Gators head coach Billy Napier takes questions at his Monday press conference to preview Saturday's game against No. 1-ranked Georgia in Jacksonville. (Photo: GatorVision)
Press Conference | Napier Talks Florida-Georgia
Monday, October 23, 2023 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators are coming off one of their biggest wins under second-year head coach Billy Napier, a come-from-behind victory at South Carolina that kept Florida in the SEC East conversation behind Georgia.
If they upset the Bulldogs on Saturday in Jacksonville, the Gators will unquestionably have their biggest win with Napier in charge.
"Ton of respect for Georgia," Napier said. "It's going to require our best."
Florida (5-2, 3-1) had a bye last weekend after its 41-39 win at South Carolina. The Gators trailed 37-27 with nine minutes left before staging a late rally led by quarterback Graham Mertz, who threw for a career-high 423 yards.
Georgia has won two in a row over the Gators and five of seven since head coach Kirby Smart took over in Athens. The No. 1-ranked Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0) have won 24 consecutive games and have been ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for 19 consecutive weeks, the longest stretch in SEC history and third-longest ever.
To beat the two-time defending national champions, Napier said the Gators will need another strong game from Mertz.
"I think playing well at quarterback is certainly a big part of the puzzle, right, if you're going to put this thing together,'' Napier said Monday. "I think the key is going to be that we play well around the quarterback. I think at each position group, there's unique challenges relative to the plan that will be really, really important."
To watch Napier's entire press conference, check out the video below:
If they upset the Bulldogs on Saturday in Jacksonville, the Gators will unquestionably have their biggest win with Napier in charge.
"Ton of respect for Georgia," Napier said. "It's going to require our best."
Florida (5-2, 3-1) had a bye last weekend after its 41-39 win at South Carolina. The Gators trailed 37-27 with nine minutes left before staging a late rally led by quarterback Graham Mertz, who threw for a career-high 423 yards.
Georgia has won two in a row over the Gators and five of seven since head coach Kirby Smart took over in Athens. The No. 1-ranked Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0) have won 24 consecutive games and have been ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for 19 consecutive weeks, the longest stretch in SEC history and third-longest ever.
To beat the two-time defending national champions, Napier said the Gators will need another strong game from Mertz.
"I think playing well at quarterback is certainly a big part of the puzzle, right, if you're going to put this thing together,'' Napier said Monday. "I think the key is going to be that we play well around the quarterback. I think at each position group, there's unique challenges relative to the plan that will be really, really important."
To watch Napier's entire press conference, check out the video below:
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballAaron Chiles Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Damieon George Jr. Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Billy Napier Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Gator Insider presented by Talon Wealth 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
