Florida football head coach Billy Napier had nothing but praise for Gator Nation ahead of the Gators final home game of the season against the Ole Miss Rebels.
Florida is coming off a strong performance against the LSU Tigers and face a tough challenge against a veteran Ole Miss squad that is 8-2.
Napier acknowledged the Rebels’ playoff aspirations and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and intensity. With Senior Day adding extra significance, Napier highlighted the role of leadership and the younger players’ determination to honor their teammates.
Napier spoke with the media on Monday and here are the takeaways from the press conference.
Napier thanks Gator Nation
“I just want to thank our fans. I mean, I think it’s 11-straight sellouts. We’re hoping for the 12th this weekend. But just (a) really special environment. I thought they played a major factor in the game. I think this group and our team have been vocal about how thankful we are that our fans continue to show up.
“You know, I think obviously we’ve been frustrated ourselves at times, and for them to continue to be there and play a major factor in the game, I think we’re very appreciative of that. So we’re going to need them Saturday.”
Excited for the challenge vs. Ole Miss
“Ole Miss has got playmakers on offense, obviously a veteran quarterback (Jaxson Dart), and then defensively, they’ve got some disruptive players up front. I think overall, just a very veteran team. 32 seniors in the two deep on offense (and) defense, not to mention a couple red-shirt juniors.
“So you know, in general, they’re in position to (make the playoffs). They’ve had a good year. So I think this is a good football team, a ranked opponent, and we’re excited about the challenge.”
Talks about Lane Kiffin
“Lane’s (Kiffin) always been that, that guy, and he’s got tremendous experience, you know. I think Lane’s shown a ton of growth, in my opinion. I think I’m obviously, knowing, well, you know, when his dad passed away, we spent a lot of time talking about some of that. Obviously having been through that.
“So, you know, he’s the coach’s son. I’m a coach’s son, and I think we love ball. We love everything about the game. So Lane’s continued, he’s got multiple opportunities as a head coach. I think maybe this is his fourth opportunity. So just in general, very accomplished and experienced.”
On Senior Day
“I think it’s a unique week in that regard, you know, and obviously this, this group of seniors, are a unique group. I think there’ll be a part of that for the younger players to want to do their part for that group. And so that would be a portion of the motivation, I would say, and those guys will talk about that.
“Obviously, it’s going to come up, and the families are involved, and I think it’s a big deal. So especially in a place like Florida, played in that venue, which is a privilege, and obviously, you only get so many opportunities to do it, so I do think it’s a special, special day.”
On the secondary coverage vs. LSU
“Yeah, I thought it was huge. I mean, it was a big part of the challenge in the game that get really good skill, and obviously the quarterback to go along with that. You paired the running game with the tight end and the receivers there on some of the unique matchups. So I thought we stayed on top of them pretty good. We played with better leverage, off the communication was really good.
“There’s only a handful of plays where maybe we were a little bit out of whack, and some of that was underneath coverage. So Trikweze Bridges’s position flexibility has proved to be very valuable, right? He played corner the entire game, and then Bryce Thornton, I thought, really stepped up, and we’re getting good play out of the nickel three safety position.”
On the Ole Miss offense
“I think they are committed to the run. There’s a ton of RPOs in this system as well. So that’ll be one of the chess matches that will be taking place. And one thing I would say about Jaxson Dart is he’s 225 pounds. He’s six (foot) one and a half, you know.
“So he’s, he’s dense, you know, and he’s proven to be effective in the sleeve. He’s a runner, so they mix him in there throughout the game when they need him, and he’s effective.”
On taking the same approach with DJ Lagway this week
“Well, I mean, I think he (Lagway) didn’t miss a rep with the first unit last week, so we’ll take the same approach this week. You know, I think the soft tissue injury, again, those are very subjective. So we’ve got every gadget that you can imagine downstairs.
“So, I mean, I think we’re using all that data and all these metrics to make decisions, to try to put him in position to be the healthiest he could be. So, yeah, I mean, we’re going to just go day-to-day. You know, he didn’t have a setback, and I think he feels a little bit better at this point in the week than he did last week.”
Up next for the Gators
The Gators play their final home game of the season against the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is set for noon ET and will be broadcast on ABC.
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