomas Brown was an All-American in 1984 when he won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for the Southeastern Conference. He went on to play 18 seasons in the NFL, most of them with the Detroit Lions. He got a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Bucs in 2002. He played in seven consecutive Pro Bowls. Marquise Pouncey won the Rimington Trophy as the nation's best center in 2009. He started at right guard as a true freshman in 2007 then moved to center where he made All-America in 2009. He went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl nine times. Fred Taylor was a first team All-American in 1997 when he ran for 1,292 yards and 13 touchdowns. During his Florida career, Taylor ran for 3,075 yards and 31 touchdowns. He played 13 seasons in the NFL, 11 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had seven 1,000-yard seasons. During his career he ran for 11,695 yards and scored 66 touchdowns. SEC FOOTBALL No. 17 Alabama (2-1): Outside linebacker Jah-Marien Latham and defensive tackle Jeremiah Beaman are out for Saturday’s game at Georgia. Defensive tackle Tim Keenan and tight end Danny Lewis are listed as probable … The Crimson Tide is a 3.5-point underdog. Saturday: at No. 5 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC)   Arkansas (2-2): The Razorbacks have the No. 8 offense in the country (552 yards per game), but their defense ranks 83 rd nationally (371yards per game) … Arkansas is a 4.5-point underdog against Notre Dame. Saturday: No. 22 Notre Dame (1-2)   Auburn (3-1, 0-1 SEC): Wide receiver Horatio Fields, who has 12 catches for 106 yards and a TD, will be out indefinitely with a broken foot suffered Tuesday at practice. Also out for the road trip to Texas A&M is running back Durell Robinson. Center Connor Lew and defensive end Amaris Williams are listed as questionable. Probable are wide receiver Malcolm Simmons, safety Kaleb Harris, running back Jeremiah Cobb and corner Jay Crawford are all listed as probable … Auburn is a 6.5-point underdog. Saturday: at No. 9 Texas A&M (3-0)   No. 5 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC): Out for Saturday’s game with Alabama are tight end Ethan Barbour, center Malachi Toliver and wide receiver Thomas Blackshear.  Listed as doubtful is offensive tackle Earnest Greene … Georgia is a 3.5-point favorite.   Saturday: No. 17 Alabama (2-1)   Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC): Redshirt freshman Cutter Boley will get the start at quarterback at South Carolina. Boley threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns in his only start … The Wildcats are 5.5-point underdogs. Saturday: at South Carolina (2-2, 0-2 SEC)   No. 4 LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC): Running back Caden Durham is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game at Ole Miss. Durham has run for 213 yards and two touchdowns while catching eight passes for 39 yards so far this season … Defensive end Gabriel Reliford will miss the game. Likely to play are tight end Trey’Dez Green and linebacker West Weeks … The Tigers are 1.5-point underdogs. Saturday: at No. 13 Ole Miss (4-0, 2-0 SEC)   Mississippi State (4-0): Linebacker Derion Gullette is questionable for Tennessee. Linebacker Will Whitson and tackle Blake Steen are injured and done for the year … The Bulldogs are 7.5-point underdogs. Saturday: No. 15 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC)   No. 20 Missouri (4-0): In their win over South Carolina last week, the Tigers drop kicked five times on kickoffs. Theoretically it allowed Missouri see how South Carolina was lining up so the ball could be kicked away from the returner … The Tigers are 43.5-point favorites. Saturday: UMass (0-3)   No. 7 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 SEC): Quarterback John Mateer, who was considered the Heisman Trophy front runner, broke a bone in his throwing hand in the first quarter last week’s win over Auburn. Despite the broken bone, Mateer played the entire game, threw for 271 yards and one TD, plus ran for the TD that clinched the win. Mateer had surgery Wednesday. He will is expected to need 3-4 weeks to recover. While he’s sidelined, Michael Hawkins Jr. will get the start. He threw for 783 yards a year ago when he started two games for the Sooners.   No. 13 Ole Miss (4-0, 2-0 SEC): On the SEC Coaches Teleconference, HBC Lane Kiffin wouldn’t reveal which quarterback will start against LSU. Trinidad Chambliss has gone 2-0 as the starter since Austin Simmons was injured, but Simmons is healthy now … Corner Jaylon Braxton and offensive lineman John Wayne Oliver are listed as questionable for the game … Ole Miss is a 1.5-point favorite. Saturday: No. 4 LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC)   South Carolina (2-2, 0-2 SEC): Defensive tackle Gabe Brownlow-Dindy, defensive back Buddy Mack III, and offensive linemen Nolan Hay and Carson Henry are doubtful for Kentucky … The Gamecocks are 5.5-point favorites. Saturday: Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC)   No. 15 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC): The Vols have an extensive injury report ahead of their visit to Mississippi State. Out are defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs, defensive backs Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson, wide receiver Radarious Jackson and running back Hunter Barnes. Running back Daune Morris and offensive lineman David Sanders are questionable while defensive lineman Jaxson Moi is probable … The Vols are 7.5-point favorites. Saturday: at Mississippi State (4-0)   No. 10 Texas (3-1): Running back Tre Wisner and defensive lineman Alex January are expected to be healthy enough to play next week against Florida. Wisner, who ran for 1,064 yards a year ago, and January haven’t played since the season opener.   No. 9 Texas A&M (4-0): Linebacker Scooby Williams, who was injured after intercepting a pass in the win over Notre Dame, is listed as questionable for Auburn. Out is safety Bryce Anderson … The Aggies are 6.5-point favorites. Saturday: Auburn (3-1, 0-1 SEC)   No. 18 Vanderbilt (4-0): Vandy has spent the week preparing for Utah State’s dual threat QB Bryson Barnes. Barnes has thrown for 982 yards and eight touchdowns (1 interception) while running for 197 yards and six more TDs … The Commodores are 22.5-point favorites. Saturday: Utah State (3-1)

Will No. 2 lead the way for the Gators

(Photo by Chris Spears) A year ago Todd Golden’s sales job was to place a big enough chip on the shoulders of the Gators that nobody could knock it off. The Gators embraced it all the way to San Antonio where two stunning comeback wins gave the University of Florida its third NCAA basketball championship in school history.   The moment the clock at the Alamodome in San Antonio flatlined at 00:00, the Gators went from 2025 underdogs to the latest NCAA champ that has to deal with the great expectations of a repeat. It is such a rare feat that it has only been done three times since UCLA’s unprecedented seven straight championship years halted by North Carolina State in 1974. Since then only Duke (1991-92), Florida (2006-07) and UConn (2022-23) have gone back-to-back.   Golden and the Gators have a constant reminder of what the 2006-07 teams were able to accomplish. A few steps inside the door of the Florida practice facility is a mural of the confetti falling in Indianapolis (2006) and Atlanta (2007). They serve as proof that repeats are possible, but knowing they are possible and actually pulling it off are two different concepts.   The 2006 Gators had an advantage like no other repeat champion since UCLA because the entire starting lineup of Al Horford, Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey elected to come back to go for two in a row. The newest version of the Gators will return the towering frontcourt of 6-11 Alex Condon, 6-10 Rueben Chinyelu, 7-1 Micah Handlogten and 6-9 Tommy Haugh returning. For good measure there is 6-11, 260-pound redshirt freshman Viktor Mikic waiting in the wings, ready to grab any minutes that come available.     It is the backcourt that is being revamped. Walter Clayton Jr. went first round to the Utah Jazz in the NBA Draft while Alijah Martin went second round to Toronto and Will Richard to Golden State, also in the second round, leaving a void that will be filled by transfers, a couple of holdovers and a pair of talented freshmen. There is no shortage of talent, but the shoes these guys have to fill are gigantic. Golden has 40 more days to make it all fit together before games begin for real against Arizona in Las Vegas.   “It’s tricky, because unlike 20 years ago we don’t have our whole starting five back,” Golden said Monday afternoon. “It’s a little different than just saying a blanket, ‘Okay, we’re trying to go back-to-back.’ Obviously, we have guys who played a huge role on that team and the expectation, for them, that’s the goal. At the same time, we have some transfers and young guys that we’re trying to get in there. That’s not the same expectation for them. They were not part of that team, right?   “So, on a macro level our goal is to win again, but with this team specifically we’re not talking a lot about repeating, but we are talking about doing everything we can to play deep into March.”   Minus the backcourt threesome of Clayton, Martin and Richard, who combined to average 46 points, 12.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, Golden anticipates his frontcourt guys picking up more of the scoring slack. Instead of two big guys and three guards Golden is going to go with three bigs and two guards. Haugh was such a threat from the perimeter during Florida’s national championship run that he will start at a wing, but he’s the ultimate inside-outside hybrid.   As it stands now, the sixth man will be Handlogten, who is 100 percent healthy and in the best shape that he’s been in at Florida. Handlogten burned his redshirt to help the Gators when there were injuries in early February.   "He's playing great right now, and as healthy as he's been in a long time,” Golden said. “You can tell his confidence continues to grow. I think he's one of the best centers in America, I do. We're fortunate we have two of them. The ability to let him and Ruben compete against each other at practice, and then we're bringing Micah over and letting them play together a little bit, just trying to see what that looks like. But he was a huge reason why we won last year, him coming back, his unselfishness, his willingness to give up half of his year to be a part of it. He played such an impactful role. I think he will be even more impactful for this year's team than he was last year."   So, Golden anticipates a starting lineup of Condon, Chinyelu and Haugh with transfers Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland taking over in the backcourt. Lee averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists last year at Princeton where he was a first team All-Ivy League selection for the second straight year. Fland spent his freshman year at Arkansas where he averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists in a season married by injuries that caused him to miss 40 percent of the season.   Lee and Fland give Golden the luxury of two skilled point guards who know how to score as well as distribute. Last season the Gators finished second nationally in the kenpom.com rankings for offensive efficiency. With Lee and Fland as the primary ball handlers, Golden believes the Gators will do a good job avoiding turnovers.   “We should be able to take care of the ball better this year; we weren't always elite doing that. And I think our offensive rebounding should be a little bit better. So obviously we lost a lot of shot making. We don't have somebody that can make shots like Walt on this year's team, but not very many teams do. So we got to find different ways to kind of pick up that efficiency."   There is plenty of depth in the backcourt behind Fland and Lee. Urban Klavjar, whose shooting while coming off the bench helped lift the Gators over a midseason hump, will be one of the first off the bench along with AJ Brown and his brother, Isiaih. Freshmen CJ Ingram and Alex Lloyd are serious talents who will have to fight for and make the most of limited minutes. During the summer months, Golden also picked up redshirt sophomore Alex Kovatchev, an Australian via Sacramento State.     This is an embarrassment of riches. The Gators have size and depth which will give Golden options to play any style to either match or exceed whatever opponents throw at him. With 13 players at his disposal, it might take awhile for Golden to settle on a rotation.   One thing that hasn’t changed despite the turnover in personnel is the goal of playing big and fast. Few teams can match Florida’s size, but the Gators have the speed and quickness that will help to make up for the loss of elite backcourt scorers. The goal is to dominate the backboards, kick it out quickly and get the ball up the court in position to shoot well before the opponent has a chance to set the defense.   A year ago, the Gators wore down opponents with this style. It should be every bit as effective this season as well.   “We want to play as many possessions in transition as possible,” Golden said. “So if we can find a way to play five percent more of our possessions in transition, I think that would really help us be able to make up for some of that lost efficiency. And I keep going back to the ball handling. We haven't done nearly enough job yet taking care of the ball. But Boogie had a great assist-to-turnover ratio last year. Xaivian was fantastic, and Tommy and those guys are great for front court players in terms of taking care of it. So I think collectively, as we continue to get comfortable playing together that should be an area that - I think we're 73rd I think we're 73rd in America in turnover rate last year. My goal is to be top 25 that way with this year's teams."   A hallmark of the national championship team was the kind of team chemistry that hadn’t been seen in years. It takes time for teams to bond into championship level, but the signs are there that Golden has another team that will not lack for team chemistry.   “I'm really pleased with where we're at, but I think the main test has yet to come, right?” Golden said. “… there’s been no adversity for this team, like we haven't lost any tough games. We haven't had to deal with any injuries. So it's easy right now, because we haven't had to go through any of that for us to all get along with each other and everybody to be putting the team first. But once we deal with a little bit of that, I think we'll be, the way we react to that will be the key. But right now, I think this team has a chance to be really tight. We have really good guys. We have mature guys, and I think similar to last year, our personnel and kind of the roles that we have for specific guys fits pretty well where everybody should be able to, you know, have success with what we're trying to do.”

(Photo by Chris Low) Multiple sources are reporting that Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is wearing a boot. Lagway was sacked four times by Miami but he played the entire game, throwing for 61 yards and being credited with -8 on the ground. Through four games, Lagway is 83-123 passing for 690 yards (5.6 per attempt) and five touchdowns (6 interceptions). The 5.6 per attempt and six interceptions are worst in the SEC.   The extent of Lagway’s injury won’t be known for several days since the Gators have the week off and head coach Billy Napier isn’t required to list his injuries until next Wednesday. Lagway spent a good portion of August in a boot while nursing a calf injury. He missed the entire spring rehabbing after shoulder surgery.   There are whispers from some insiders that Napier is already prepping true freshman backup quarterback Trammel Jones Jr. to start against 10 th -ranked Texas at The Swamp on October 4. In his only action this season, the opener against Long Island University, Jones completed 12-18 passes for 131 yards (7.3 per attempt) and two touchdowns.   Injury update: Corner Dijon Johnson, who injured his knee against Miami, will undergo surgery for a torn meniscus per Graham Hall of Florida.247Sports.   CHRIS LOW: UF PERMANENT OPPONENTS GEORGIA, UK, SOUTH CAROLINA   The SEC has made a big deal of releasing each team’s four permanent opponents for the next four years as part of the new 9-game schedule. It’s supposed to be revealed tonight on ESPN2 and SEC Network. However, Chris Low, longtime SEC expert at ESPN before his recent move to On3, seems to have discovered the permanent opponents ahead of the official release.   Surprisingly, Florida’s three permanent opponents won’t include either Tennessee or LSU. The Gators will continue their rivalry with Georgia, but the other two opponents are Kentucky and South Carolina. The Gators play Kentucky every year but haven’t played South Carolina since 2023.   Here are the permanent opponents for the other 15 SEC schools:   Alabama: Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State Arkansas: Missouri, Texas, LSU Auburn: Georgia, Alabama, Vanderbilt Georgia: Auburn, Florida, South Carolina Kentucky: South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida LSU: Arkansas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M Mississippi State: Ole Miss, Alabama, Vanderbilt Missouri: Arkansas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma Oklahoma: Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri Ole Miss: Mississippi State, LSU, Oklahoma South Carolina: Georgia, Kentucky, Florida Tennessee: Alabama, Vanderbilt, Kentucky Texas: Texas A&M, Arkansas, Oklahoma Texas A&M: Texas, LSU, Missouri Vanderbilt: Tennessee, Mississippi State, Auburn   Associated Press top 25: 1. Ohio State 3-0; 2. Miami 4-0; 3. Penn State 3-0; 4. LSU 4-0; 5. Georgia 3-0; 6. Oregon 4-0; 7. Oklahoma 4-0; 8. Florida State 3-0; 9. Texas A&M 3-0; 10. Texas 3-1; 11. Indiana 4-0; 12. Texas Tech 4-0; 13. Ole Miss 4-0; 14. Iowa State 4-0; 15. Tennessee 3-1; 16. Georgia Tech 4-0; 17. Alabama 2-1; 18. Vanderbilt 4-0; 19. Michigan 3-1; 20. Missouri 4-0; 21. Southern California 4-0; 22. Notre Dame 1-2; 23. Illinois 3-1; 24. TCU 3-0; 25. BYU 3-0   AFCA Coaches top 25: 1. Ohio State 3-0; 2. Penn State 3-0; 3. Georgia 3-0; 4. LSU 4-0; 5. Oregon 4-0; 6. Miami 4-0; 7. Texas 3-1; 8. Florida State 3-0; 9. Texas A&M 3-0; 10. Oklahoma 4-0; 11. Ole Miss 4-0; 12. Indiana 4-0; 13. Iowa State 4-0; 14. Texas Tech 4-0; 15. Tennessee 3-1; 16. Alabama 2-1; 17. Georgia Tech 4-0; 18. Michigan 3-1; 19. Missouri 4-0; 20. Vanderbilt 4-0; 21. Notre Dame 1-2; 22. Southern California 4-0; 23. Illinois 3-1; 24. BYU 3-0; 25. TCU 3-0   SEC FOOTBALL (Associated Press rankings) No. 17. Alabama (2-1):  In his last two games, quarterback Ty Simpson has thrown more touchdown passes (7) than incompletions (5). In wins over Louisiana-Monroe and Wisconsin, Simpson has completed 41-46 passes for 602 yards … Alabama is a 2.5-point underdog at Georgia. Saturday: at No. 5 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC)   Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 SEC): It is the defense that is the problem with Arkansas. Bobby Petrino’s offense is averaging 552 yards per game which is 8 th nationally. The defense has given up 73 points and 964 yards in the last two games … The Razorbacks are 4.5-point underdogs against Notre Dame. Saturday: No. 24 Notre Dame (1-2)   Auburn (3-1, 0-1 SEC): Quarterback Jackson Arnold has yet to throw his first interception. Through four games, the Oklahoma transfer is 69-101 passing for 721 yards and five touchdowns, plus he has run for 181 and four more TDs … Auburn is a 6.5-point underdog to Texas A&M. Saturday: at No. 9 Texas A&M (4-0)   No. 5 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC): At his Monday morning press conference, HBC Kirby Smart said Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is “probably the hottest quarterback right now in college football.” Georgia’s pass defense gives up only 217 yards per game … Georgia is a slight 2.5-point favorite to beat Alabama.  Saturday: No. 17 Alabama (2-1)   Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC): Seth McGowan ranks third in the SEC in rushing with 275 yards and six touchdowns … The Wildcats are 6.5-point underdogs at South Carolina. Saturday: at South Carolina (2-2, 0-2 SEC)   No. 3 LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC): Defensive end Gabriel Reliford dislocated a shoulder against Southeastern Louisiana and will miss the game at Ole Miss. Further testing will determine if surgery is a requirement … Running back Caden Durham (ankle) is listed day-to-day … The Tigers are 1.5-point road dogs to lose their first game. Saturday: at Ole Miss (4-0, 2-0 SEC)   Mississippi State (4-0): Fifth-year senior quarterback Blake Shapen has thrown for 884 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for one more TD … The Bulldogs are 7.5-point underdogs against Tennessee. Saturday: No. 15 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC)   No. 20 Missouri (4-0, 1-0 SEC): Ahmad Hardy is second in the nation in both rushing (600 yards) and rushing touchdowns (7) … Quarterback Beau Pribula has thrown for 240.5 yards per game and eight touchdowns … Missouri ranks third in the SEC in total defense (223.8 yards per game), which is No. 8 nationally … The Tigers are 43.5-point favorites to extend their record to 5-0. Saturday: UMass (0-3)   No. 7 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 SEC): Oklahoma’s defense gives up only 207.5 yards per game, which is best in the SEC and No. 4 nationally. The Sooners are tied for first in sacks with 16.   No. 13 Ole Miss (4-0, 2-0 SEC): In his two starts since Austin Simmons went down with an injury, Ferris State transfer QB Trinidad Chambliss has passed for 660 yards (three touchdowns) without a pick and run for 174 (2 TDs) … The Rebels average 544.3 yards and 44.3 points per game … Ole Miss is a slight 1.5-point favorite over LSU. Saturday: No. 3 LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC)   South Carolina (2-2, 0-2 SEC): South Carolina is dead last in the SEC in total offense (300.5 yards per game) and rushing yards per game (80.5). The Gamecocks average only 22.3 points per game … The Gamecocks are 6.5-point favorites to break their 2-game losing streak. Saturday: Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC)   No. 15 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC): The Vols lead the SEC in scoring (53.5 points per game) but they are next to last in the SEC in points allowed (27.8 per game) … The Vols have 15 sacks in four games … The Vols are 7.5-point favorites on the road at Mississippi State. Saturday: at Mississippi State (4-0)   No. 10 Texas (3-1): The Longhorns have the 5 th -ranked defense in the country, giving up just 211 yards per game. Texas has allowed just 7.8 points per game.   No. 9 Texas A&M (4-0): Auburn is going to have to deal with the Aggies 1-2 punch at wide receiver. Mario Craver has caught 20 passes for 443 yards and four touchdowns while KC Concepcion has caught 13 for 227 yards and three TDs … The Aggies are 6.5 point favorites against Auburn. Saturday: Auburn (3-1, 0-1 SEC)   Vanderbilt (4-0, 1-0 SEC): Vanderbilt’s 4-game win streak to start the season is the best for the school since the 2017 team started the year 3-0 … Vandy’s offense is fifth in the SEC at 482.3 yards. The Commodores are No. 2 in scoring (47.5 points per game) … Vanderbilt is a 22.5-point favorite to get to 5-0. Saturday: Utah State (3-1)

(Photo by Chris Spears) There will be no more ducking and dodging when it comes to scheduling in the Southeastern Conference. The newly adapted 9-game schedule will see to that. In addition to three permanent opponents, every team in the league will face every other team in the league at least once home and away every four years.   After four years, the SEC will re-evaluate the three permanent opponents so that could change starting in 2030. For now, the SEC portion of every schedule is set.   Florida’s permanent opponents will be Georgia, South Carolina and Kentucky. The Gators will get South Carolina, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Oklahoma at home next year with away games at Kentucky, Auburn, Missouri and Texas. Due to the revamping of Ever Bank Stadium in Jacksonville, the Florida-Georgia game will be played in Atlanta in 2026 and in Tampa in 2027.   2026 Florida SEC schedule Home: South Carolina, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma Away: Kentucky, Auburn, Missouri, Texas Neutral: Georgia (in Atlanta)   Non-conference Home: Florida Atlantic, Campbell Away: Florida State   2027 Florida SEC schedule Home: Kentucky, Arkansas, LSU, Texas A&M Away: South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi State, Tennessee Neutral: Georgia (in Tampa)   Non-conference Home: Florida State, South Alabama, Charleston Southern   2028 Florida SEC schedule Home: South Carolina, Auburn, Missouri, Texas Away: Kentucky, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma Neutral: Georgia (in Jacksonville)   Non-conference Home: Furman, Colorado Away: Florida State   2029 Florida SEC schedule Home: Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi State, Tennessee Away: South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU, Texas A&M Neutral: Georgia (Jacksonville)   Non-conference Home: Florida State Away: Colorado   Permanent opponents for each team Alabama: Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State Arkansas: LSU, Missouri, Texas Auburn: Alabama, Georgia, Vanderbilt Georgia: Florida, Auburn, South Carolina Kentucky: Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina LSU: Ole Miss, Arkansas, Texas A&M Mississippi State: Alabama, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt Missouri: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M Oklahoma: Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri Ole Miss: Mississippi State, LSU, Oklahoma South Carolina: Florida, Georgia, Kentucky Tennessee: Alabama, Kentucky, Vanderbilt Texas: Texas A&M, Arkansas, Oklahoma Texas A&M: Texas, LSU, Missouri Vanderbilt: Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State   COUNTDOWN TO FIRING DAY: September 24, 2025 Extinct species list Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: Gone unceremoniously after 21 years. The school prez says it’s in the best interests of the school. Texas State coach GJ Kinne and Texas A&M OC Collin Klein are getting early mention.   Brent Pry, Virginia Tech: South Florida coach Alex Golesh is moving to the top of the list.   Deshaun Foster, UCLA: A lot of former UCLA players are very upset about this. This could be messy.   On life support Billy Napier, Florida: Consensus is it’s a matter of when not if, particularly since the Gators have scored only one touchdown in each of their three losses. The problem is when is the time right? After Texas? After A&M? Do the powers that be allow him to coach out the season?   Joe Moorhead, Akron: He’s a fine offensive coordinator. Not such a good head coach. He’s 9-31 at Akron and may have trouble winning more than one more game.   David Braun, Northwestern: His record isn’t all that bad (1-2 this year, 13-15 overall), but the next two games are the only winnable games remaining on the schedule.   Derek Mason, Middle Tennessee: The schedule is soft but the Raiders are 1-3 and they need seven wins for Mason to feel safe.   Endangered species list Sam Pittman, Arkansas: The Hogs can score points but they can’t stop anyone with a decent offense. If Notre Dame blows Arkansas out of the stadium Saturday, the powers that be might be motivated to make a move. A lot of boosters would like to turn the program over to Bobby Petrino.   Trent Dilfer, UAB: The Blazers are 2-2 and there are four winnable games left on the schedule. At 6-6 Trent will be safe. Former Gator Jalen Kitna is his QB. He’s averaging 314 passing yards per game.   Mark Stoops, Kentucky: He’s the winningest coach in school history but a 4-8 last year and probably something similar this year isn’t resonating well with the fan base. He probably gets one more year to right the ship.   Luke Fickell, Wisconsin: He was supposed to win big but he’s spinning his wheels. They are accustomed to winning and competing for the Big Ten title.   Justin Wilcox, California: The Bears are 3-1 so far. They need six or seven wins because Wilcox has had a losing record five straight seasons.

(Photo by Chris Spears) “Well, we seem to be a little short on brotherly love here.” – Butch Cassidy, opening scene of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”   When it comes to the Gator Nation and Billy Napier, we seem to be a little short on brotherly love. It might be easier to find someone capable of locating the proverbial needle in the haystack than it is to find a Gator fan who believes Billy Napier is not only going to survive these next few weeks but go on a winning tear that will not only salvage the season but save his job.   The bulk of Gator fans believe it’s a matter of when not if Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin summons the folks who write the big checks to pony up, it’s buyout time. More than a few are wondering on the message boards why it didn’t happen a couple of weeks ago when the Gators found a way to lose to South Florida in The Swamp. After last week’s debacle in Baton Rouge in which the Gators gave away another winnable game to 3 rd -ranked LSU, those who weren't already convinced that Napier needs to be sent on permanent vacation started texting that famous quote by former Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley: “What should be done eventually must be done immediately.” There are good reasons why it hasn't happened already, not the least of which is a buyout that hovers around $20-22 million. For now, the prudent thing to do is give Napier an opportunity to right the ship. That brings us to the question it seems no one wants to ask: What happens if Billy and the Gators spring the upset on 4 th -ranked Miami (3-0) tonight (7:30 p.m., ABC) at Hard Rock Stadium? It is worth asking because last year Napier rallied the troops after the blowout loss to Texas in Austin. Instead of rolling over and playing dead, the Gators upset LSU, followed that up with a win over Ole Miss that knocked the Rebels out of College Football Playoff contention, then won decisively over Florida State in Tallahassee and Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl.   Even though Scott Stricklin had offered Napier a vote of confidence prior to the Georgia game, nobody really believed he would stick with Billy if the Gators followed up the Texas blowout with losses to LSU and Ole Miss. Napier took the guesswork out of the situation by winning four in a row.   The end of the 2024 season seems like an episode of “Sesame Street” compared to what is ahead of the Gators. Of the nine games remaining on the Florida schedule, only a home game with unbeaten Mississippi State and a road game to Kentucky are against teams that aren’t ranked among the top 15 in the Associated Press poll. After Miami, the Gators get a week off, then return to action at home against No. 8 Texas followed by a roadie to No. 10 Texas A&M. Also still on the schedule are No. 5 Georgia in Jacksonville, at No. 13 Ole Miss, home against No. 15 Tennessee and No. 7 Florida State.   All the ranked teams still have a legitimate shot at making both the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta and the College Football Playoff. If you ask Florida fans, the Gators’ season is all but over.   Really? Okay, it could be prior to the end of September. Lose to Miami and follow that up with a loss to Texas and the Gators are 1-4, 0-2 in the SEC. But again, what happens if the Gators suddenly find the mojo they were expected to have when the season began? What happens if the Gators stop inventing ways to lose games they should win?   That seems to be a far-fetched notion but stranger things have happened. I saw the Will Grier to Antonio Callaway pass against Tennessee in 2015. Callaway got a block from Bandon Powell that wiped out two Vol defenders, allowing Callaway to sprint to the end zone for the TD that gave the Gators a 28-27 win. I saw the Heave to Cleave in 2017. Ironically, that one covered 63 yards to beat the Vols, too. Feleipe Franks broke contain in the pocket, sprinted to his right and then launched a bomb that Tyrie Cleveland caught in the end zone for a touchdown that gave the Gators a 26-20 win.   Strange things have and do continue to happen. People will be talking for years about Walter Clayton Jr. flying past Houston’s Emanuel Sharp on the final play of the NCAA basketball championship game at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Sharp was in the air, didn’t have a shot and let the ball roll on the floor as the clock ticked down to 00:00. Houston people still can’t believe Sharp didn’t get a shot off that could have won the game. Florida people are still giddy that the Gators beat Houston, 65-63.   So back to the question. What happens if Napier brings out the best in the Gators tonight and they knock off Miami? Sure, it’s only one game and the final eight games on the schedule are daunting, but it’s like the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tze once said: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”   In football terms, every winning streak begins with a single win.   As improbable as it seems that the Gators can not only beat the Hurricanes but do it in Miami, it’s not an impossibility. Florida could have and should have beaten LSU last week in Baton Rouge. A rash of stupid mistakes did the Gators in, but take away the mistakes and Florida wins the game.   Of course, if a frog had wings he wouldn’t bump his butt every time he jumps.   Florida can win this game but a lot of things will have to go right for the Gators and they might need some help from Miami to pull it off. DJ Lagway, for instance, has to complete passes to his own team unlike last week when he completed five to LSU including one that was run back for a TD. Florida’s offensive line, whose holding calls have nullified three touchdowns in the last two games, has to avoid critical penalties and slow down the Miami pass rush to a creep. They need to give Jadan Baugh enough of a crease enough times that he can get to the second level and do that voo doo that he does so well in the open field. The defense has to muster a pass rush that can make life miserable for Carson Beck and the safeties can’t get lost in space, allowing Miami receivers to find open space deep down the field. Special teams have to be special.   Sounds simple, but as the first three games have told us, nothing is simple when it comes to this Florida football team.   And just for argument’s sake, supposing the Gators get the unexpected win. There will still be eight remaining games. That’s eight opportunities to win, or as the perpetual pessimist might point out, that’s eight opportunities to lose again.   One win will buy time for Napier but he needs a lot more than a single win even if it is against the No. 4 team in the country and an in-state rival. A win Saturday could be the start of a winning streak that results in a respectable finish.   There is also this distinct possibility: A win over Miami could simply delay the inevitable.

“When we watch the tape, it will be a combination of a lot of things. I think every position is contributing to our issues“ — Napier

Florida gives an effort but schematics and QB play continue to doom an organization that looks to be headed for change. By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com , Football Analyst, Host-The Lowdown with Loren Meadows Coach Billy Napier (Chris Spears photo) The Florida Gators spent the week preparing for what many thought would be a blood bath at the hands of the Miami Hurricanes who were fresh off a 49-12 dismantling of the same USF team that beat the Gators the week before. It turns out that the Gators defense chose to ignore the outside noise and did their best to neutralize a Miami offense that had Carson Beck in the conversation for Heisman finalist. Unfortunately for the Gators the offense, its play caller, and it’s driver have been marred in a perfect marriage of perplexing operation for nearly four years that seems to have run its course. Miami was clearly the better football team at every level. The problem is the same issues continue to plague Florida year in and year out and when paired with facing a superior team the Gators cannot afford a poor gameplan coupled and/or poor play. At 1-3 the confidence in Billy Napier, DJ Lagway, and the offense as a whole has reached an all-time low and the conversation needs to shift from an imaginary wish of an OC to who the next man to lead the Gators could be. Talking season has come and gone and as Miami showed us last night, the Gators have fallen further and further behind. What We Thought: The Florida Gators had played well enough on defense at LSU to snatch an upset win by making Garrett Nussmeier look pedestrian and hold LSU to one offensive touchdown. On Saturday night, while being outmatched upfront, Carson Beck had struggled against the Gators in past games and if the Gators could neutralize the Miami rushing attack led by Mark Fletcher Jr. and an enormous offensive line. The issue would be with an offense that has been anything but impressive, and the scheme and rhythm seem to be ill-suited for a quarterback that is talented but still learning the position. Napier would need to possibly ditch the two tight-end sets that have become his calling card and Achilles heel. If Napier could present a clearer picture for Lagway and the offensive line could hold up, the Gators could utilize their speed in the backfield and perimeter and manufacture meaningful points for the first time this season. What We Got: Once again, Florida failed to put a complete performance together for the third straight week. While the defense was decent, the Gators surrendered close to 200 yards rushing to the duo of Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown. Florida did its best to make life tough on Carson Beck but only got home one time with one sack and in interception that at that point seemed to breathe life into a Florida team that was wandering in the wilderness for most of the game.  The problem was the offense that failed to produce any traction in the first half and continues to contribute to the lack of production by the most important position in sports. The Gators were 0-13 on third down while only gaining 80 rushing yards and 61 yards passing. Napier’s offense was again without versatility and continued to be outmatched due to personnel sets that fail to produce matchup superiority against quality competition. While Lagway’s struggles continue to be the focal point, an offensive line that was thought to be one of the country’s best has totally underperformed and yielded four sacks and seven tackles for loss. According to Pro Football Focus, only one offensive lineman, Jake Slaughter, received a pass blocking grade of over 40% (74.6) with two linemen Bryce Lovett and Damieon George receiving a grade of zero. The way this offense prepares and operates will most likely be the undoing of the Napier organization and his tenure as head coach at Florida.  The Skinny: The countdown has started in Gainesville; the only question is what will be the collateral damage that goes with the inevitable separation. While many have begun to think that Lagway’s departure would be best as well, it’s my belief that his growth is being stunted by a system that lacks QB friendliness and creativity. “I tried to take what the defense gave me”, stated Lagway when describing yet another poor performance. My take on things is that Lagway and his offensive colleagues deserve better. There is an army of Jordan shirts walking around the Heavener Center and I have long wondered what exactly some of them do? This is not to insult the job description or performance of those same folks but at 20-22 their presence has yielded very little where it matters most. At face value this is a team that would be very appealing as a stock but as any financial advisor would tell you the best stocks frequently underperform. When Napier is relieved of his duties which I believe will follow a road trip to College Station, I would encourage Scott Stricklin to be a little selfish and choose wisely. First because of self-preservation, and second because it may be the difference between keeping Lagway and some of his compadres in the fold. I’m sure Napier is a great guy and the players seem to love him. Unfortunately he has failed to make that same connection with the fan base and the end zone, and to quote Sean Connery in the Untouchables, “there Enders the lesson”. Final Score: Miami 26 Florida 7 (Prediction-Miami 27 Florida 17)