Press Conference | Napier: Gators Met a Lot of Goals vs. Charlotte, Kentucky a Tough Place to Play
Monday, September 25, 2023 | Football
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Billy Napier spoke to reporters early Monday afternoon as No. 22-ranked Gators prepare for Saturday's road game at Kentucky.
The Gators (3-1, 1-0) have lost two consecutive games to the Wildcats (4-0, 1-0), including their first loss in Lexington since 1986 two years ago when they last played at Kroger Field.
"One of the reasons why they've been able to be very consistent as a program and as a team is because they play really good defense,'' Napier said of the Wildcats. "They've got an identity. They understand who they are and how they play. It's a veteran group, and I think they've added a couple transfers, also, that have provided depth at certain positions."
While Napier looked ahead to Kentucky, he opened his press conference by looking back at Florida's 22-7 win over Charlotte on Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The Gators used five field goals from Trey Smack, a touchdown pass from Graham Mertz to Arlis Boardingham, and a strong defensive effort (Charlotte had only 210 yards) to win their third consecutive game. Florida moved up from three spots in the latest AP Top 25.
The performance was one Napier was pleased with overall.
"I was proud of our team,'' he said. "There was lots of parts of our team where we executed really well. Met a lot of goals — offense, defense, and special teams.
"Certainly, we're well aware of the red-zone issues, and certainly we've got to get more touchdowns in the red area, but I thought we were good. I think that we moved the ball really well throughout the day, created 19 explosive plays. I do think we met every goal in special teams in the game outside of the two penalties. Then defensively, we're lights out outside of one possession."
To watch Napier's entire press conference, check out the video below:
The Gators (3-1, 1-0) have lost two consecutive games to the Wildcats (4-0, 1-0), including their first loss in Lexington since 1986 two years ago when they last played at Kroger Field.
"One of the reasons why they've been able to be very consistent as a program and as a team is because they play really good defense,'' Napier said of the Wildcats. "They've got an identity. They understand who they are and how they play. It's a veteran group, and I think they've added a couple transfers, also, that have provided depth at certain positions."
Our September 30th game at Kentucky will be at Noon ET on either ESPN or SECN.🐊#GoGators | #jOURney pic.twitter.com/WRjxGBHDFn
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 18, 2023
While Napier looked ahead to Kentucky, he opened his press conference by looking back at Florida's 22-7 win over Charlotte on Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The Gators used five field goals from Trey Smack, a touchdown pass from Graham Mertz to Arlis Boardingham, and a strong defensive effort (Charlotte had only 210 yards) to win their third consecutive game. Florida moved up from three spots in the latest AP Top 25.
The performance was one Napier was pleased with overall.
"I was proud of our team,'' he said. "There was lots of parts of our team where we executed really well. Met a lot of goals — offense, defense, and special teams.
"Certainly, we're well aware of the red-zone issues, and certainly we've got to get more touchdowns in the red area, but I thought we were good. I think that we moved the ball really well throughout the day, created 19 explosive plays. I do think we met every goal in special teams in the game outside of the two penalties. Then defensively, we're lights out outside of one possession."
To watch Napier's entire press conference, check out the video below:
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