Florida football fell to 4-4 after a tough loss against the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, sparking hot-seat rumors to start circulating around Billy Napier once again.
The Gators were forced to play short-handed against the Bulldogs and still managed to keep it competitive for the majority of the game. Quarterback DJ Lagway was carted off the field in the second quarter due to a leg injury, and Florida managed to be within one score for most of the game, but ultimately, it was too much to overcome.
Sports Illustrated sports writer Mike McDaniel wrote that this could be the “final nail in the coffin” for Napier if Lagway is out for a long period of time.
This is everything McDaniel wrote about Napier being at the top of the list of coaches on the hot seat.
DJ Lagway’s injury could be final nail in the coffin
“The Florida Gators had been quietly stringing together wins after most of the country left third-year coach Billy Napier and his program for dead in September. After all, Florida began the season 1–2 after losses to the then-No. 19 Miami Hurricanes and then-unranked Texas A&M Aggies, and rumors swirled about whether or not Napier would make it out of October.
“Entering Saturday, the Gators were winners in three out of their last four games, with their lone loss coming in overtime on the road at the then-No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers. Florida freshman quarterback DJ Lagway was thrust into action against the Volunteers after incumbent starter Graham Mertz tore his ACL in the contest. Lagway nearly led the Gators to a victory in Knoxville, Tennessee, and followed it up by leading Florida to a 48–20 victory the next week at home against the Kentucky Wildcats.
“If Lagway is lost for a significant period of time, it could be the nail in the coffin for the Napier era in Gainesville, Florida. After all, Lagway seemed to be finding his groove in his first season of college action, which was a welcome sight for a Florida offense entering the toughest stretch of its schedule. If the Gators don’t have Lagway for games on the road at No. 6 Texas, home against No. 16 LSU or home against No. 19 Ole Miss, Florida’s offense could be in a world of trouble.
“Napier entered the season on the hot seat, warmed even more after a tough September, but was attempting to reverse course as the calendar turned to November. That task will be even more difficult than envisioned if Lagway can’t play.”
What’s next for the Gators?
Florida will go on the road and face the Texas Longhorns in Austin, Texas on Saturday, Nov. 9. Kickoff is set for noon ET and will be broadcast on ABC.
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