Head coach Billy Napier and quarterback DJ Lagway confer during the win over Kentucky. (Photo: Jordan Perez/UAA Communications)
Gators Seek to Keep Sword Sharp
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | Football, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators limped into October with their head coach under fire, their fan base testy and a revamped two-quarterback scheme. The mood was hot and spicy, with a side of heartburn. Anyone in an Orange & Blue helmet or headset seemed vulnerable to criticism.
That is what a 2-2 record and lopsided home losses to Miami and Texas A&M get you. Even after a 17-point victory in their Southeastern Conference road opener at Mississippi State, much of the chatter centered on a defense allowing 425.5 yards per game – 499.0 against FBS opponents – and a potential home loss to little brother UCF looming.
No pair of noise-canceling headphones could have blocked out the rage. The Gators had only one option during the bye week before the UCF game: work, work, work to improve.
"Ultimately, that week was about our players taking ownership of the first part of this season,'' Napier said Wednesday. "I think the staff did a really good job. There was a ton of collaboration between players and staff. That's what made it work. This group's got some character. I really respect the resiliency that they've shown.
"Obviously, could have splintered a while back."
Instead of breaking apart, Florida's defense has discovered the benefits of solid tackling, quicker alignment and a renewed commitment to assignment football. Meanwhile, the offensive line has settled in with a more consistent lineup and true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, after playing in spots behind starter Graham Mertz, is now QB1 with Mertz's college career over due to a torn ACL.
The Gators have won two of three since the bye week – and had ample opportunity to win at Tennessee before losing in overtime – to re-ignite hope entering a November that includes games against No. 2 Georgia, No. 5 Texas, No. 8 LSU, No. 18 Ole Miss and in-state rival Florida State.
While Lagway's dynamic ability has created the most excitement, the defensive turnaround under co-defensive coordinators Ron Roberts (working from the booth) and Austin Armstrong (working on the sideline) has set the table. Florida is limiting opponents to 127.5 fewer yards per game (from 425.5 to 298.0) and 8.6 fewer points (from 27.3 to 18.7) since returning to the basics and turning up the competition in a week of physical practices during the bye week.
"We knew what we were capable of,'' said defensive back Trikweze Bridges, who has taken on a more significant role during the turnaround. "I would say a lot of our improvement and change came after our first bye week. I'm kind of an old head now. I've been in the game for a minute, so just seeing how things are when you are not communicating, when you are not trusting that your teammate is going to be in that position, it's kind of hard to play fast and trust in your ability and their ability."
Oregon transfer Trikweze Bridges has played a more prominent role the past few games. (Photo: Catherine McCarthy/UAA Communications)
The increase in trust has increased production.
The Gators had three interceptions in Saturday's 48-20 victory over Kentucky, with Bridges, Devin Moore and Cormani McClain each recording picks. McClain returned his pick for a 29-yard touchdown in his UF debut. Florida now has nine takeaways on the season (six interceptions, three fumbles), two more than its total from last season.
Regardless of whom you ask, a common theme emerges.
"Like you can see on tape, we're playing so much faster and playing together,'' sophomore safety Jordan Castell said. "That bye week really helped us out."
Moore returned an interception 52 yards to Kentucky's 1-yard line with less than two minutes remaining in the first half Saturday. Freshman running back Jadan Baugh scored from a yard out on the next play to put the Gators up 27-6.
Moore said afterward that the team's improvement over the bye week has lifted spirits in the locker room.
"It could bring you to tears,'' Moore said. "It's priceless. One hundred percent credit to the coaching staff."
The Gators returned to practice on Tuesday, and Napier, making his weekly appearance on the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday, said the plan for Wednesday and Thursday was similar to the first bye week. He said the team's practice habits had improved significantly, whether from a competition standpoint, execution or situational drills.
"I do think we've got some areas on our team where this week will be critical,'' Napier said. "These will be very competitive [practices]. We will be working on a bunch of situations that we feel like we need to improve at, and certainly, we're trying to develop some of these young players on our team for the stretch that we've got coming up.
"That's what we're consumed with right now. I think that will allow us to keep the sword sharp."
The Gators faced Kentucky with 14 players listed as "out" on the SEC player availability report, including starting tailback Montrell Johnson Jr. Meanwhile, safety Bryce Thornton was not listed but did not dress, and starting cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. left the game with an apparent shoulder injury.
Florida seeks to get healthier from the additional week before facing Georgia in Jacksonville in 10 days, which should give some injured players a chance to get back on the field.
Regardless of who can and can't play against the Bulldogs, the Gators have played much better since those first four games put everyone on high alert.
"It really matters to them in terms of how they represent the University of Florida,'' Napier said. "I would tell you, this group felt like they had maybe let the place down, let people down in terms of how we played earlier in the year.
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