NCAAF · 1 year ago

Fallout for Billy Napier, Florida Gators After Loss to Texas A&M

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Defense Leaves Many Puzzled
We continue to wait for the Florida Gators to build something on defense, and it doesn't appear that will happen this season. The Gators continue recruiting talent, and maybe the next wave will be different, but for now, there's not much to write home about on that side of the football. You need talent and culture to compete with the best in the SEC, and the Gators lack both.

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Hot Seat: Billy Napier
It would be a significant understatement to say it's been a gruesome tenure for Billy Napier with the Florida Gators. If Napier is all about accountability with his players, why isn't he about accountability in the win column? Napier has posted a 12-16 record as Gators head coach, including a dismal 6-11 record in conference play. That type of performance doesn't cut it with a fan base like Florida. Reports suggest that if the Gators part ways with Napier during or after the 2024 football season, they will owe him approximately $25.67 million. This is a situation worth monitoring as the program's struggles continue.

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Done With Mertz
It's tiresome watching Napier roll out Graham Mertz with the Florida Gators' offense. There are plenty of issues with the Gators as a program, and although Mertz isn't at the top of the list, he hasn't done himself any favors. The Gators and their fans have made up their mind about the team this season, and if they continue to lose in this fashion with Mertz, the boos will only get louder.
Time to Unleash Lagway
Let's get one thing straight: expectations were low headed into the season when you factored in their challenging schedule. With the Gators' struggles through Week 3, it's time to work toward the future, starting with five-star recruit DJ Lagway. There will undoubtedly be some growing pains with this player when you factor in everything around him, but these reps will be vital for him next year, and Mertz won't be a factor then. There needs to be a positive outcome for this season, and Lagway has the chance to be it.
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Some Weapons on Offense
It can't all be negative, so we'll at least try and highlight some positives from their losing effort against Texas A&M. Elijhah Badger looked like a real weapon, and that's a good sign for the offense moving forward with this grueling schedule. Badger finished Week 3 against the Aggies with five catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. That type of consistency would help moving forward.
Defense Leaves Many Puzzled
We continue to wait for the Florida Gators to build something on defense, and it doesn't appear that will happen this season. The Gators continue recruiting talent, and maybe the next wave will be different, but for now, there's not much to write home about on that side of the football. You need talent and culture to compete with the best in the SEC, and the Gators lack both.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Hot Seat: Billy Napier
It would be a significant understatement to say it's been a gruesome tenure for Billy Napier with the Florida Gators. If Napier is all about accountability with his players, why isn't he about accountability in the win column? Napier has posted a 12-16 record as Gators head coach, including a dismal 6-11 record in conference play. That type of performance doesn't cut it with a fan base like Florida. Reports suggest that if the Gators part ways with Napier during or after the 2024 football season, they will owe him approximately $25.67 million. This is a situation worth monitoring as the program's struggles continue.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Fallout for Billy Napier, Florida Gators After Loss to Texas A&M

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