Florida football head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] scored what may have been the most important win of his Gators career on Saturday night when his team overcame the top-25 ranked LSU Tigers inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 27-16.
The victory gives the Orange and Blue a clear path to the magical six-win mark, thus earning a bowl berth and a chance at snapping the three-straight season losing streak it has suffered through.
The key to the Week 12 triumph was the return of freshman quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag], who powered the offense with his golden arm. But make no mistake, this was a total team effort that also relied on strong play from the defense and a typical superlative effort from the special teams.
After the game, Napier spoke to the media about how his team played on a crisp fall day in Gainesville. Take a look below at what he had to offer.
Opening statement
“I think before we get to the players and the staff, I think we have to give the crowd a ton of credit. That place was electric tonight and played a major factor in the game.
“Obviously, the kids feed off of it. And 11 straight sell-outs, and something about when the sun goes down, it’s pretty special in there. Very thankful for our fans. And to continue to show up, right, and do their part.
“Obviously, we’ve struggled at times, but I’m just very thankful for the overall support and the way they impacted the game tonight. I think you’ve got to give this group of kids a ton of credit. Relative to the resiliency they’ve showed, I think for me there’s a purpose behind the game, and that starts with the players, and I certainly think this group would not be able to have done what they did tonight without a good foundation, something to stand on.
“I think they’ve got good character, and I’m very thankful for them relative to how they’ve stuck together and continue to work extremely hard and continue to improve. A lot of young players continue to grow up out there.
“So this was complementary ball at its best. Felt like an NFL game. It was back and forth. We did a lot of things well. There are areas we can do better. I do think we made them earn it on defense. We limited the big play, but obviously we’ve got to do a better job getting off the field on third down, especially in the first half. The play count and time of possession was very unique.
“It was 48-21 at halftime, and then obviously look at it really out of whack at the end of the game. I think they ran 92 plays to our 43. We had a few penalties on offense we need to clean up. We had some delay of games. Couple of false starts. Obviously a holding. ‘
“But in general, we did enough to win, and we stood up in that second half and I thought the defense got a couple of takeaways. Obviously a sack fumble. And then the missed field goal, and we played clean on offense and didn’t turn it over. Punted them deep a handful of times. And I thought the field position was key. So credit to the staff for having a good plan.
“In particular, on defense, I felt we were really sharp on normal downs. And these kids showed up and played. And I’m proud of them.”
On Lagway’s off-balance throw to set up game-winning TD:
“Elite play. That throw to Badger, stepping up into the pocket, left tackle was on an edge and just those are throws — God blessed that young man, is what I would say.
“But, yeah, I think your question is key, and I think we all felt that last week and this week. I thought there was a difference knowing that he was working his butt off with our training staff to get back and be available in the game and the way he approached that this week, the way the training staff worked overtime.
“And again, the guy wasn’t 100%. He wanted to play last week. And then obviously he came in the building Sunday, said, “I’m playing this week.” And we kept him in the pocket for the most part, limited the read game and the run game and overall it ended up working out.”
On Florida’s defensive line, pass rush
“Seven sacks. I thought we stayed on top of them for the most part. I thought the leverage in coverage was pretty good. That was one of the keys to the game was we covered them with the group of DBs that we had, I felt we hung in there pretty good.
“A lot of those are coverage sacks, where we’re landing, but we certainly affected the quarterback. And he made a lot of unannounced plays, off-schedule plays, where we did get him off of spot, and then giving Nussmeier some credit, I thought he made some plays on the run, a lot of impressive plays.”
On not giving up a sack
“I thought it was solid. Obviously, we did enough in the run game. Obviously, the one explosive helps the numbers. But keeping him clean was a big mission. Part of the mission was to keep him clean. They’ve got some good rushers. But overall I felt for the most part we did a good job in that area.”
How pride impacted Florida’s defensive performance
“I think last week was unacceptable, is what I think. And I think they took ownership of that. There wasn’t a lot of moping around. I think they ultimately took ownership of it, and we did some of those things better. We tackled better. I thought the rushing the coverage worked better together. We covered them.
“We played with the right leverage and we were able to get to the quarterback. So gotta clean up third down. I think they were 15-28 on conversion downs. A little over 50 percent, which is a good day. About 45 percent would be a goal, and they obviously, met their goal.”
On defensive tackle Caleb Banks
“I’m proud of Caleb. We tried to include him more on third down. And I think he’s really worked hard this offseason. Really 58 plays at his prior stop. 300 plays last year. And this year, a starter, and obviously trying to grow his role and create more value for him.
“So playing him on third down tonight, and he was a factor. I think Caleb has a bright future in front of him. He can really go places.”
On Florida’s game-sealing drive
“Huge. We had a lot of bullets in the gun at that point, right, because we had run minimal plays; but, yeah, I think the quick game completion to Hansen over the middle was huge and Haden did a great job running after the catch.
“And you’re going to watch that play where Jadan scored, and you’re going to see guys playing without the ball, Badger, Hansen, Barber, critical point of attacks there on the perimeter run, and 13 did the rest. But it was a good-looking play.”
Picking spots to throw given Lagway’s health
“Yeah, I think we threw it 26 times out of 43, right? So he had opportunities tonight. I think we’ve got to protect him a little bit better, and I think there were some opportunities to make some plays.
“In the seams, there was a lot of bang-bang throws in the seams, couple of opportunities early with Dike. And then I thought he did a good job extending a little bit, throwing it away when he needed to. But, yeah, I mean, 26 passes out of 43 plays, he got a lot of opportunities.”
On senior receivers Dike and Badger
“Those two guys have been key, really good evaluations. I think the personnel, Burt did a phenomenal job identifying those guys, and we were able to recruit them and they hit the ground running. Dike was here in the spring.
“But Badger, getting here in the summer, both have improved as players. Coach Gonzales has done a great job with both players. They’ve really — the scouts are high on them. They’ve increased their value. But there’s no question, when you play quarterback, the players around you have to play well.
“And those guys, they separate, they get open and they make plays on the ball. They make contested catches, and there’s no question those guys have done a great job for the Gators.”
On Florida’s special teams performance
“We had some frustrations in the fringe landmarks there and we had to hang punt a couple times and play field position. Jeremy obviously is a Ray Guy finalist this week. Has an elite future. Best punter in the country. And those are the little things. Those are the situational football things. Really good job by Rocco. Chim was in position. We were able to play field position and the defense took advantage of that position. You’re spot on.”
On junior linebacker Shemar James:
“I think lately he’s really starting to play well. Shemar is a three-down player. He can play — I thought he’s improved as a tackler. Just his stopping power has improved. And I think just in general him as a communicator, as a leader.
“He’s a guy that has a ton of positive energy. Fun to be around. Does a great job throughout the week affecting the other players. He can play on all three downs, good match-up backer on pass coverage. And he’s a heck of a blitzer. He’s loose and slippery and a guy who weighs 235 pounds. Shemar continues to get better.
“Obviously, overcome a lot with injury. We’re proud of him.”
On Florida’s LB play without Grayson Howard
“I think with Pup being out, Jaden — Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles played significant snaps tonight as well. But that’s a room that has depth. A lot of smart players in that room. And we’ve been rolling those guys, playing some of the young guys, and certainly I think that experience paid off tonight.
“But Jaden Robinson is one of my favorite players. Guy just shows up and works, and he obviously was a factor today. Good to see those young kids in there making some plays too.”
On validation win provides Florida
“Look, I think the big thing is just you’ve got to compliment our players and staff just for staying the course. I mean, it’s no easy task to keep focused on the work in front of you and be present.
“We talked all week about working as if we’re on a one-day contract. And every day, hey, look, if we’re watching you the entire day and evaluating how you work, would you get the call back for the next day? And I think they took that personal, and I think that we had a good day every day of the week.
“I thought we built momentum to the end of the week. And certainly they played that way with that type of attitude tonight.”
On future of Florida’s program
“I think it’s the players reflect that. I think obviously we’re trying to create a culture here. I think the intangibles of the group are what we would want from our players.
“Obviously, the football needs to continue to improve. I do think it is improving, and I think that’s a result of each individual player contributing. The way we practice, the way we prepared throughout the week, if you’re going to have a good football team, you’ve got to do it all. And I think this group continues to show that they’re up for the challenge.
“When we recruited these guys, part of this sale was like, look, you have to understand, you have to be up for the challenge. If we’re going to rebuild this place and create a championship contender, it will be rocky at times and you’ve got to be a tough guy and you’ve got to be up for the challenge. And I think this group has proved they’re up for that and we need to continue the work.
“We’re right in the middle of this journey here. Look, it’s harder than ever, in my opinion. I think these guys could have pointed fingers and splintered a long time ago. That’s what I’m most proud of.
“We played well tonight, but the way they’ve handled their business throughout the year and for them to continue to show up and work and care for each other and try to get better and compete, I think we’re learning how to win and ultimately I think belief is the most powerful, belief and hope are the most powerful things in the world, and I think we’ve got that. Just proud of the players.”
On Florida’s secondary play
“Quez’s versatility has been critical. Played both safeties and corners. And Gates continues to improve. And Denson played some snaps, but for Dijon Johnson, he’s out there playing banged up, showed toughness, grit, sacrificing for the team.
“He’s in the training room every day of the week all day to try to get ready. He played last week and he was not even close to 100%. I think him and Gates and Castell and Thornton, big part of the game tonight is we covered them, and I think ultimately hats off to that group.”
On Steve Spurrier telling fans to rush the field with a win:
“Yeah, I’ll tell you what, I think, first of all, let me say this, okay, our players got wind of that. And they were talking about it earlier today. I think it juiced them up a little bit. Anytime a head ball coach speaks, we listen. This is his place.
“Player, coach, Gator legend, and I’m thankful for Coach. Coach has been phenomenal since the first day I got here, for him to continue to support these guys, I think, is a big deal. And we’ll get to do that in the future.”
On DJ Lagway
“I think it slows down. You’ll have to talk to him a little bit. DJ told me specifically earlier in the week the game was slowing down. You’ve got to go back all the way to January. This guy is playing plays in the Gator room.
“Coach O’Hara has done a phenomenal job, all the way back to day one, he’s had a chance to observe Graham Mertz and how he worked like a professional, how to prepare, how to lead, and I think DJ has — the game has slowed down. He’ll tell you that.
“Look, he’s only going to get better. I respect him as a competitor on game day, the way he handles himself between the lines. The guy’s completely into it as a competitor, doing everything he can to win the game, and he did enough tonight.”
On Florida running back room, Jabbar Juluke
“They’re good evaluations from the personnel department. I think both are fantastic kids. Look, they both had incredible training camps. They ran the ball like that in training camp. Jabbar continues to produce.
“I mean, look, now as much as they play well on Saturday, I don’t ever have to worry about a running back off the field. I mean, his group is accountable. They do everything right. They’re a class act. And he did it at Louisiana. He’s done it at other stops in his career.
“I think his background as a high school coach, he cares for kids, and he’s tough on them and he holds them accountable. Hats off to both those guys, and certainly hats off to Coach Juluke as well.”
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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