Tag: Florida football

Stock Up, Stock Down: Tigers get bitten in the Swamp

LSU’s offensive line struggled and the Tigers fell flat in the fourth quarter as LSU dropped one on the road

Last weekend, the LSU Tigers were embarrassed at home by the Alabama Crimson Tide. I was curious how the Tigers would respond this week as they hit the road to take on the Florida Gators.

The Gators entered the game with a losing record and have been trying to find who their starting quarterback will be. With the questions Florida faced, I thought LSU would come out with a spirited performance and take care of business. I was wrong.

Tonight, we witnessed the LSU offensive line give up seven sacks to the Gators’ defense. [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] never got going and the offense only got into the endzone once as Florida won this one 27-16.

Stock Down: Offensive Line

[Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
The vaunted LSU offensive line gave up SEVEN sacks to the Florida Gators in the Swamp. The Tigers offense has been struggling as it is and this only compounded the problem.

Stock Down: Bad rebound after losing to Bama

Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

LSU got embarrassed on their home turf by Alabama last weekend so Tiger fans were looking for a good response from this team and coaching staff. Needless to say, they did not get what they asked for.

Stock Down: Garrett Nussmeier

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Nussmeier has not been playing at his highest level for the past three games. He struggled again tonight going 27-for-47 for 260 yards and only one touchdown. He could never get in a rhythm.

Stock Down: No 10-win season

[Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
With the Tigers’ loss to Florida, [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] will not win 10 games for the eighth season in a row. This loss also killed the hopes of LSU playing for the conference championship.

Stock Down: 4th quarter disaster

[Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
Going into the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 13. The Gators would go on to outscore LSU 14-3 in the final quarter to pull away with a 27-16 victory.

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Florida football trolled LSU’s Brian Kelly with a polite request after losing to the Gators

Good one, Florida!

In a wild but not entirely unpredictable upset, Florida took down No. 22 LSU, 27-16, at home on Saturday, dealing the Tigers their third SEC loss and fourth loss overall. For the first time since 2018, the Gators topped LSU, and they have plenty of reasons to celebrate.

On the other side, Tigers head coach Brian Kelly was obviously not happy with how the game turned out, and sometimes when Kelly is furious, he slams his fist on the press conference table he’s behind. After LSU’s loss to USC earlier this season, Kelly’s angry table-slamming went viral.

So after the Gators’ upset win, their football Twitter account very politely trolled Kelly, asking him to refrain from damaging their tables.

Kelly reportedly complied, whether or not he was aware of this funny jab at his temper.

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ESPN inadvertently roasted Florida retaining Billy Napier during awful game against Texas

Yikes, Florida.

Florida coach Billy Napier earned a major vote of confidence from his school’s athletic director on Thursday.

The Gators then spent Saturday laying one of the ugliest eggs of the college football season against Texas, going down 35-0 at halftime.

After playing close with Georgia last week until a late collapse, the Gators spent Saturday afternoon getting bulldozed by the Longhorns.

This stinky performance really did come off the heels of Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin writing a passionate defense of Napier’s standing with the program, which is a tough look for folks in Gainesville.

Somehow, it’s also not the worst moment in Florida athletics this week.

Goodness gracious, Gators. Florida is down bad right now, at no fault but to those in charge of stewarding the school’s two biggest athletic programs.

If this brutal ESPN graphic juxtaposition doesn’t sum this all up, we’re not sure what will.


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Media, fans question Florida’s decision to keep Billy Napier

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier, who is 0-3 against Georgia, is staying.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier is staying despite being on the hot seat. Napier is 15-18 through three seasons with the Gators including 0-3 versus the Georgia Bulldogs.

Florida has battled injuries all season, but is probably not going to make a bowl game after a 4-4 start to the season. Napier’s return would give Florida continuity heading into 2025, but does it simply prolong the inevitable? Napier will have a bunch of pressure again next season.

Florida released a statement saying that Napier will continue as head coach, but did not add any dates, so there is not a 100% chance he will return in 2025.

“We’re led to believe Napier will be back as coach next season, but, within Stricklin’s five-paragraph word salad, he makes no mention of 2025 or next season,” said Blake Toppmeyer of USA TODAY. “This registers as a tepid endorsement from an athletics director under fire for a coach who will remain on the scalding-hot seat. Napier will stay there until the day he’s fired or wins enough to turn down the heat. And winning remains a problem for Napier.”

Napier could be the first coach to be saved due to the Name, Image and Likeness era. With donors getting worn about from constant requests for NIL money, schools may be less willing to pay the lofty buyouts owed to head coaches.

Schools know they have to raise more money to pay for players now, so maybe it is better spent on players and not a head coach’s buyout. In Napier’s case, Florida would have to pay him $26.7 million.

More fans, media weighed in via social media

“I want to thank Kirby Smart and Georgia for giving Florida just enough hope to retain Billy Napier. The rest of the SEC is grateful for you service,” said one fan via social media.

“I don’t hate this at all,” said Yahoo Sports analyst Caroline Fenton via social media. “That was a beat up team that had Georgia on the ropes into the 4th. But Napier got hired to win, not almost win. I agree that now isn’t the time to fire him, but if he doesn’t start winning soon then that time will come.”

Florida was tied 20-20 with Georgia in the fourth quarter, but that should not be a moral victory for the Gators.

“Do you know how hard it is to be that bad in Gainesville? One of the worst eras in Gator football history,” said CBS Sports analyst Jake Winderman. Georgia is in its golden era and has won seven of the last eight games against Florida while the Gators are happy with likely missing out on bowl games in consecutive seasons.

EA Sports CFB 25 predicts Georgia-Florida game

College Football 25 predicts the winner of the Georgia versus Florida game

Georgia dominated in a preview simulation of Saturday’s showdown between the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators on EA Sports’ “College Football 25” video game. Georgia won thanks to strong performances on both sides of the ball.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck led the offense, completing 17 of 24 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Trevor Etienne powered through the defense, adding 82 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Wide receiver Dominic Lovett emerged as the top target, racking up 128 yards on four receptions, including a 71-yard touchdown.

Defensively, linebacker CJ Allen was everywhere, recording 13 total tackles, with safety Malaki Starks right behind him with 10 tackles and a crucial interception. The Georgia defense pressured Florida quarterback DJ Lagway often, forcing him into three costly interceptions.

Cornerback Joenel Aguero, who is facing a suspension for the first half, snagged the second pick, while defensive lineman Mykel Williams capped off the game with a stunning interception on a screen pass, returning it for a pick-six to push Georgia’s lead to 21 points. The game resulted in a 38-17 Georgia blowout win.

Georgia vs Florida injury report

Georgia football injury report ahead of the Bulldogs’ game against the Florida Gators

The Georgia Bulldogs will be without several key players at 3:30 p.m. ET on Satuday, Nov. 2 against the Florida Gators. However, Georgia is still healthier than Florida, who has 10 players ruled out ahead of kickoff.

The Bulldogs will be without a pair of running backs and wide receivers against Florida. Additionally, Georgia is down two starters in the secondary for the first half. Defensive backs Joenel Aguero and Dan Jackson are both suspended for the first half against Florida after getting targeting penalties in the second half against Texas.

This week we also learned that Georgia defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye is out for the season. Joseph Jonah-Ajonye is a former five-star recruit.

“Joseph (Jonah-Ajonye) had to deal with a surgery that’s going to put him out for the rest of the year,” said Kirby Smart. “He’s going to be out for the rest of the year to deal with a lower extremity injury.”

Georgia offensive guard Tate Ratledge is expected to return for the first time since the Kentucky game. Ratledge is back to being almost fully healthy after undergoing tightrope surgery on his ankle.

On Florida’s side of things, the Gators are without starting quarterback Graham Mertz, who is out for the season. Florida cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. is also out for the year.

The Gators’ top receiver, Eugene Wilson, is out against Georgia. Wilson burned Georgia a season ago. Florida’s No. 1 running back Montrell Johnson is questionable.

Georgia injury report

Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (99) and linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (2) are both out versus Florida. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
  • RB Roderick Robinson: Out (toe)
  • RB Branson Robinson: Out (knee)
  • OL Tate Ratledge: Probable (ankle)
  • LB Smael Mondon: Out (foot)
  • DL Joseph Jonah-Ajonye: Out (leg)
  • WR Colbie Young: Suspended indefinitely
  • DB Dan Jackson: Suspended for first half (targeting)
  • DB Joenel Aguero: Suspended for first half (targeting)
  • WR Anthony Evans: Out (hamstring)
  • DL Jordan Hall: Probable (legs)

Florida injury report

Eugene Wilson III, the Florida Gators’ most dangerous weapon, is out against the Georgia Bulldogs. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
  • Graham Mertz, QB, Out
  • Treyaun Webb, RB, Out
  • Ja’Keem Jackson, DB, Out
  • Jason Marshall Jr., DB, Out
  • Eugene Wilson III, WR, Out
  • Asa Turner, DB, Out
  • Kahleil Jackson, WR, Out
  • Devon Manuel, OL, Out
  • Roderick Kearney, OL, Out
  • Jamari Lyons, DL, Out
  • Montrell Johnson Jr., RB, Questionable
  • Damieon George Jr., OL, Questionable

The SEC will release injury reports that will be updated 90 minutes before kickoff.

Florida football experts predict winner of Georgia-Florida

Trio of Florida Gators experts all predict the outcome of Georgia-Florida game

The Georgia Bulldogs are 16 1/2-point favorites over the Florida Gators. Georgia has won six of the last seven games in the series. Georgia is a College Football Playoff contender, while Florida and coach Billy Napier are just trying to make a bowl game.

Despite differing levels of momentum, both Georgia and Florida are coming off their most impressive performances of the season. Georgia toppled previous No. 1 Texas on the road, and Florida beat Kentucky by 28 points before their respective bye weeks.

Three Florida football experts from Gators Wire predict the Gators will cover the point spread against Georgia.

Georgia versus Florida Predictions

“This game might be the most important one of (Billy) Napier’s career,” said Adam Dubbin of Gators Wire. Napier is certainly on the hot seat, but could extend his career with a strong end to the season. It won’t be easy as the Gators have several upcoming games against ranked opponents to end the season.

“The Gators keep it closer than many expect but simply do not have enough to outlast Kirby Smart’s team,” continued Dubbin.

Prediction: Georgia 35, Florida 24

Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun

“I think Georgia’s defense will be too much for Florida to handle,” said Aidan Gallardo of Gators Wire. Georgia’s defense is coming off its best game of the season against Texas. The Bulldogs have a stout front-seven and three potential first-round NFL draft picks on defense.

“This game will be closer than people expect,” continued Gallardo. Georgia has not lost to Florida since 2020 and Gallardo predicts the Dawgs will win again in a close one.

Prediction: Georgia 31, Florida 24

“This game is mildly competitive for the first 30-45 minutes of action,” said David Rosenberg. Georgia’s games against Florida have been this way several times in recent memory, but ultimately UGA won by comfortable margins. The Bulldogs have won three consecutive games against the Gators by more than 20 points.

“It would be irresponsible to pick Florida outright here,” continued Rosenberg. However, Rosenberg thinks this game will be much closer than many are expecting.

Prediction: Georgia 28, Florida 21

We think Florida is playing their best football of the season, but Georgia is, too, and will be very motivated for this rivalry game.

Florida without its starting QB vs Georgia

The Florida Gators turn to a talented five-star freshman at quarterback against Georgia with Graham Mertz out for the season

Florida Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz is out for the Georgia Bulldogs game and the rest of the year. Unfortunately, Mertz suffered a torn ACL in Florida’s 23-17 loss at Tennessee.

The Gators have another legitimate option at quarterback: true freshman DJ Lagway. Lagway has already picked up considerable experience this season.

“We recruited DJ (Lagway). He’s a great kid — what a great family — and just uber-talented,” said Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart said on the weekly SEC teleconference. “To come into the SEC and be able to play like he has as a true freshman, it’s rare because the step up is usually so high.”

Lagway was a five-star quarterback in the class of 2025. He was ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the country, per 247Sports.

“He’s got unbelievable arm talent,” continued Smart. “He can throw the ball the length of the field.”

Lagway is tasked with saving head coach Billy Napier’s job. The Gators face a massive challenge: They are scheduled to play four ranked opponents over their final five games.

Lagway has completed 62.8% of his passes this year for five touchdowns and five interceptions. Lagway has thrown for 1,024 yards and has taken six sacks. He has rushed 96 yards on 34 carries.

Lagway completed seven of 14 passes for 259 yards and an interception and rushed 10 times for 46 yards in Florida’s dominant 48-20 win over Kentucky. The Gators took a run-centric approach against Kentucky and ran on 74.6% of offensive plays.

Mertz completed 72 of 94 passes for 791 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions this season. Mertz finished his senior season with a QBR of 71.6. He is out of college eligibility.

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Florida is 4-3 to start the 2024 college football season. Both Florida and the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs have byes before renewing their rivalry in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Georgia-Florida game will be played at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 and televised on ABC.

Four-star DL projected to flip from Florida to UGA

Feels like we have seen this story before. Can Georgia flip another Florida commit?

Four-star defensive tackle Jeremiah McCloud is projected by Jeremy Johnson of On3 to flip his commitment from the Florida Gators to the Georgia Bulldog.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle committed to Florida on May 2, 2024. McCloud is the No. 229 recruit in the country and would be a strong addition for Georgia’s recruiting class.

McCloud plays football for Lee County High School in Lee, Florida. McCloud is the No. 13 defensive tackle in the class of 2025 and the No. 28 recruit in Georgia, according to Rivals.

Head coach Kirby Smart and Georgia football have 22 commitments in the class of 2025, but just two along the defensive line. One of those defensive line commitments, Stephon Shivers, reopened his recruitment.

The Bulldogs have the nation’s fifth-ranked recruiting class, which is much better than Florida, which has the 39th-ranked recruiting class, per 247Sports.

Florida’s starting QB out for the season

Who will the Florida Gators turn to at quarterback after Graham Mertz tore his ACL? Florida plays Georgia on Nov. 2.

Florida Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in Florida’s 23-17 loss at Tennessee. Mertz is out of eligibility after the injury.

Mertz completed 72 of 94 passes for 791 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions this season. Mertz finishes his senior season with a QBR of 71.6.

Now, the Gators will turn to true freshman DJ Lagway. Lagway has already seen significant snaps for Florida this season.

Lagway may be tasked with saving head coach Billy Napier’s job. He won’t have an easy time as Florida plays six Power Four schools over its final six games including four ranked opponents.

Lagway has completed 65.3% of his passes this year for five touchdowns and four interceptions.

Florida is 3-3 to start the 2024 college football season. The Gators host Kentucky in Week 8 before they have a bye week. After Florida’s bye, the Gators play the No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville, Florida.

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The Georgia-Florida game will be played at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 and televised on ABC.