DJ Lagway – Syndication Server

DJ Lagway and Montrell Johnson Jr. talk win over Florida State

After Billy Napier finished up with the media in Tallahassee, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway and running back Montrell Johnson Jr. discussed the win over Florida State.

Florida head coach Billy Napier spoke at length about quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag]’s performance against Florida State after the win, noting he made some true freshman mistakes while also acknowledging his team could play better around the first-year signal caller.

Napier also praised senior running back Montrell Johnson Jr., who eclipsed 3,000 rushing yards for his career, calling him “everything you would want a player to be, in terms of representing the program.”

Both offensive leaders met with the media after the win. Here is everything they said.

Lagway on getting a beating FSU, victory cigar

“It was my first time ever smoking anything. It was cool just to have experience with the guys and just enjoy a team win. It was ugly, but we got the dub and that’s all that really matters.”

On playing at Doak Campbell Stadium

“It’s pretty cool just to see the stadium. You always watch and see it on TV, the horse and stuff like that in the middle of the field. It’s pretty cool to go there and see that and then go play and get the dub, especially in Doak Stadium, so it was good.

Johnson on going out on a winning note

“It means a lot for the future of this program, just knowing that these guys, myself included, have set the platform and the standard for the guys in the future just to go out and make this program great again.”

Jonhson on post-game flag planting

“(Coach Napier) kind of addressed it in the locker room. He was like there’s no place for this. We’re not that type of program, and again there’s no place for this. It’s football, and we’re trying to become a winning program and winning programs don’t do that.”

Lagway on his highlight play, escaping a sack and converting

“I don’t know. (It’s) just playing football, just going out there having heart. Just competing. It wasn’t the prettiest game. There’s a lot of mistakes that we made offensively, and just going out there when my team needs me to make a play, you just got to make a play. Just doing everything I can do to get the W.”

Were you just churning your feet there?

“Yes, sir. I just kept churning. I felt like he kind of pushed off me, so I pushed off him back and got off of him. My helmet was all screwed up. I really couldn’t see Chim(ere Dike). I just threw it to a spot, and he was there, so it was a great play by Chim to adjust the route.”

Johnson on the play

“I’m sitting on the sideline and like, ‘No way he gets out of this.’ He gets out of it. He throws a dart to Chim. This man is great.”

Lagway on overall health

“I’m feeling a lot better since LSU. It’s a week-by-week process just to get it back. I’m starting to be able to move a lot better now, as y’all can see. I feel like it’s getting better each week and it just continues to progress.

On touchdown to go up 14-0 before the half

“It was huge, especially because we had some communication issues in the red zone that led to the pick. So, it was huge for me to come back to (Marcus) Burke. He felt like he let everybody down, but it’s a team effort. We just all just had to get on the same page. It felt great to go back to him on that route and get that touchdown.”

Johnson on Lagway’s leadership

“As a leader, I’ve seen a lot of maturity at his age that you don’t see a lot, just kind of becoming that natural leader that the team needs right now. whenever guys mess up, a lot of young guys don’t want to speak up, but he speaks up. He speaks his mind, and that’s going to be great in future.

Lagway on ‘off-schedule’ throws

“Just really not giving up on a play. I feel like it just comes with the chemistry of the receivers. Scramble drill and just knowing where they’re supposed to be, getting to their spot and just making plays. At the end of the day, it’s football. It’s what you used to play in the backyard on Thanksgiving with your family. It’s just what it is.

Johnson on rushing for 3,000 yards

“I really don’t know how to feel about it, honestly. Obviously, it means a lot to me, but I just feel like going out there and getting the win with the team and just going out the right way that means more to me.”

On dealing with injuries this season

“It’s been a lot of ups and downs through my journey. Just kind of being a leader that the guys need and being a vocal point when the guys need just to keep high when I’m feeling low.”

How was it to see the players behind you step up

“It’s been a been great just knowing like that those guys are listening to me, just taking the things that I’m given them and just applying it to the field. It shows me that I have grown so much as a leader.”

Lagway on the turning point of the season

“I’d say really just after that Mississippi State game, going on to a bye week and just us competing and seeing what we got and the guys that we got. We just got to go out there compete, and I feel like that’s when we kind of developed our new mojo.

“We were going to play harder than everybody. Hey, no matter who steps on the field, I’m gonna play harder than them, and it’s going to lead to Ws.”

Johnson on ‘spot-the-ball’ mentality

“Spot that ball means a lot to us. It doesn’t matter who’s on the field, the Patriots, the Steelers, spot the ball and we’re going to get after them. I think that our strength coach came up with that. Throughout the week, he always says it and that became the thing for us.”

Johnson on competitive practices this week

“Wednesdays and Tuesdays are always competitive. The defense and offense always go at it. A lot of times, we get on the trail. But those those practices mean a lot to us. That’s like the foundation of this program and if we could be great throughout those days, we’re going to be great on Saturday.”

Do you ever ask for an off day?

“In the back of your head you kind of feel like that, but the work is the work. You got to do it.”

Lagway on recruiting

“Oh yeah, I’m definitely going to be involved with the transfer portal and recruiting classes, but the biggest thing is just trying to keep the guys that we have here. That’s the biggest thing is just making sure everybody’s locked in so we can add and build on to what we’re having, this momentum to the end of the season.”

Is there some excitement among the returners?

“Most definitely. There’s a lot of guys that could possibly get out and go to the league this year that are actually thinking about coming back next year and making a run. And that means a lot because you got to have guys behind you.

“You see this week, like you see this game I didn’t play my best game, but you got guys like Montrell Johnson running the ball making plays, the defense making a heck of a plays getting us on the field. So you got to have the guys around you.

What do you say to recruits who ask why they should be a Gator?

“I just say the big plays, especially a receiver. You’re going to get the ball. We’re going to push the ball down the field. You know you’re going to make some big plays. You’re going to have fun doing it.”

Johnson on defensive performance

Johnson: “I would say that first bye week we had, it was a huge turning point for the team, especially the defense. I don’t know what clicked for them, but something clicked they’ve been playing lights out these past few weeks.”

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Resilient Gators: How Florida’s rollercoaster season sets stage for bright future

The Gators’ 2024 season showcased resilience, DJ Lagway’s rise and a November to remember.

If you’re a Florida Gators football fan, the 2024 regular season probably felt like a rollercoaster ride: moments of elation, flashes of promise and a few stomach-churning drops along the way.

At 7-5, it’s not the season of dreams, but it’s one that hints at a brighter future — if the pieces can come together.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: losing 41-17 to the Miami Hurricanes to start the year was brutal. Rivalry games sting when you’re on the wrong end, and this one was no different. But in typical Gators fashion, they responded. A 45-7 rout of Samford was expected, but it showed one thing this team has in spades — resilience.

And resilience defined this team all season. They’d take one step forward, one step back. A loss to the Texas A&M Aggies? They bounced back with a road win over Mississippi State. A frustrating overtime loss at Tennessee? They rebounded with a dominant 48-20 win over the Kentucky Wildcats.

Every setback seemed to spark a response, a testament to Billy Napier’s ability to keep this group engaged and motivated.

Mertz’s impact, untimely injury

Graham Mertz began the season as the Gators’ offensive leader. However, his tenure was cut short due to a torn ACL he suffered on October 12 in Florida’s loss to Tennessee.

This non-contact injury not only ended his season but also his collegiate career. In the wake of his injury, Mertz expressed his commitment to the team, stating, “During my recovery, I will remain a part of the program to do whatever I can in meeting rooms and from the sideline to help my teammates win.”

Following Mertz’s departure, true freshman DJ Lagway stepped into the starting quarterback role, and man, did he put the country on notice.

Lagway era has begun

Let’s talk about Lagway, the freshman quarterback who became the face of this team. He threw for 1,610 yards and 11 touchdowns—numbers that might not pop off the page but don’t forget this kid is just getting started.

Sure, he’s had his growing pains. But Lagway showed the tools—arm talent, mobility and composure—that have Gator Nation buzzing about his potential.

Lagway wasn’t alone in carrying the offense. Another true freshman who turned some heads was running back Jadan Baugh. Baugh rushed for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. His physical running style gave Florida a steady presence in the backfield.

And then there’s Elijhah Badger, the senior receiver who turned 37 catches into 789 yards and four scores.

November in the Swamp

Coming into their matchup against the No. 22 LSU Tigers on November 9, the Gators were desperate for a signature victory. At 4-4, they had struggled to maintain consistency all season. But in front of a raucous home crowd, the team delivered its most complete performance of the year to date, earning a 27-16 win.

The momentum carried into the following week as the Gators hosted the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels. Despite being underdogs, Florida controlled the game from start to finish, winning by a score of 24-17. The defense was once again the story, bottling up the Rebels’ run game and making key interceptions against Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart when the game mattered most.

These back-to-back wins were more than just victories—they were statements. Florida proved it could hang with and beat ranked SEC opponents, a crucial step for a program trying to regain its footing among the conference elite.

Rivalry Redemption

And then there was the finale. If there’s one game that feels good for Gator fans, it’s the 31-11 dismantling of the Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee. Not only was it a statement win over a bitter rival, but it also sent the message that this team isn’t backing down. That’s the kind of victory that sticks with fans—and recruits.

So where do we go from here?

Looking ahead, the Gators have the foundation to take a leap in 2025. Lagway is the real deal, Baugh is a grinder, and Badger and Chimere Dike’s success should inspire the next wave of receivers. The challenge for Napier and his staff will be addressing the weaknesses that held his team back.

Is Florida back? Not yet. But they’re close. And after a season of ups and downs, that’s more than enough to keep the Swamp rocking.

As the Gators prepare for their bowl game, fans can look back on those last three games in November as a glimpse of what’s possible. If Florida can replicate that intensity and execution consistently, The Swamp might once again be college football’s most feared destination.

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Five key factors that drove Florida football’s rivalry win over FSU

Defense, turnovers and big plays: 5 key factors in the Gators’ 31-11 rivalry win over FSU.

Rivalry games often come down to moments, and the Florida Gators made most of theirs in their 31-11 win over the Florida State Seminoles.

The victory wasn’t just a testament to Florida’s talent but also their ability to capitalize on critical moments. While the Gators shined defensively and on the ground, their performance wasn’t flawless, with notable struggles in the passing game and moments of inconsistency.

Rivalry games are rarely about perfection, though—they’re about finding a way to win.

Ultimately, the game came down to execution in key moments, and the Gators rose to the challenge. Here are the five key factors that propelled this Florida football team to victory in this year’s Sunshine Showdown.

Defensive Dominance

Florida’s defense was the undeniable star of the night, dismantling FSU’s offense at every turn. The Gators racked up eight sacks, 14 tackles for loss and forced a total of eight fumbles.

Linebacker Jaden Robinson and defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp were relentless, combining for three sacks and making critical stops in the backfield. The defense didn’t just limit FSU—it actively created scoring opportunities, leading to 14 points off turnovers. This level of defensive aggression set the tone and left the Seminoles scrambling all game.

Explosive ground game

The Gators rushing attack was the backbone of their offensive success, racking up 235 yards on the ground with an impressive 6.2 yards per carry.

Montrell Johnson Jr. led the charge with 99 yards on 10 carries, including a spectacular 65-yard touchdown run. Ja’Kobi Jackson also contributed with 51 yards and a touchdown, providing balance and keeping FSU’s defense on its heels. Jadan Baugh put his mark on the game late, running for 81 yards.

This dominance on the ground allowed Florida to control the tempo, even when the passing game faltered.

Turnover Battle

The turnover margin was a game-changing factor. While Florida only committed on turnover—a DJ Lagway interception—the Gators forced FSU into eight fumbles, recovering five of them.

This defensive opportunism completely shifted the momentum in Florida’s favor. Whether it was Bryce Thornton punching the ball out or Sapp applying pressure in the backfield, the Gators consistently found ways to capitalize on FSU’s mistakes.

Red Zone Efficiency

In a game defined by defensive plays, Florida’s ability to finish drives in the red zone was critical. The Gators were a perfect 4-for-4 in red zone opportunities, showing poise and precision when it mattered most.

Lagway delivered touchdown passes to Marcus Burke and Tony Livingston, while the running game punched in two more scores.

In a game where touchdowns are critical, the Gators did their job when it mattered most inside the 20-yard line.

Limiting FSU’s Offense

The Gators’ defense didn’t just force turnovers—it suffocated the Seminoles’ attack entirely. FSU managed just 239 total yards, including only 140 passing yards and 99 rushing yards.

The Seminoles’ longest play of the night was just 20 yards, a testament to Florida’s disciplined coverage and tackling. By bottling up the run and preventing big passing plays, the Gators neutralized FSU’s ability to sustain drives, holding them to a dismal 3.3 yards per play.

What’s next for Florida?

That is the end of the regular-season schedule for the Orange and Blue. Now the Gator Nation waits with bated breath to hear which bowl game their beloved football team will play in this December. Stay tuned to this website for more information.

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Three instant takeaways from Florida’s blowout win over FSU

It wasn’t the most efficient night for Florida’s offense, but a stout defensive performance led the Gators to an easy victory of Florida State.

Florida capped off its regular season with a third-straight win Saturday night, a 31-11 victory over the Florida State Seminoles that was never truly in doubt.

If there was a game that Florida could afford to be sloppy in this season, it was this one. [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] started off the game slow and his receivers didn’t help him out too much, either. Fortunately, the running backs came up big, combining for 223 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. It’s only the second time this year that Florida has gone over 200 yards rushing, with Montrell Johnson Jr. battling injuries for much of the year.

The defense also continued its dominant run through November by bulldozing through Florida State’s offensive line and getting to the quarterback eight times. The Seminoles fumbled seven times and never had a shot with that kind of turnover margin.

PLANT THE FLAG!

Fumblerooski

Okay, the fumblerooski is a trick play and FSU certainly did not have many tricks in their bag against Florida, but it’s fun to say and the Gators forced eight fumbles on the night, recovering five.

Florida’s defensive front started off the year rough, but that unit has been the key over the past month. Creating pressure against a true freshman quarterback who likes to take off is a tried and true recipe for manifesting havoc, and that’s exactly what happened Saturday night.

Eight sacks, 14 tackles for loss and just one touchdown allowed. What a night for the defense.

Shout out to long snapper [autotag]Rocco Underwood[/autotag] for getting downfield and recovering a muffed punt on special teams, too.

Lagway a bit off, RBs clean up

This was not DJ Lagway’s best game, but the Gators didn’t need it to be to get the win. Getting [autotag]Montrell Johnson Jr[/autotag]. back has been huge, and both [autotag]Jadan Baugh[/autotag] and [autotag]Ja’Kobi Jackson[/autotag] are still doing just fine.

It’s only right for the guy who came over with Billy Napier and returned for his senior year despite being a draft prospect to get the lion’s share of important carries, and Johnson made the most of his 10 against Florida State with 99 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown to put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

In fact, Johnson ran so well that Napier could afford to spread the love and get Baugh and Jackson 10 or more carries. Baugh ran it enough late to creep up to 81 yards and led the room with 11 carries. All three rushers finished the night with more than five yards per carry — Johnson at 9.9, Baugh at 7.4 and Jackson at 5.1.

The running backs room in Gainesville is loaded with talent, and everyone but Johnson will be back next season.

Not the best night for Florida receivers

Florida’s passing attack suffered throughout the game, but it’s not all on the quarterback. Yes, Lagway was a bit off, but the bulk of the incompletions tonight can be put on the receivers. Several players dropped balls that hit their hands, and that can’t happen in a rivalry game.

Lagway’s lone interception is a result of a miscommunication by the receivers, too. Veteran guys like [autotag]Elijhah Badger[/autotag], [autotag]Chimere Dike[/autotag] and even Marcus Burke are supposed to make things easier for a true freshman, but Lagway didn’t get much help from them.

Badger and Dike get a pass because they’ve been solid for most of the season, though. It was just a rough night for that group.

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Expert predictions for Gators-Seminoles football rivalry game

Here’s how the Gators Wire staff thinks things will go down in Doak Campbell Stadium this Saturday.

The final weekend of the college football regular season is nearly upon us and as has been the tradition since the 2002 campaign the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles will face off in one of the more notable rivalry games in the sport’s history.

Speaking of history, UF holds a 37-28-2 record in the all-time series dating back to 1958. However, FSU has had the upper hand in recent years, winning two straight and seven of the last 10 meetings.

This year, though, the Garnet and Gold limp into their final game with just two triumphs in 11 tries while the Orange and Blue cemented its postseason appearance with a victory over the Ole Miss Rebels last weekend to put it at 6-5 overall.

Ahead of the annual affair, the Gators Wire staff weighed in with their respective takes on what they expect this Saturday inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

Florida should run score up if possible

Back-to-back upsets against ranked teams mean Florida is a heavy favorite to put a smackdown on Florida State on Saturday. The Seminoles might be the most disappointing team in the country this season and are sporting a 2-9 record with wins over Cal and Charleston Southern.

This could be the game that [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] explodes and launches his 2025 Heisman campaign, putting the rest of the NCAA on notice — if they aren’t already. These teams do not like each other, and Florida should run the score up if at all possible. — David Rosenberg

Florida 45, Florida State 16

Give me Florida winning big

What a year it’s been for the Gators. Coming off back-to-back wins against ranked opponents, you already know Florida will come into Tallahassee amped up for this rivalry game. The key for Florida will be controlling the tempo through a strong ground game and limiting turnovers.

If Lagway can continue to play well and the defense can generate pressure, the Gators shouldn’t have any problem. While it’s been an absolute disaster of a season for FSU, rivalry games are notoriously unpredictable, so the Gators need to make sure that they stay focused.

With that being said, I don’t see any way that this is a close game. Give me Florida winning big. — Aidan Gallardo

Florida 37, FSU 17

Difficult to not predict a Florida victory

Florida simply cannot afford to fall into a trap game against their fiercest in-state rivals, but anyone who has followed this series over the years knows that anything is possible. The Gators should easily prevail, but this fan of 47-plus years knows better than to be complacent.

That said, it is difficult to not predict a victory — and victory will be had by the Orange and Blue. However, I do not think it will be a beautiful affair and will likely be closer than most expect.

Florida 35, FSU 21

How to watch UF vs FSU

The Gators will face the Florida State Seminoles inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN 2.

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Florida jumps into top 5 of The Athletic’s SEC vibe check after Ole Miss upset

A wild Week 13 in the SEC has Florida inside the top five of The Athletic’s latest SEC vibe check rankings.

After spending most of the season near the bottom of The Athletic’s SEC vibe check rankings, the Florida Gators are fifth in the conference after ending the College Football Playoff hopes of two ranked opponents.

Georgia beat writer and author of the SEC vibe check Seth Emerson has been sour on Florida head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] all year long, but even he can’t deny the progress made by the Gators since the first month of the season.

“Good for Billy Napier,” Emerson wrote. “Sometimes a coach survives the hot seat through luck, but in this case, Napier legitimately got his team better, and with [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] at quarterback, there’s real hope going forward. How much hope we’ll see, but Napier earned another year.”

The national narrative of Napier being on the hottest seat in college football has dissipated, and the future seems right for the Orange and Blue. The Gators are already bowl-eligible and can finish the 2024 season with eight wins, assuming a victory against 2-9 Florida State next week and a bowl-game victory.

The greatest irony lost in all of this is that Napier beat Lane Kiffin, the fan favorite to replace him if a coaching change were made, and dropped the Rebels from No. 2 to No. 13 in the vibe rankings.

Week 13 SEC vibe check rankings

South Carolina Gamecocks (8-3, 5-3 SEC)
Tennessee Volunteers (9-2, 5-2)
Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1)
Georgia Bulldogs (9-2, 6-2)
Florida Gators (6-5, 4-4)
Texas A&M Aggies (8-3, 5-2)
Missouri Tigers (8-3, 4-3)
Vanderbilt Commodores (6-5, 3-4)
Oklahoma Sooners (6-5, 2-5)
Auburn Tigers (5-6, 2-5)
Arkansas Razorbacks (6-5, 3-4)
Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-9, 0-7)
Ole Miss Rebels (8-3, 4-3)
Kentucky Wildcats (4-7, 1-7)
LSU Tigers (7-4, 4-3)
Alabama Crimson Tide (8-3, 4-3)

Next up for Florida

The Gators wrap up the 2024 regular season schedule in Tallahassee for their annual rivalry game against the Florida State Seminoles. The game will take place inside Doak Campbell Stadium and will kick off at either 7 or 7:30 p.m. ET; broadcast details have yet to be determined.

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Florida trolls Ole Miss by stealing hoop, holding postgame dunk contest

The Gators snagged the Rebels’ sideline basketball hoop after the win, putting a Florida logo on it before holding a slam dunk contest.

The Florida Gators defied expectations during college football’s Week 13 slate, pulling a 24-17 upset of the Ole Miss Rebels inside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to give the Gators their sixth win of the 2024 campaign.

The Senior Day victory was massive for many reasons and most believe it was the biggest of third-year head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s tenure in the Swamp. The Orange and Blue would not be embarrassed on its home field, and in the aftermath, sent a message to the defeated visitors.

“That sound you’re hearing? That’s the sound of thousands of Florida fans deleting message board and other social media posts imploring the school to fire Billy Napier and back up a Brink’s truck to land Kiffin as the Gators’ next head coach,” ESPN’s David Hale begins in his college football highlights column.

“[autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] threw two touchdown passes, [autotag]Montrell Johnson[/autotag] ran for 107 yards and a score, and the Florida defense racked up three takeaways — including picking off Jaxson Dart on each of Ole Miss’ final two drives — to secure the win,” he continues.

“In the aftermath, Florida players slapped a Gators logo on Ole Miss’ prop basketball hoop and proceeded to dunk — figuratively and literally — on the Rebels.”

“All of that set up this walk of shame by the Ole Miss equipment staff, forced to recover the hoop with the Gators logo still on it,” Hale hilariously notes. “That might be the most embarrassing moment involving a basketball hoop since all of the 76ers games this year.”

Next up for Florida

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CBS Sports declares Gators a ‘winner’ after beating Ole Miss in Week 13

Things are finally looking good for Florida football after a huge win over the Ole Miss Rebels.

The Gator Nation woke up on Sunday morning feeling pretty about their beloved football team — probably better than they have felt all season so far. That pink cloud came in the form of a 24-17 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during Week 13 of the 2024 campaign.

It was a close one that was neck-and-neck through the first three quarters, with both teams going scoreless in the first, peaking in the second with a pair of touchdowns apiece, one field goal for each squad in the third before Florida scored the lonely touchdown in the fourth for the final score.

After Saturday’s action subsided, CBS Sports writer Shehan Jeyarajah put together a winners and losers column, in which the Orange and Blue earn a spot among the former category.

“There were moments this season that Florida looked like one of the worst teams in the entire country,” Jeyarajah begins. “With quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] out, the Gators lost 49-17 against Texas only one game after announcing Napier would return. But after shocking No. 9 Ole Miss, the Gators are riding high.

“With the win, Florida has won consecutive games against ranked opponents for the first time since 2018,” he continues. “UF beat then-No. 22 LSU one week ago. Additionally, Lagway is emerging as one of the young, exciting quarterbacks in college football. Napier’s tenure has juice for the first time in years and could conceivably finish with eight wins.”

Next up for Florida

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Florida football a USA TODAY Sports ‘winner’ after beating Ole Miss

USA TODAY Sports writer Paul Myerberg’s winners and losers column has the Florida Gators earning a spot on the good side of the discussion.

Florida football earned a season-defining win in the Swamp on Saturday with a 24-17 victory over the ninth-ranked Ole Miss Rebels, giving the Gators their magical sixth victory that opens the doors to a bowl game berth.

Lane Kiffin and Co. came in with a double-digit projected margin of victory only to find themselves in a dead heat with the home team after three-quarters of play. [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s quad did something uncharacteristic of the program during his two-plus-year stint as head coach — made critical plays down the stretch in the absence of boneheaded errors.

And thus, the Orange and Blue were victorious in Week 13.

After the dust settled from college football’s penultimate regular-season weekend, USA TODAY Sports writer Paul Myerberg published his winners and losers column, with the Gators earning a spot on the good side.

“Upsetting Ole Miss validates Florida’s decision to bring back Billy Napier for another year and breathes some real life into a program that was on life support as recently as earlier this month,” Myerberg begins. “Facing off against maybe the toughest schedule in the country, the Gators will be back in bowl play with the chance to really develop some momentum heading into 2025.

“In freshman quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag], freshman running back [autotag]Jadan Baugh[/autotag], sophomore defensive back [autotag]Bryce Thornton[/autotag] and others, Florida has a very nice core around which to build an SEC contender,” he concludes.

Next up for Florida

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Everything Florida HC Billy Napier said after upsetting No. 9 Ole Miss

The entirety of the Billy Napier has built up to this kind of success, back-to-back wins against ranked opponents. Here’s everything Napier said after his Gators defeated Ole Miss on Saturday.

The turning point for [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s team came during the first bye week of the season, and since then it’s been a crescendo of a season building up to back-to-back wins against ranked opponents.

Napier spoke to the media after the second of those wins, a 24-17 upset against Ole Miss, and he covered the team’s ascent in great detail. The Florida head coach also touched on the trust he has in [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag], as well as standout performance from his defense, running back [autotag]Montrell Johnson[/autotag] and safety [autotag]Bryce Thornton[/autotag].

Here’s everything Napier said after defeating Ole Miss on Saturday.

Opening Statement

“Alright, I’m going to keep it quick because I know y’all got something planned for tonight.

“First of all, just an incredible atmosphere today. It doesn’t get much better than that — 12-noon kick, 65 degrees and a packed house. Our fans were just incredible; played a major role in the game and just to see them rally behind our team and players. Certainly, for me, our seniors — I think that this group, I just told them in (the locker room) just now, leadership is really hard. It requires a lot from you, and I think these guys have stepped up in a major way.

“That first month of the year was a challenge at every facet, and I think young people, at that point, have to decide who they want to be and what they’re about. And I think this group of seniors, there’s very specific players in that group. I’m very grateful for them. I think we challenged the team and the way we played today should reflect on that group and the courage and the adversity that they have showed.

“The whole message this week was earn the right to win. I think that we have to win the right to earn the win throughout the week, and then ultimately when we get to the park it’s not about yesterday, it’s not about tomorrow, it’s not about who’s on the other sideline. You’ve got to spot the ball and you’ve got to go earn the right to win.

“Today was special in a lot of regards, in terms of Dr. Fuchs, this being his last game. I’m thankful for him and his leadership and for him being part of the group of people who gave me an opportunity here, so I’m thankful for Dr. Fauchs.

“The game was a game of turnover margin, red-zone scoring and, if you put those two things together it will be very difficult to beat. Obviously, the defense was lights out. We played great field position and we made just enough explosive plays and we were able to rush the ball against a good front.

“Complementary football is football in its purest form. Yeah, just really proud for our players and our team.”

On defensive stops late in the game

“When we were trying to build our team and put our team together, there’s an understanding in this league that you have to be ready good in the trenches. We all understand that, and really not just this league, but to be a championship contender and play consistently every week, you’ve got to be good up front on both sides.

“I thought we were better on both sides today upfront. Short-yardage defense is a big component. Those are identity plays and we had guys step up and make plays. But again, I think they had six turnovers if you include the fourth-down stops and missed field goal with a couple picks and a muffed punt.

“We took full advantage of those. It wasn’t always pretty on offense. There’s certainly some things we can do a bit better here, but I mean that’s a good group over there. I thought we managed their front with the way that we played the game.”

More on fourth-quarter stops

“We were able to stop the run with a light box. All the running game was quarterback scramble. For the most part, outside of those two explosives in the first half, we stayed on top of them. We had good leverage in coverage, and again, we were able to affect the quarterback.

“We hit him a lot. You could see that it was affecting him, and obviously we’ve got really good specialists on the field position portion. We played complementary ball and it ended up working out.”

On Aaron Gates’ injury, adjustments

“Aaron has been one of our best players for the last five or six weeks of the season. He’s still a young player but extremely talented. He played corner, receiver, punt returner and kick returner in high school. The big adjustment was the kick-return game depth chart. He does a lot for us in the kicking game as well, and now Sharif Denson is playing basically the entire game.

“Sahrif’s been a rotational player. He and Aaron play equal snaps every week. Certainly today, he got all of the load.”

On Montrell Johnson’s big game

“Montrell is a special kid to me for a lot of reasons. He’s a class act, first of all. He has been since I first met him. Just a selfless guy who really sets the tone and the example in that running backs room. We’ve got young players in there that have been able to transition and play well and be successful, and they’re watching him. He set the example, he sets the standard in that room.

“That possession where we threw the shot to Chim(ere Dike) and fed him three plays in a row, I told (running backs coach) Jabbar (Juluke), ‘let’s get him in there; I think he’s feeling pretty good today,’ and he delivered. He had 127 yards today, 18 carries.

“The guy, all he does is produce. I remember the first scrimmage we had at Louisiana, he was wearing No. 25 back then, I wrote down back then: 25’s a real guy. He’s been toting the rock every since.”

On culture change, things coming together

“We’ve got a long way to. Obviously, we’ve improved. I think it goes back to what I’ve told you guys before, that belief is the most powerful thing in the world. At some point midseason, we started to figure it out. We started to believe, look, we can play with any team in the country.

“We’ve tried to direct our players’ attention to things that require no talent. Convince them that you have the physical ability, but it’s got to be about more than that. You’ve got to dream big and have little processes. It’s about the daily. Can you do it daily? Can you be consistent? I think that was the big leadership challenge this week.

“The staff did a really good job getting them physically ready, mentally ready and emotionally ready to go. It requires a lot to compete at that level in that arena, and I thought that the staff had them ready today.”

On leadership on the team

“I’m not singling one person out because we’ve got more than I can count, and that’s what it takes. Not just players. I counted it up one day. We’ve got about 275 people who contribute to our team, and they all matter.

“We struggled early. It’d be easy for a lot of people, not just players, to maybe not take as much pride in what they do or blame others. You’ve got to be solution-oriented. Anybody can talk about problems. Who can work together with other people and come up with solutions?

“There’s no substitute for people remaining humble and continuing to take pride in what they do.”

On Bryce Thornton’s performance

“Bryce has been a huge bright spot, stepping up in a major way. Obviously, we’ve had some injuries there. Two picks and a career-high in tackles, and coming off of an injury. Bryce has been in that training room every day for weeks, and I think he’s really stepped up for our team in a major way.

“Bryce got good experience last year. I think ultimately, he’s a very capable player, and he showed out today.”

On trusting DJ Lagway late in the game

“Backed up offense is about five first, (then) flip. You know you got to get five yards. You try to get a first down, then you try to get another and flip the field. Sometimes you need you need to do that.

“So he has made progress. We didn’t move him around a lot. He did make some plays with his feet today. But I asked him how he was feeling and he said I’m good, so we went with it, and a heck of a catch by Badge(r) and certainly you don’t have to protect to throw a movement pass. That’s one of the best things about it.”

On Lagway’s escape artist plays

“Yeah, those are the plays of the game. I’ll say what I said last time: the good Lord bless DJ Lagway. It just pays off to be six-foot-three-and-a-quarter, 240 pounds.

“Those were phenomenal plays. Guys are draped all over him, and the guy keeps his eyes downfield. For the most part, we kept him clean today. We called a game to where their front wasn’t able to be a factor to some degree. We did what we needed to do to win, and he was a huge part of that for sure.”

On former Gators spending time with team

“One of the more impactful things that we’ve tried to be very intentional about is including our former players, and I think it helps our players because there is a generational gap here in terms of some of those successes from the past.

“This place has been to the top of the mountain, and I think it’s important for our young people to understand what that looks like. And sometimes meeting young players who’ve done it, and players in the past, I think helps them. The way we want it to work around here is you come here, you finish the race, you get your degree, and you come back and do what those guys are doing.

“I’m very thankful. We’ve got some great former players that have made an impact.”

On seeing hard work pay off after rough start

“It’s not about yesterday. It’s not about tomorrow. It’s about today. You have to work extremely hard to get to a place where you have some belief and I think belief comes as a result of a lot of integrity, togetherness, discipline, effort and toughness. I think this group has done that.

“We challenged the players yesterday to be a today guy, not a someday guy. Right? I think sometimes we like to punt it down the road and say someday I’m going to, rather than hey, you know what? Today I’m going to do that.

“Just taking action, being present, living in the moment, focusing on the things you can control. I mean, these are said over and over, but I think this group’s done it, and the product speaks for itself. They played their tail off today.”

Is it gratifying or surprising to see this success come?

“I would just say we’re just getting started. This is just part of the big-picture journey. College football is unique. You play 12 regular-season games. Maybe you get to play another two. But I’m around these guys every day. Behind the scenes, there’s a lot that happens and a lot that goes on and we go and we put it on full display 12 times a year.

“I’ve been saying it the entire time. I just think there’s something special about this group, and when the football wasn’t right in the beginning of the year, man, it hurt me a little bit, to be honest with you. Because I’ve been watching these guys work and I’m anticipating this and being much improved.

“I just was consumed with anything and everything that I could do to help them get better. You know, like, how do we fix this? Give them some credit. I mean, they were vocal. They took ownership. They collaborate with the coaches, and I think we chipped away at it. And today, we obviously played good enough to win.”

On Graham Mertz walking out for senior night

“Graham’s one of those on that list when I say we should be thankful for this group of seniors. Injuries are a challenge. One thing I tell you about that guy, he don’t flinch, man. He’s been the same guy, throughout the entire deal.

“These guys know his heart. They know how hard he’s worked, and for him not to be able to play is a big deal. But the humility, the class, the selflessness, the way he’s handled the situation with DJ, their relationship, his example to the team, his knowledge.

“One of the reasons why (Lagway) is playing like he is out there is because he got to watch Graham Mertz for six, eight, ten months. That relationship has been critical, and we got a lot of examples like that on our team. Montrell Johnson, Jadan Baugh and Ja’Kobi (Jackson) is another example of that.

“In college football, when you get it rolling is when the veteran players are establishing expectations and standards and young players show up, they get in line and they do what they see being done. Until you get to that place, you haven’t established anything, and I think this year was the first time I can say with conviction that we’ve established that.”

On turning point for this team

“I go back to that open date, that first open date. I walked off that field on that Wednesday and man, it’s like abuse out there. I can ignore it. I can kind of control my environment and live life. But for these young people in the digital world they live in, they can’t do that. They live a life where they cannot do that.

“Sometimes you get to an open day — I’ve been on teams where an open date is a disaster and you’re trying to work, you’re trying to come up with plans for improvement — but just to see this group, man, they were like, coach, what what are we doing? What do we need to do?

“Just the passion and energy and the way they worked that week in that Wednesday practice, I’ll never forget that. I walked off the field and I said, that’s the best practice I’ve ever been associated with in 20 years of college football. At that point, I’m like we got to get this, figure this out.

“So I think Tennessee was a turning point. In that locker room after the game, it was like, okay, we can do this. Obviously Kentucky, another open day, what we experienced in Jacksonville. I just think hope’s powerful, man.

“Just proud of these guys, man. Sometimes you have to go through stuff. They’re different because they went through that, right? They don’t really care what anybody thinks. They care what the people around them think. They care about doing their job and being accountable, being responsible to the people around them, and I think what they’ve been through has forced them to do that.

“Football’s a conditional game. You’ve got to find something that’s unconditional. So, it’s pretty good crew. That was fun.”

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